top of page

What is Refurbishment?

Refurbishment is the process of taking an old laptop, fixing any problems, cleaning it up, and making it work like new. This can involve replacing parts, installing a fresh operating system, and ensuring everything functions properly.

 

Refurbished vs. New vs. Used

Price

  • Refurbished: Generally much cheaper than new laptops. You get a good deal because the laptop isn’t brand new.

  • New: Usually the most expensive option. You're paying for the latest technology and features.

  • Used: Prices can vary. Sometimes they’re cheap, but you might not know how well the laptop has been cared for.

 

Warranties

  • Refurbished: Often come with a warranty, which means if something goes wrong, you can get it fixed or replaced at no extra cost.

  • New: Typically have a full manufacturer’s warranty, which can be quite long, giving you peace of mind.

  • Used: Usually sold “as-is,” meaning no warranty. If it breaks, you’re responsible for repairs.

 

Supporting Local Businesses

  • Refurbished: Many refurbished laptops are sold by local shops or small businesses. Buying from them helps support your community.

  • New: Often purchased from large retailers or online giants, which may not benefit local economies as much.

  • Used: Can be from local sellers (like through community marketplaces) or larger online platforms. Supporting local sellers can also help your community.

Image by Albert Vinas

01

Assessment

  • Inspection: Check the physical condition for damage or wear.

  • Testing: Power on the device to evaluate its functionality (e.g., booting, hardware issues).

02

Cleaning

  • Physical Cleaning: Dust and debris are removed from the exterior and interior components using appropriate tools.

  • Decontamination: Ensure all surfaces are sanitized, especially for devices that may have been in public or shared environments.

Microfiber cleaning cloth
Image by Martin Katler

03

Replace or Upgrading Components

Hardware Upgrades: Replace or upgrade components such as RAM, hard drives (HDD to SSD), and graphics cards to improve performance.

04

Fresh Operating System

Install a fresh copy of Windows, or Linux for older hardware.

Image by Clint Patterson
bottom of page