There is a blizzard of misunderstanding and misperception surrounding refurbished computers in general and refurbished laptops in particular. In an effort to set things straight we’ve assembled this FAQ list that covers all the major issues involving refurbished affordable computers. The goal is to give you a good idea what to expect from a refurbished laptop and to dispel some of the more persistent misunderstandings surrounding these affordable computers. Let’s get started.

Q) Where do refurbished laptops come from?

Some come from companies in Wheat Ridge or elsewhere that are replacing the laptops of their sales team or executives. Many of these are little more than a year or two old and have been used for nothing more intensive than sending emails, conducting internet research or making presentations. Other refurbished cheap laptops are last year’s model that simply never sold. They sat on the shelf at the computer store until they were sent back when new models came in. Still others were returned by customers who ordered a laptop online only to discover that the computer they were sent was not the one they ordered. While never used this type of computer cannot be legally offered as “new” anymore.

Q) What constitutes “refurbishment”?

Refurbished doesn’t always mean “used” but it does mean that, whether used or simply unsold, the computer has been thoroughly checked out and any issues addressed before it is once again offered for sale. In most cases this means:

• All hardware components are tested to insure they are in good working order.
• Any defective parts are replaced with comparable or better parts.
• The hard drive it typically wiped clean and a new copy of the operating system installed.
• The laptop is cleaned thoroughly, although bits of wear and tear may still be visible.

Remember: Refurbished does not automatically mean used. Therefore some will require more refurbishment work than others. Some, in fact, may require little more than basic performance tests and a light cleaning.

Q) Will it come with a new battery?

In most cases, no. The battery that the refurbished laptop comes with will be the one it had before the refurbishment. These batteries will certainly be checked and most of the time will be in fine working condition. If the battery turns out to be defective in some way it will be replaced, though not necessarily with a new one. The battery is typically one item that will not be covered in the warranty on the refurbished laptop.

Q) Will the screen be damaged?

In some cases there may be scuff marks or light scratches on the screen surface. This is not unusual for laptops that are a year or two old. These types of scratches and scuffs are often virtually invisible, especially after the laptop has completely booted up. In cases where the screen is cracked, scratched beyond a reasonable degree or somehow defective it will be replaced before the laptop is offered for sale. While not all cheap laptops will have scratches on the screen some will. So if that’s going to be a problem for you you’re better off buying something brand new.

Q) What type of software do these affordable computers come with?

Some resellers will offer all types of software installed on their cheap laptops. But when you encounter a seller like that you have to ask yourself how they can sell the laptop for less than what the software licenses typically cost. Remember, most software licenses are not transferable between people. As such most refurbished computers from reputable sellers will come without the most popular software products like Office or Photoshop pre-installed. Although some will come with a free trial version of Office 365 installed and/or some type of open source Office Suite that allows you to do basic editing of Microsoft Office products like Word documents. You’re also free to install whatever software you wish.

Q) Do these types of cheap laptops come with tech support?

A reputable seller of refurbished computers will typically offer some degree of basic tech support. That might include helping you set up a home network, answering questions you may have about the machine or helping you install any software you decide to purchase. In addition, if you’re having trouble establishing a Wi-Fi connection the reseller should be willing to check the machine to make sure it’s not a hardware-related problem. The seller may also offer a service plan for a modest fee that covers things like periodic checkups of the machine and basic repairs. Ask about the availability of service plans when you purchase your refurbished laptop.

Q) Are refurbished affordable computers covered by warranty?

Most reputable resellers of refurbished cheap laptops will offer some type of warranty on their machines. Whether you buy yours in Wheat Ridge or West Hollywood refurbished computers fall into one of 3 different grades: A, B or C. Grade A refurbished laptops are the best, newest and least used. They often come with as much as a 1 year warranty. When you get to Grade C the machines are a bit older, may have some visible wear and any warranty is usually limited to between 30 and 90 days, with 30 days being the most common.

Refurbished cheap laptops are often indistinguishable from brand new machines and for all intents and purposes perform as well as their brand new brethren. Talk to the pros at Affordable Computers & Repair in Wheat Ridge, Colorado about our wide selection of refurbished affordable computers.