Refurbished laptops

The single best and smartest way to buy any laptop computer

I must admit that when for the first I came across the "refurbished laptops" (or recertified) concept, I was a little bit hesitant to recommend it to my clients and friends as I was not really sure what it was all about. But, now I know and I am excited to reveal to you why this is the single best and smartest way to purchase a laptop computer.

Please, click on a question below for easy navigation:

What are refurbished laptops?

How much do refurbished laptop computers cost?

Why should I give refurbished laptops a chance?

Where can I shop for and buy a refurbished laptop?

What are refurbished laptops anyway?

When laptop computers are returned, they're shipped to the factory, where they're inspected thoroughly, restored to original specifications (if needed), tested and repackaged for resale. These notebooks can only be sold "refurbished" as legally, they can't be sold as brand new. *But*: used laptops have a full warranty that varies by manufacturer and notebook of course.

This actually means that they have undergone more detailed examination and this extra care actually makes them better than brand new laptops!

But there are other reasons for the "refurbished laptop computer" phenomenon:

Overstocked laptops... this is more a marketing trick than a technical issue though... the retailer or manufacturer sells certain items as refurbished laptops to justify the low prices. Take advantage of this!
Slight laptop part defects. The defective part gets replaced by the manufacturer, tested and then the notebook gets repackaged just as if it was brand new again.
Demos... these are used laptops that are in fit condition though. They undergo the refurb. treatment
A laptop might have a dent of the its case. Here again, it gets resent, corrected, retested and resold again as almost brand new.

How much do refurbished laptops cost?

In comparison to brand new ones?

They are way cheaper (up to 30%) than brand new laptops. If your budget is tight yet want the best laptop computer out there this is your ticket to it.

A quick look at these reputable retailers will easily confirm this fact: look in the refurbished laptop computer section, jot down the prices and compare them to the brand new ones'.

Why should I give refurbished laptop computers a chance?

Refurbished laptops are of the same quality and reliability as brand new ones. The only difference, that advantages you the laptop computer shopper, is the difference in pricing. This my friend, is where we, err, you, save some serious dollars :) And that's the sole reason why, you should seriously consider the refurbished laptop computers market if you want bear the smart shopper crown.

While thousands of uninformed shoppers spend more money on laptops than they should, you are the one that's going to hit the home run. You'll even be able to afford a more powerful type and still buy it for way much cheaper than the brand new one with lower specs. And, you still get the same warranties, after-sales customer service and even a brand new box. On a light note, unlike other kinds of used laptops, refurbished laptops have that "new" smell when you open the box for the first time!

Happy notebook shopping and remember to please, share your experiences with me and if you have questions or feedback, please email them to me too (mail @ laptopadvisor.com).

Refurbished Laptops Online Retailers

Earth's Biggest Selection (TM). Amazon.com is truly the place to find and discover anything you want to buy online including refurbished laptops. There, you'll find cheap used laptops at great prices.
There's an interesting alternative to shopping for refurbished laptops. Buying new, good dirt cheap laptops. Introducing Overstock.com...
"At Overstock.com we help you shop smarter, by offering top-quality name-brand merchandise at 40 - 80% off, every day of the week." Laptop computers manufacturers produce billions of dollars in excess inventory each year. Overstock.com has built a relationship with select, leading manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to purchase those extra products at deep discounts and pass the savings on to you. Often, the price you pay is far below the manufacturer's cost. Shopping at Overstock.com is like shopping at a clearance sale - with discounts at 40-80% - every day of the week! (Some products have even bigger discounts!)
TigerDirect.com is one online superstore renowned for the good deals on cheap and refurbished laptops. I have read some impressive reviews about them from happy customers and critics. They also ship outside of the US which is a big bonus for non North America laptop shoppers. Check out their laptop clearance center.
As said in an earlier article, TechDepot.com is an Office Depot company. They also have a huge clearance center that includes really cheap refurbished laptop computers. I really like the service that I get in the Office Depot offline stores and I'll vouch for them just for that single reason.