Has anyone ever bought a refurbished computer?
 

I see some really good deals on refurbished computers from reputable dealers so I was wondering if anyone has ever bought one and if it held up as well as a "new" computer. I'm looking for a new computer for my daughter who is about to enter high school, but I don't want to spend too much money.

Thanks for the input.

Fat E

Our school district gives all middle schoolers iPads

My son is heading off to college and I looked at that route for his laptop. However, the price difference didn't make up for the risk and loss of warranty.

However, in your case, you might check out the Lenovo Outlet. Some pretty decent deals there.

I advised my parents to buy a refurbished iMac several years ago and it's still going strong.

I bought my wife a refurbished PC laptop about 6 years ago and she used it without issue for a couple of years before she got herself a macbook. The computer itself was still functional, but because it was a lower end model when we bought it, it was effectively obsolete.

In short, I didn't have any trouble with either of the refurbished computers I've been involved with.

I'm currently using a $150 acer aspire 5100 i got at the local repair shop, it was perfect for about a year, but now the screen is starting to occassionally act up by going into spasms of yellow and red lines.

On average, I think there's probably a quality difference between factory refurbished and a machine that's been repaired at the local repair shop (although depending on the repair guy, that can certainly vary). It all depends on what kind of discount you're getting and how much risk you're willing to take.

I would say you probably already got your use out of it for that price.

that PROBABLY has more to do with it being an acer than it does with it being refurbished.

cheap computers start with cheap components

We bought a refurbished iPad and also have a refurbished Acer tablet. Both work perfectly.

I've got an ACER that doesn't have cheap components.

Very ironic, I have a similar model, also an Acer Aspire but different model# and its starting to do that same damn thing. I bought it about 3 years ago on clearance so I definitely got my moneys worth out of it.

My mom is on her 2nd Acer Laptop, the first lasted 2 1/2 years brand new and was a total pos. The verdict is still out on the current one I got her less than a year ago.

Does it not?

Depends on the manufacturer. All refurbs are not created equal. Many places will use different/substandard/used parts when they fix the units for refurb sale. It's always a bit of a gamble.

Apple refurbs are a very good deal. I know for a fact their refurb units use the exact same new parts that go into their new models. And you can still get warranty coverage on a refurb unit just like a new model.

I've ordered a few Lenovo refurbs too, and those have all been solid.

I've heard decent things about Dell Outlet. But I've never dealt with one. I think they will let you get warranty coverage on a refurb too.

daughter in law got a dell refurb...had it for a couple years. no problems except for when my son uses it and it catches the clap. neither one is very good at running anti-virus.
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