How to buy refurbished laptop equipment

Refurbished laptops offer great performance and excellent quality at a low price. Refurbished devices are computers that have been repaired and restored to a certain standard for quality and reliability after having been owned or leased by another user. Refurbished laptops may have a few cosmetic blemishes, but they’ve gone through an extensive process of testing and repair to ensure they are fully functional. When you buy refurbished laptop equipment, you can count on getting a high-performing machine at a deep discount.

For great deals on manufacturer-refurbished computers, check out the many products available at the Dell Refurbished Store. Our laptops, desktops, all-in-ones, and other equipment are models that were previously leased by a corporate customer and returned to us at lease end. After careful inspection, we select the highest quality systems and refurbish them, making sure they pass stringent specifications before making them available for sale at DellRefurbished.com.

Why buy refurbished laptops?

The biggest reason to buy a refurbished laptop is the excellent value you get. Refurbished machines are certified to perform at certain standards for quality and reliability, yet they are sold at prices which are much lower than brand-new models. That means you can save a lot of money when you buy a refurbished laptop, or you can get a laptop with a lot more features and speed than a brand-new model available at the same price.

Another reason to buy refurbished laptops is to help the environment. Each year, thousands of tons of computers and other electronic waste (e-waste) is sent to the landfill. By purchasing a refurbished computer rather than a new computer, you’re making a more sustainable choice that ultimately helps to protect the planet.

Additionally, because refurbished laptops are models that have been around for a year or two, you’ll be able to find a lot of documentation and user reviews on the performance of these machines and the components they’re built with. Opting for these “road-tested” devices over a new machine may offer more peace of mind that you’re getting exactly what you want from your investment.

The refurbishing process

When you buy refurbished laptops, desktops, or other equipment from Dell, you’re getting equipment that’s been through a comprehensive process to ensure the machines meet our high standards.

• Careful selection: As our corporate customers return leased computers to us, we carefully inspect each device and select the best equipment for our refurbishment program.
• Thorough testing: Every device is subject to extensive functional tests to ensure that all components are in place and performing well and that they meet factory specifications.
• Meticulous repair: Any component that is not functioning as it should is repaired or replaced to ensure that the device meets our standards for quality and reliability.
• Full data wipe: All the data on the hard drives from previous users is completely erased and sanitized according to strict guidelines.
• Complete reset: The computer and all components are restored to original factory settings.
• Cosmetic evaluation: The computer is closely inspected to document any blemishes or damage to its exterior. Each machine receives a cosmetic grade based on specific standards. Grade A machines are in excellent to very good condition, while Grade B machines have more scratches, blemishes, or discoloration and are priced accordingly.

Buying used vs. refurbished laptops

When you’re considering buying a pre-owned or pre-leased computer, you have the option of buying a refurbished device or a used device.

• Used laptops: When you purchase a used laptop computer for sale online or at a used computer store, the device is most likely sold “as is.” That means the computer and its components may or may not be completely functional, and you have no guarantee that the device will perform at a certain level. Most used laptops do not come with a warranty or any customer support. Any savings you get when you purchase used laptop equipment at a low price may end up being spent on repairs and troubleshooting.
• Manufacturer-refurbished laptops: In contrast to buying a laptop used, buying refurbished devices provides assurance that the laptop has been carefully inspected, tested, and repaired to return it to a certain level of quality and reliability. This is especially true when you buy reconditioned laptops that have been refurbished by a manufacturer like Dell or a certified third-party reseller. Manufacturer-sold devices typically feature a warranty along with customer support to help you troubleshoot any issues.

What to look for when you buy a refurbished laptop

Whether you buy a refurbished laptop from Dell or another vendor, these criteria can help to make sure you get the right machine at the best price.

• Decide on features: When you buy refurbished laptop equipment, you likely won’t be able to customize or upgrade the device, since the processors, RAM, hard drives, and graphics cards in the device have been thoroughly tested. Deciding on the features you need before you start looking will make it easier to search for and find a laptop that meets your needs.
• Set a budget: Before you search for a computer, decide how much you want to spend, keeping in mind that you may want to purchase an extended warranty for the device. Having a budget in mind will make it easier to narrow your search down.
• Certified refurbishment: Look for devices that are certified to have gone through a complete refurbishment, rather than used devices that are simply sold as is.
• Seller reputation: It’s important to source your equipment from a company that’s known for dependability and quality. Before you buy a refurbished laptop from a specific manufacturer, reseller, or vendor, be sure to check out reviews and look for any customer complaints.
• Review the warranty and return policy: Make sure you understand what’s covered under the warranty and for how long. Review the return policy to see exactly what’s permitted and what it will cost to return the device.
• Consider the support plan: Many refurbished computers come with customer support for a time after purchase. Review exactly what’s covered and what kind of help you’ll receive if your device isn’t functioning and as expected.