Notebooks: new or refurb?
No question we are all concerned about the economy and keeping a close watch on our expenditures. Those needing a new notebook computer can realize some pretty significant savings by picking up a refurbished model instead of a brand new one. The common complaint about refurbs has to do with the fact they are used and are often slightly older models but there is no question you can save a bundle going this route. Gizmodo has published a good article discussing the major players in the refurb business and we have also seen some very good deals on refurb units offered by Lenovo, Apple and Dell. Heck, Kevin has bought a couple of refurbished notebooks with no complaints, at least I don’t think he has any. It’s important to remember that these major OEMs do a complete inspection and make their refurb units as good as new and often provide a good warranty to boot. So what do you think, would you do refurb? Have you gone this route and if so how was your experience?
I saved a bundle on my refurbished MacBook Pro back in 2007. I did have some initial issues that are well documented on the site, but in the end, I’ve had no problems with the refurb. Great deal for a great computer. My Apple AirPort Extreme is also a refurb and runs like a tank.
That’s a good point and I had forgotten you had problems with your MBP. But it came with a warranty and Apple quickly rectified the problem as I recall. That’s the whole point about these major OEM refurbs, with the warranty the risk is greatly reduced.
I bought a refurbed Acer C110 in 2004 and am still using it today as my only PC. At the time I felt I saved a goood bit of money and I had no problems with the unit. In fact I drove about 5 miles with it on the roof of my car (luckily in a pouch) and it survived with no apparent problems.
I also recently ‘refurbished’ it myself last year by upgrading the hard drive and WIFI board. If anyone is interested in more details check out my blog.
I have purchased refurb computers from Dell in the past and never had a problem. Oddly enough, it was one of the new Dell’s that caused me months of agony. I tend to be of the opinion that whatever might be wrong with a unit is often found and fixed before it gets sold as a refurb.
I’m a big fan of Fujitsu’s refurb’d computers, which they sell in their outlet store on their website and also auction on Ebay at their Fujitsu Computer Store.
Brand-new computers have been known to have “issues” like Kevin’s MBP, so I don’t think it really matters in the long run.
I swear by Dell refurbs. You get the same warranty as new units, 30-day return privilege, and can save some SERIOUS dough on certain models, especially servers and business-model lines (Latitude, Precision, etc). The consumer model lines aren’t usually quite as attractive refurbed, because there are always so many coupon deals on the new machines.
Keep your eyes out for Dell Outlet coupons, and that just adds to the bonus.
I’ve bought 2 desktops, 2 laptops, and a color laser printer from the Dell outlet. Best deal I’ve gotten thus far was the Dell 5100cn color laser, with built-in duplexer (double-sided printing) for $499 (was close to $1,000 new at the time). The thing is a beast and runs like a champ. Blows the doors off the comparably-priced HP color lasers we have at my office. The HPs are all 4-pass color printers, whereas the Dell is single-pass, so it can print 20 pages per minute in color. Suchadeal.
I’m a big backer of buying refurbished computers.
I’ve bought refurbished Dells, Macs, and Compaqs. The only reason I see to buy new is if you must have the latest and greatest, and most people don’t fall into this category. There are also times that the manufacturer coupons are just too good to not buy new.
I bought a used TC1000 and later an X41 tablet from sellers on eBay; I recommend it.
The TC1000 was sold by someone who lived in the same city, so I could go check it out and make sure it was operating.
The X41 was from NYC, but it was such a great deal I couldn’t resist. Turns out they left out the base CD/DVD ’slice’, and they spoke English so poorly I never got around to getting it – but it was unnecessary in the end.
I bought a used Dell X1 years ago and it has been rock solid. Matter of fact, it is my “net book” now. It has a nice 12″ screen, but is underpowered by today’s standards – but performs email applications and web browsing just fine.
I always buy refurbed IBM/Lenovo thinkpads and have never had a bad experience. IBM’s warrnaty usually has 18months left to run and the cost comes down to something reasonable. I thoroughly recommend going the refurb route.
I’m a strong advocate of refurb purchases. I bought devices from Dell, HP, Fujitsu and Sony and saved about 30-50% each time. User-installed upgrades are pretty easy, so you don’t have to get too hung up on finding the exact configuration desired. The only two issues I experienced were covered by warranty, and technical support isn’t any different with a refurb versus a new product.
I am on my third IBM refurb. I have been very pleased, although I do advise getting the extended warranty. I use a desktop at work that synchs to my laptop when I leave. The laptop goes everywhere with me. It rides on the floor of my car where it gets jostled. It gets used in hallways while perched on my arm. It goes through airports. It goes everywhere.
By getting a refurb I am not as paranoid about taking good car of it. If it gets jostled a little too much or even dropped, it is not a major financial investment. I plan on keeping them two years and anything else is gravy. I buy at a price point where that is feasible.
It makes the way I use my laptops much less stressful.
Elaine
NOrman, Oklahoma
While I have the latest and greatest gadgets to friends and family, I am usually one step behind the curve. In all I have bought most of my computers as open-box or refurb. In particular, every Fujitsu I have purchased was not-new. p1510-openbox, p1610-refurb, u810-refurb, u810 WWAN-refurb. In all but one instance (the p1510 missing the right arrow key) they were perfect and nearly 40-50% off the retail price. I typically buy them JUST before the line is refreshed. As long as you don’t have to have the latest and greatest buying a refurb is the most cost-effective way to get great technology. In addition to those above, all bought on eBay from Fujitsu (except p1510 bought at Frys) I have also bought a Toshiba M205 open-box and Sony TR3 open-box from Circuit City for 50% off as well as a Sony T150 for $700 off as an open-box from CompUSA. All were great deals…
Here in UK I purchase all my laptops from a major reseller of manufacturer refurbished pcs – these come with full manufacturer warranties and sometimes unexpected extras. I’ve never had a problem, the items are as far as I can tell brand new and current and any returns are dealt with speedily.