The Ultimate Guide to Buying Refurbished Laptops: What to Look For

Looking for a powerful, reliable laptop without breaking the bank? Opting for a refurbished model is a smart, more sustainable choice. But how do you make sure you’re getting the best deal? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to look for when buying a refurbished laptop. With these tips, you can confidently purchase a device that meets your needs, saves you money, and supports a greener planet.

What Are Refurbished Laptops?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what a refurbished laptop is. Unlike a second-hand laptop sold as-is, a refurbished laptop has been professionally restored to its original condition and expertly tested. The process involves thorough testing, repairing, and cleaning to ensure it functions exactly like new. At refurbed, every laptop undergoes a rigorous, up to 40-step refurbishment process to guarantee optimum quality and performance. To go the extra mile, all refurbed laptops also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day free trial.

How are refurbished laptops different to new then? Essentially: the price. While operating the same as new, refurbed’s laptops an on average up to 40% cheaper than a new device - and far more sustainable (which you can read all about on our sustainability page).

In short, refurbished laptops are much more affordable than new, while offering quality you can trust.

Refurbished Laptops: Key Features to Consider

What do you need to check when shopping for a refurbished laptop? Here are the essential features to consider:

Processor and Performance

The processor is the heart of any laptop.

Look for models with reliable processors like Intel Core i5, i7, or their AMD equivalents. These processors offer a good balance of performance and power efficiency, making them ideal for most users. For heavy-duty tasks like video editing or gaming, opt for higher-end processors and consider the amount of RAM, which should be at least 8GB for smooth multitasking.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial, especially if you’re often on the go.

Check the battery health status of the refurbished laptop. At refurbed, we ensure that the battery is in excellent condition, providing you with reliable power throughout your day.

Storage Options

Consider your storage needs.

SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). They significantly improve boot times and overall system responsiveness. A minimum of 256GB SSD is recommended for most users, but if you require more space, opt for 512GB or higher.

Display Quality

A laptop’s display quality can greatly affect your user experience.

Look for a refurbished laptop with at least a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. If you plan to use your laptop for creative work or media consumption, consider higher resolutions or IPS panels for better colour accuracy and viewing angles.

Connectivity and Ports

Ensure the laptop has all the necessary ports and connectivity options that you need.

Common ports include USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and headphone jacks. For wireless connectivity, make sure it supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth. Connectivity can be specific to your own needs, however. For example, which phone do you have, and do you want it to connect to your laptop to charge? If so, double check that the laptop has a compatible port before purchasing.

Where Should I Buy a Refurbished Laptop?

When sourcing the where, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Please see some below:

Is The Seller Certified?

You always want to make sure you are being a refurbished laptop from a certified supplier. At refurbed, all of our refurbished laptops are sold by certified refurbishers, meaning that the quality is top notch. Additionally, we perform routine quality checks, customer reviews and mystery shopping to make sure our refurbished laptops always remain the cream of the crop.

Warranty and Support

One of the biggest advantages of buying a refurbished laptop over second-hand is the warranty. This might not be a standard for all businesses, however. At refurbed, we provide a free 12-month warranty on all our products, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. Additionally, we offer a 30-day free trial for our tech, including refurbished laptops, and our customer service team is always ready to assist with any questions or issues.

Sustainable Choice

Choosing a refurbished laptop is not only budget-friendly, but also environmentally responsible. By purchasing refurbished electronics, you’re contributing to the reduction of electronic waste, carbon emissions and water usage. Additionally, you are helping to conserve natural resources. At refurbed, we are committed to sustainability, ensuring that every product meets strict environmental standards.

Where Refurbished Laptop Should I Buy?

Ultimately, this is up to you. However, here are some refurbished laptops that are loved by Irish customers:

Popular Refurbished Laptop Brands in Ireland

• Refurbished MacBooks (Apple Laptops)
• Refurbished Lenovo Laptops
• Refurbished Dell Laptops
• Refurbished HP Laptops

Popular Refurbished Laptops in Ireland

Here are three of the most popular refurbished laptops among our Irish customers:

• refurbed MacBook Pro 2021 | 16.2”: Combining the power of the M1 chip with a stunning HD display on an extra large screen, this model is perfect for both professional and personal use.
• refurbed Dell Precision 5530 | i7-8850H | 15.6": Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the Precision 5530 is a top choice for those seeking portability and efficiency; especially with its impressive HektaCore processor.
• refurbed Lenovo ThinkPad T590: With its robust build quality and excellent security features, the ThinkPad T590 is ideal for business professionals or college students with hefty project work.

Conclusion: Should I Buy a Refurbished Laptop?

Buying a refurbished laptop is a fantastic way to get high-quality technology at a fraction of the cost, all while supporting environmental sustainability. By considering key features like processor performance, battery life, storage, display quality, and connectivity, you can find the perfect device for your needs. At refurbed, we’re dedicated to providing you with top-notch refurbished electronics backed by a solid warranty and exceptional customer service.

Ready to make a smart, eco-friendly choice? Explore our selection of refurbished laptops today and join the growing community of savvy shoppers who are making a positive impact on the planet.