A computer is a major purchase, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choice when spending so much money. Your purchase options ultimately boil down to two choices: buying a new computer or buying a refurbished one. While the former choice is better than the latter in terms of performance, it also comes with a higher price tag.

If you’re on the fence about which option to choose, be sure you consider as many factors as possible when making your decision between buying a refurbished computer and a brand new one.

What Is a “Refurbished” Computer?

Many people use the word “refurbished” interchangeably with “second-hand,” but this is incorrect. When you buy something second-hand, the general implication is that you buy the product in the same condition the current owner is selling it. But in the case of refurbished products, the product is taken by a third party (sometimes even the original manufacturer), inspected, repaired if necessary, and then resold.

This means a refurbished computer will have significantly better performance than a second-hand computer, as the faulty parts are replaced with newer ones. As a result, the computer looks almost as good as new, and definitely functions well enough for average, everyday usage. 

For Business Use

Refurbished computers are excellent for business use as the software and hardware demands for business activities in many sectors are actually quite reasonable. This makes them the ideal choice for purchase if you’re a business owner, as you can save lots of money by buying refurbished computers of mid-range specs. This can be particularly useful if you’re launching a startup or running a tech-related business such as customer support.

Just don’t cheap out and buy computers that have sub-par specs. Doing so will result in more expenditure when you eventually have to replace them due to poor performance. Even if you aren’t a business owner, you still benefit from buying a refurbished computer for work. 

For Your Team

Buying refurbished computers after careful inspection of budget and performance requirements is also good for your brand. It shows that your business has responsible budgeting that minimizes long-term expenses. It also demonstrates your brand’s dedication to being more eco-friendly by reusing existing products.

Having an eco-friendly brand image is very important in today’s global market. Customers tend to favor sustainable brands that build on saving energy and going green. This is especially true for the tech and automobile industries in which the primary target market customers are millennials.   

For Personal Use

When it comes to personal use, you will have almost no complaints about refurbished computers as long as the seller is dependable. Most multimedia software, apps, and operating systems run just as well on refurbished computers as new ones, if they’re of the same or similar specifications.

Whether you’re typing a document, watching movies, or browsing the internet, refurbished computers can generally get basic tasks done without a hitch.

How Will You Use Your Computer?

However, if you’re taking on more than basic tasks, your situation may be a different case. Another aspect you should think of when choosing between a new and refurbished computer is how you’re going to use it. Serious gamers and those who use their devices for video editing or graphic design may find that a refurbished model simply can’t handle the demands of their activity. 

Modern software and operating systems have a lot of trouble running on outdated hardware. This means if the hardware is old enough, you will have a bad time trying to run even a simple web browser. So make sure to check the specs of a refurbished computer before buying.

How Long Do You Want Your Computer to Last?

Last but not least, there’s also the question of how long you want your computer to last. In this aspect, a new computer has superiority over a refurbished computer, as it will last longer. But if you aren’t too picky, you can also extend the lifespan of a refurbished computer in two easy ways.

The first option is to upgrade the computer part by part over time. You can swap out the older RAM, GPU, hard disk, and so on for newer ones. You can also let professionals take care of your computer if something goes wrong. A simple search for “computer fix near me” can help you ensure you’ll know where to turn if you run into an option.

New or New-To-You—Both Are Good Options

At the end of the day, both new and refurbished computers have their pros and cons. It’s for you to decide which option is the best for you when making the final purchase. By keeping the factors discussed in this article in mind, you’ll have an easier time deciding which to buy.