Refurbished Laptops: A Great Solution When Approached With Caution?

Answer 1

How Great Do You Value Portability?

With wireless internet access standing as the dominant networking method, computer portability also becomes the prevailing operating method. When portability includes compact devices, efficient productivity, inexpensive possession, and reasonably quick performance features laptop computers, even if slower and refurbished, take on a special and desired consumer value.

The value of any object is always related to necessity and/or wants. When purchasing a used or refurbished laptop, one must understand and realize that certain limitations may be involved. Here are some examples:

1. Availability of useable operating systems: Backwards compatibility seems to have vanished from the mindset of modern operating system producers (think Microsoft). Furthermore, hardware manufactures have joined this forward pressing mindset; device drivers for older systems are no longer being updated. Purchasing a refurbished laptop that is limited to Windows XP or lower may not be a wise idea.

2. Application software compatibility: Current software often pushes the limits of hardware capacities including memory, hard drive space, and video performance. Understand that older, refurbished systems may limit your productivity and application enjoyment.

3. Compatibility with new Internet browsers and Internet applications: These also are forging ahead without concern to older systems and hardware.

4. Hardware availability: In our modern society, nothing seems to change quicker than computer technology. The older your machine, the less your options for upgrades and add-ons.

How To Chose A Refurbished Laptop

When selecting a refurbished laptop, you must understand that the term “refurbished” does not necessarily mean new components. In its strictest sense, refurbished means checked and cleaned. Here are a few possible trouble spots that you should investigate:

1. A sloppy adapter to laptop connection point.

2. Soft or sticky keypad buttons.

3. Limited installed memory and limited memory upgrade options.

4. Insufficient installed hard disk space, including inadequate hard drive upgrade options.

5. Length of usable battery time.

6. Availability of replacement components.

7. Screen size and usable screen resolutions.

8. Installed wireless capacities, USB ports, and Ethernet connections.

These get-you-started pointers are not all inclusive, nor are they intended to discourage. A refurbished laptop can save on purchase cost, provide efficient service, perform every task that you specifically need performed, and do it with portability.