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Refurbished Computer and Laptops Worth Another Look?

May 31, 2022 by Paul Schwegler

If you’re in the market for a new computer or laptop, you’ve likely noticed a few things. Technology is more expensive, and there are long waits to get the devices you want. This article will explain the current computer and laptop supply-chain issues. Then, we’ll offer reasons to consider refurbished devices to meet your needs.

There are supply-chain issues for everything from pool floats to personal computers. The pandemic placed added pressure on shippers and also increased demand for electronics, as people spent more time at home. At the same time, there is a shortage of key components.

Every computer or laptop (and so much more electronics) needs a chip. These computer chips are in great demand, but there’s a supply shortfall. The American Department of Commerce described the shortage as “a major supply and demand mismatch.” In the US, the median demand for chips was as much as 17% higher in 2021 than in 2019.

It doesn’t help any that extreme weather shut down a major computer chip plant in Texas. Meanwhile, a Japan-based manufacturer experienced a fire. It’s also difficult to get new chip plants up and running. The factories are expensive and workers need to be highly trained.

Yet you can’t get a PC or a laptop without a computer chip, and the problem is unlikely to be resolved this year. Some people predict it could take years for supply and demand to rebalance, which could mean you’re going to be paying a lot more for your next, new device and be waiting a long time for it. On the other hand, you might see this as an opportunity to reconsider buying a refurbished device.

Reasons to buy refurbished

A refurbished PC or laptop is a pre-owned device with data wiped and drives restored; it’s been reset to factory settings. The PC or laptop is evaluated, cleaned, and repaired before resale. In some cases, the device is upgraded, too.

Buying a refurbished computer or laptop can be the smart way to go. Here’s why.

#1 Access to quality

As you are buying a pre-owned computer, you’ll be able to pay less for better technology. A common complaint about new computers? They are outdated before you even get them out of the box at home. By going with a refurbished unit, you can take advantage of the quick turnover in models. You can get a top machine without paying the “new” price. By buying refurbished, you could afford more memory and better screen quality or processor speed.

#2 As good as new

In most cases, big corporations cycle out their computers every few years, and you now get to buy a good-as-new computer or laptop and make big savings. Refurbished computers are sold when they have been tested and cleaned up. So, you may not get that new computer smell (is there such a thing?), but you’ll get a fresh experience with a refurbished unit.

#3 You’re helping the environment

Buying a refurbished device is the green way to go. Repair is an alternative to computers and laptops languishing as waste. The computer is fixed up and recycled for another user, either by the original brand manufacturer or another computer outfit. Dell, HP, and Apple have high standards before a computer or laptop is resold as refurbished.

# 4 You can protect your refurbished purchase

If you’re worried about taking a risk on a refurbished computer or laptop, buy a warranty from the seller. You can typically buy a full one-year warranty. This protects your purchase should any issue occur in that timeframe.

Need help choosing the right computer or laptop for your home? Our experts can help you find the best device for your specifications. We can consult on your new or refurbished purchase.

Contact us today at (515)422-1995

Filed Under: Residential, Tips Tagged With: refurbished, repair, residential, tips

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How Refurbished Computers Save You a Bunch (and Get You a Better System)

April 16, 2018 by Paul Schwegler

Refurbished computers are almost like an insider secret – you can get great system specs for a fraction of the price. It’s how many families are meeting their back to school needs and upgrading their old systems, complete with warranty.

There’s one hot tip these people know: a refurb is NOT the same as used. You’re right to avoid those 2nd hand computers you see on Craigslist or LetGo because there’s a reason that person is selling it! It’s probably slowed to a crawl, making weird noises or flat out broken in a way you’d never discover until too late. Refurbished computers are the complete opposite. They’re computers that have been given a new life, usually with a comprehensive repair, a thorough inspection, and a fresh installation of Windows on a tested and verified hard drive.

Quite often, refurbished computers start their life as business machines, built to the latest specs with business-grade components. When the budget or lease says ‘replace the computers’, that’s what the business does, whether the computers need it or not. There’s nothing wrong with them and they’ve likely been babysat by a corporate IT department who kept them in perfect condition every day. These are great machines that are still plenty fast for home use, both desktops and laptops. Plus, because business-grade components are more durable than the consumer ones, the entire system has been built to last longer and perform better, often up to several years without a problem. Rather than send these impressive machines to landfill, we check and replace necessary components and re-install a clean operating system. Next, we put them through a stack of verification tests, then pack them up ready for their new home. When you talk to us about buying one, we’ll always make sure you get a system that not only keeps up with your needs now, but gives you breathing space for the next few years too.

What are the benefits?

  • You save a LOT of money: You get yourself a great computer that’s been set up and checked over by an expert technician, for significantly less than the cost of buying new. Add in the fact that when you score a refurbished business computer you’re also getting more durable, higher-quality components that will last you for years longer than the off-the-shelf consumer model, it’s a clear win.
  • Covered by warranty: A warranty is always included with our refurbished computers, giving you value plus peace of mind. It’s your guarantee that buying refurbished was a great decision. Problems are extremely rare since your computer has been through stringent checks, but if anything pops up that’s giving you trouble, we’ll fix it fast. Forget the delays and hoop jumping you might get with your other warranties, we stand by ours with rapid action.
  • You’re saving the environment: Fewer machines end up in landfill and fewer resources are used for unnecessary manufacturing. When you consider each computer requires a certain amount of precious metals to be mined, plastics to be created, packaging used, and all the associated effects of shipping, refurbishment is the right choice for the future. While you might not personally see the environmental impact of your decision to buy refurbished, rest assured the planet appreciates it!

Are they reliable?

Some people think that refurbished computers are more likely to break, when in truth, in some cases they’re actually more reliable than brand new. Manufacturers have an expected failure rate, a percentage of computers that go straight from the factory to buyers who discover their expensive new system is dead-on-arrival or breaks within weeks. A refurbished computer has already stood the test of time and it performed without missing a beat. By the time it’s gone through our checks and repairs (both required and pre-emptive), a refurbished computer is better than new.

Filed Under: Maintenance, Tips Tagged With: refurbished

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