Many times it happens to us that we want to buy a new computer and we have minimal needs, but unfortunately the economy is not enough for us. This is where the possibility of buy a refurbished computer. What are they and what steps do we have to follow to acquire one of these systems? Are they reliable?
A refurbished PC is not a second-hand computer per se, but are usually systems that have been used as demonstrations in stores, internally to carry out laboratory tests or distributed among different specialized media to carry out the relevant analyses. Obviously, it is not a new product and they are usually sold with a different box or a label indicating their nature of origin. However, they are better than a second-hand purchase, since the manufacturer reconditions and performs pre-maintenance that is not the case when buying and selling a used product.
What should I look for in a refurbished PC?
First of all, the seller must make it clear that it is a reconditioned product and not a new one and that this means that has a limited warranty. And this is an important point, many people who sell second-hand, which is not the same case, offer a one-year guarantee when they do not have the capacity to do so. A refurbished computer being sold by the manufacturer itself does not have that problem. Of course, you will have to look at a series of data that are important, so that they don’t sneak it in and then you run into problems.
Look at the technical specifications
The technical specifications of the computer are important, it is classic in certain shopping centers to sell reconditioned computers that already smell old to get rid of them. It is a practice in which the distributors and the manufacturer do not paint anything. However, they take advantage of the general ignorance of the people in this aspect.
Stores do not generally create refurbished
Note that refurbished computers are only sold by manufacturers. So this affects laptops, pre-built towers, and AiO desktops. So you suspect if it is a store that offers a reconditioned. That is, look for complete computers from brands such as ASUS, Lenovo, Corsair, etc. So it asks for the certification that all the PC comes from these brands.
The type of refurbishment matters
Ask them to give you the report of the things that have been changed and what type of reconditioning has been done to the orderedr. This is important, as it will not only allow you to know what parts have been changed, but also to know if the job has really been done well. This is important so that you don’t get a second-hand PC.
To all this, we must add that brands usually categorize the level of reconditioning by degrees according to the level of accumulated damage:
- Grade A: product in excellent condition of appearance and performance, may have some superficial scratches.
- Grade B: the product has been used for a while, it has visible damage in the form of scratches of a few centimeters.
- Grade C: Parts or accessories have had to be changed. Other than that, it works almost perfectly.
- Grade D: The PC required a complete repair in order to be sold as refurbished.
With all this you already know the basics to buy a refurbished PC.
