Is purchasing a "reconditioned" computer a good idea?

I bought a reconditioned lap top for $250.00 a little over a year ago. The only problem I had was a virus and it cost me another $75.00 to fix that issue, but other than that, I have had no problems with my laptop. It was the only way I could afford to buy one and I am glad I have it. I take it with me everywhere now, my deck, my kitchen, to the beach.

Reconditioned often has better systems testing than brand new. If you don’t have to have the latest and shiniest you can get some great bargains from dealers. I got my reconditioned laptop 2 years ago, exactly the specs and color I wanted with just a small flaw in the screen. It’s run like a champ, though of course it’s becoming obsolete now, and I paid less than half of the “new” cost. (It was only a few months old)

I’d definitely buy from Dell Outlet again.

I have bought reconditioned items with good luck. I figure they’ve checked it out pretty good and so I’m a step ahead.

The desktop i am using now(Dell) was purchased reconditioned. the whole package cost around $200 dollars. i have been completely satisfied with it. a reputable dealer will not steer you wrong. i was given a 90 warranty and did not need it. this was 21/2 years ago.

It depends on the quality of the computer. I bought mine reconditioned (originally built by the store from off-the-shelf hardware) back in 2005 and the worst trouble it’s given me was when the hard drive started to wear out in 2008. I also installed a graphics card and DVD drive, and more RAM, and I was due for a new HD anyway – the old one was a paltry 80gb. It still runs, by the way; just… not very quietly.

I am generally a fan of factory refurbs.

See, most “new” models aren’t tested rigorously, and sometimes they only test, say, every tenth unit, On the other hand, every refurb is tested thoroughly before being sold, so I would be more likely to trust it to not be a lemon.

As for dealer refurbs, it depends on the reputation of the dealer. Some I would trust to give me a solid deal on a solid computer while others I would not trust to give me the time of day correctly.

I would buy a reconditioned desktop but not a reconditioned laptop. I have had too many problems with laptops and when they go wrong they are difficult to fix. I think you would be taking a chance.