Factory Refurbished Laptops - Should You Buy a Cheap Laptop?

Factory Refurbished laptops are laptops that for one reason or another have been returned to the retailer. These laptops must undergo a rigorous testing and refurbishment process to be sold as factory refurbished laptops.

Laptops are returned for any number of reasons. Just think about the last time you returned an item. It is not always because it was faulty. Sometimes a laptop just doesn't meet the original purchaser's needs.

These laptops cannot by law be resold as new machines-they must be labeled factory refurbished, certified or used indicating that they have already been sold once.

Why should you buy a Factory Refurbished Laptop?

Factory refurbished laptops are quite simply great value, selling at between 20% and 50% off retail price. The number one reason consumers buy factory refurbished laptops is price. Whether you need a laptop for school, a new business venture, or just internet surfing, a factory refurbished laptop allows a consumer to purchase a quality branded computer for a smaller outlay than a comparable new computer. This is a great way to buy a cheap laptop.

What is a Factory Refurbished Laptop?

A factory refurbished laptop is a laptop undergoes an extensive testing and refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale as a factory refurbished laptop. They are certified to meet the original manufacturer's specification, and generally sold with some kind of limited warranty. Extended warranties may also be purchased for factory refurbished laptops.

Factory refurbished computers may have some minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with having been de-boxed and used for a short period of time by the original purchaser. They may also be sold in generic boxes or containers and not include all the original inclusions and documentation. Before purchasing a factory refurbished laptop, determine exactly what you are getting with your laptop.

Where can I buy a Factory Refurbished Laptop?

The key when purchasing a factory refurbished laptop is reputation. You must trust that the retailer certifying a laptop as a factory refurbished laptop either did refurbish the laptop to the original manufacturer's specification, or sourced the laptops from a reputable and reliable third party.

For laptops refurbished to the original manufacturer's original specification, and with the backing of the original manufacturer, you can't go past the original manufacturer in your factory refurbished laptop search. All the major laptop manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Sony VAIO, IBM (Lenovo) and Toshiba have refurbished or certified laptop sales on their websites.

Selections at the original manufacturers, however, may be limited. If you cannot find a factory refurbished laptop with the original manufacturer to meet your needs extend your search to reputable online retailers such as eCost, Overstock.com and even Amazon.

Each of these online retailers will have their own definition of a factory refurbished laptop. Some will label them certified. Generally, they source their factory refurbished machines from the original manufacturer, authorized distributors and other reputable sources.

There is also a host of smaller online retailer's in the business of selling factory refurbished laptops. Just do your own due diligence.

Factory refurbished laptops are a great opportunity to purchase a branded computer at a discounted price. And if you're concerned about possibly buying a broken machine? Purchase the extended warranty, and you'll still have a cheap laptop.

Sources:
Manufacturer's Websites: Sony, Dell, HP, IBM, Toshiba
Amazon.com
eCost.com
Overstock.com