Refurbished computers are almost like an insider secret – you can get great system specs for a fraction of the price.

It’s how many families are meeting their back to school needs and upgrading their old systems, complete with warranty.

There’s one hot tip these people know: a refurb is NOT the same as used. You’re right to avoid those 2nd hand computers you see on Craigslist or Gumtree because there’s a reason that person is selling it!

It’s probably slowed to a crawl, making weird noises or flat out broken in a way you’d never discover until too late.

Refurbished computers are the complete opposite. They’re computers that have been given a new life, usually with a comprehensive repair, or sometimes they’re brand-new computers that were returned with a small problem like a hard drive failure, so they are swapped out and sold at bargain prices.

Occasionally, the computer was even returned simply because the buyer changed their mind, but it’s still essentially brand-new (it might still be in the box!).

Quite often, refurbished computers start their life as business machines, built to the latest specs with business-grade components.

When the budget or lease says ‘replace the computers’, that’s what the business does, whether the computers need it or not.

There’s nothing wrong with them and they’ve likely been babysat by a corporate IT department who kept them in perfect condition every day.

Here are some examples:

These are great machines that are still plenty fast for home use, both desktops and laptops. Plus, because business-grade components are more durable than the consumer ones, the entire system has been built to last longer and perform better, often up to several years without a problem.

Rather than send these impressive machines to landfill, certified technicians check and replace necessary components and re-install a clean operating system. Most are put through a stack of verification tests, then packed up and ready for their new home.

What are the benefits of  refurbished computers?

1. You save a LOT of money:

You get yourself a great computer that’s been set up and checked over by a technician for significantly less than the cost of buying new.

Add in the fact that when you score a refurbished business computer you’re also getting more durable, higher-quality components that will last you for years longer than the off-the-shelf consumer model, it’s a clear win.

We always recommend that when you see a refurbished deal that’s got you smiling, you act fast – it won’t sit around waiting for you.

2. Covered by warranty:

A warranty is always included with refurbished computers, giving you value plus peace of mind. It’s your guarantee that buying refurbished was a great decision.

Problems are extremely rare since your computer has been through stringent checks, but if anything pops up that’s giving you trouble, the warranty will cover it during the specified period.

3. You’re saving the environment:

Fewer machines end up in landfill and fewer resources are used for unnecessary manufacturing.

When you consider each computer requires a certain amount of precious metals to be mined, plastics to be created, packaging created from multiple materials and all the associated flow on effects of shipping, refurbishment is the right choice for the future.

While you might not personally see the environmental impact of your decision to buy refurbished, rest assured the planet appreciates it!

Are refurbished computers reliable?

Some people think that refurbished computers are more likely to break, when in truth, in some cases they’re actually more reliable than brand new.

Manufacturers have an expected failure rate, a percentage of computers that go straight from the factory to buyers who discover their expensive new system is dead-on-arrival or breaks within weeks.

A refurbished computer has already stood the test of time and it performed without missing a beat. By the time it’s gone through the manufacturer’s checks and repairs (both required and pre-emptive), a refurbished computer is better than new.

PCMechanic can steer you in the right direction when you are ready to consider purchasing a refurbished computer. Call me at 863-582-2596 or contact me by clicking below.