Why I bought a refurbished computer.
The price of laptop computers has dropped drastically over the past few years. I homeschooled my kids and had to purchase three computers, one for each plus a friend’s child. I also had to have one of my own. I purchased brand new Dell Inspiron computers. I don’t recall the exact price, but I’m sure I spent around $800 on them at the time.
The kids had Dell Inspiron 1200’s. They were nothing but trouble. It wasn’t more than a year before the hard drives went out and along the way we had to have screen and other minor repairs. Dell should be notorious for short-lived batteries, because we had to replace the batteries on all three, then the electrical cords had to be replaced. This had to be a cash cow for Dell.
When the computers finally died I had no idea how I was going to afford three laptops necessary with three homeschoolers on my hands. I was looking at CompUsa.com for deals and found that they sold refurbished computers.
Purchasing a refurbished computer.
I struggled with whether or not to purchase a refurbished computer for weeks. Like you, I wondered if refurbished computers were any good. I had to have reliable laptops and couldn’t afford to sink even a small amount of money into a computer that did work.
Sucking in a deep breath and exhaling a prayer, I ordered three refurbished Gateway laptop computers for about $349 from CompUsa.com. I knew I was taking a big chance buying a refurbished computer, but I was placing my confidence in a reputable company.
Were our refurbished computers any good?
I ordered them for Christmas. You can imagine my anxiety waiting until the day the kids (teens) opened them and gave them a try.
They looked great. You never would have known they were refurbished by looking at them.
Most importantly the refurbished computers worked great. In fact, the refurbished Gateways had more operating memory and storage than the Dells, so they were faster, too.
The kids loved them. They worked great and have continued to work well into their second year. They have held up much better than the Dell Inspirons which we purchased new. Even the batteries and cords have lasted well over a year.
Should I buy another refurbished computer?
I had a Dell Inspiron E1705. Mine lasted three good years, with the exception of the battery and electrical cord. Then for six months I worked with kid gloves to keep the screen from going out. The system is still good; I can get into the computer using an external monitor.
It was a pain to work this way, but I couldn’t see buying a second rate computer. Even though new computer prices are low, they weren’t low enough for me to buy a 4GB. On the other hand it didn’t make sense to spend almost as much on a cheaper computer. I would have to wait it out until I could save for a new laptop.
I kept going back to CompUsa.com. I even looked at the refurbished computers, but I was going to have to save to buy a refurbished computer that was up to speed.
Then, one day in January there was a one day sale on a refurbished Gateway NV52, 320 GB HDD, 4GB memory, DVD -Super Multi DL drive, webcam, and multi card reader loaded with Windows 7. The price that day was $429.
I couldn’t pass it up. I bought the refurbished Gateway with much more confidence this time because the kids have had such success with their refurbished computers.
The refurbished laptop on which I am now working is more than I could have asked for in a new computer. It works fabulously, has all the basic programs I need, and more storage than I’ll ever use.
It looks brand new and works like new. Yes, it only has a sixty day warranty, but the refurbished computers I bought before have lasted longer than the brand new Dells.
If you are in the market for a new laptop or computer and are questioning whether a refurbished computer is worth the money you will save, or whether a refurbished computer is any good. Based on my experience, I encourage you to buy a refurbished computer from a reputable dealer. I hope your success with a refurbished computer is as good as mine.
