Refurbished PCs: the alternative to paying up to 50% less for a computer

Request used computers The search for functional and convenient alternatives is becoming increasingly important, even more so in times of economic crisis. In this context, more and more Argentines, driven by the increase in prices of new equipment, are encouraged to choose notebooks or desktop computers with the label “renovated”.

The possibility of acquiring them a Lower costs, without compromising performancehas positioned these products as a popular option.

Through the call “regeneration” -popularly known in English as renovated– there is specialized companies who deal with the recovery of notebooks of all types and sizes, desktop computers and also material for Data centers That They return to the market with a logically cheaper price than the originalbut thus avoiding the generation of electronic waste and giving a second life to reusable products.

The specialists of PC discountcompany with more than 23 years in the sector, indicated this “Buying quality technology doesn’t mean paying more”clarifying that the best way to get a quality but cheaper product is “evaluate the product that has the best quality-price ratio”.

What is a “refurbished” product?

Through the refurbishment process, computer equipment usually comes from companies’ own technological replacement and, obviously, has commercial value. These are in principle checked, repaired and repackaged and then return to the commercial circuit.

This process consists of a technical verification screen, processor, hard drive, RAM, microphone, power supply, keyboard, speakers and ports to ensure its functioning.

The parts that are not recycled and the destruction of information and erasure of disks are carried out according to international standards (NIST SP 800-88), thus avoiding possible leaks of sensitive data; and according to environmental standards, in an Official Recycling Plant that issues the corresponding certificate.

Consequently, this operation gives it a residual value and extends the life cycle of a large part of the equipment fleet being disconnected, which means significant savings for companies in purchasing new equipment while recovering the value of decommissioned equipment. This perfectly closes the reverse process of the hardware life cycle (also called IT Assets).

Reasons to choose a refurbished computer

Locally, according to sources PC discountthe most successful product is the entire line of notebooks from Lenovo Thinkpad, both older and modern versions. They are by far the community’s favorite product. These are the Lenovo models T470 (2017), T450 (2015), T440 (2013) e X270 (2017).

Most of the reconditioners in the industry work with business range products (Dell, Lenovo, HP and Apple) which, given their characteristics, are suitable to support a new cycle of use and are produced according to the needs of large companies.

Unlike the home line, they have a very robust construction, more oriented towards intensive use, have greater durability over time and are made with high quality materials.

For example, notebooks have a subchassis that makes them immune to constant typing and in some cases with liquid anti-spill systems. There are models made of carbon or aluminum alloy in their casings.

Furthermore, by purchasing equipment from a recognized brand, it is easier to obtain original spare parts or selected alternatives.

You also need to take into account the value of refurbished computers. Their main attraction is that they have a much lower price compared to the new one (do not exceed 50% of the value). Furthermore, they offer excellent features, just like a new one with similar features.

Generally, in the second-hand world, it is expected that there will be a minimum value difference of 25% between something used and something new.

Another plus is that they deliver the ability to improve your settings expand RAM memory or add or change hard drives for SSD or M2, which are the latest technologies.

Through sustainable recovery, 94% of decommissioned equipment is reusedthus avoiding the generation of electronic waste and giving a second life to reusable products.

In this way, the extraction of raw materials is reduced, taking care of natural resources and reducing pollution of air, water and soil, contributing to the health of living beings.

In economic matters, however, they represent jobs needed carry out the corresponding separation and classification of the different materials.

Another huge advantage of this equipment is the possibility of obtaining spare parts of all kinds, which extends its useful life almost indefinitely.

“Refurbishing a product that was on the market four or five years ago is relatively simple, as the necessary solutions and components are generally readily available. However, when we are referring to older and more specific products, such as a 1990 Mac, the task becomes complicated. Although these products can be refurbished, its market value is limitedand are often considered more relics than marketable objects,” observes Martin Grebin, sales director of Compucanjes.

Refurbished PCs: warranty and after-sales

The choice of place of purchase is a fundamental point. It is necessary for the supplier or reseller to have good experience in the market and provide advice to their customers. Some actors have 20 years of experience, others are even present in neighboring countries. Previous research, recommendations and even “word of mouth” are key in your choice.

Likewise, these companies must have a variety of options along with aa adequate guaranteewith the support of stocks of spare parts and equipment.

In case of PC discount its refurbished products have 12 months own warranty which covers any hardware failure, except batteries, cartridges, toner or printheads.

On the other hand, companies like it Compucanjes They assure that this period can pass of the From 30 to 90 daysdepending on the type of product, and covers any inconvenience not related to the customer’s actions.

“While some extend the warranty up to one year, our choice of period is adapted to the specific nature of the products we market. The duration of the warranty is also linked to the type of productand it’s the most normal thing in the industry,” said Martin Grebin.

In short, the segment of refurbished or refurbished computers is gaining more and more acceptance in the market because a the equipment recovered without the cost of raw materials generates high profitability, both for the seller and for the future user.