It’s hard to imagine a time when organizations didn’t rely on computer technology to streamline the way they do things. Today, computers have become an essential part of business operations, whether it’s for storing employee information or creating financial forecasts.
If you are a business owner thinking of buying a computer, you should know that a brand-new unit is not your only option. A used computer can meet your business needs just as well as a brand-new model will.
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What Is a Used Computer?
Used computers can either be secondhand or refurbished units. A secondhand computer has been used before the owner decided to sell it. The condition of secondhand computers will depend on how old the unit is and how well the owner took care of it.
Refurbished computers are not necessarily secondhand; they may have been returned to the store for various reasons. For example, the customer may have changed their mind and opted for another unit with different specifications. The returned item can no longer be sold as brand-new, so it is offered as refurbished.
A refurbished computer can also be a unit that was rebuilt using new parts because it did not pass quality control. These defects are usually minor, and IT experts then take apart the model before rebuilding it. Many computer shops specialize in rebuilding computers and selling them as refurbished units.
Here are four important factors to consider if you’re buying a brand-new or used computer for your office.
Budget and Quantity
The budget should be a primary consideration when making investments for your business. New computers are obviously more expensive than used computers are, especially if they’re the latest model available. If you are particular about getting the latest specifications and have no budget constraints, then a brand-new computer may be the best choice.
Budget-wise, though, a refurbished unit offers equally competitive specifications at a lesser cost especially if you are buying in bulk. If shopping for the whole office, you will be saving considerable money if you purchase refurbished desktop computers or laptops instead of brand-new units.
Computer Performance
Your computer’s performance can either bog down or improve your operations. Does a brand-new unit guarantee that you are getting the best performance? If you keep up with the tech world, you know that companies release new models within months after the last one.
Refurbished computers can be considered almost brand-new or good as new especially if their release date isn’t that long ago. Furthermore, refurbished units usually undergo meticulous performance and quality tests after they have been rebuilt to ensure they work just as well as new models do.
Brand-new computers, on the other hand, are mass-produced, so manufacturers cannot easily detect hardware issues and other defects.
Warranty and After-Sales Services
You may need to contact the store again if you encounter any issues with your computer after you purchase it. This is where warranty and after-sales service come in. Brand-new computers offer a warranty and even free repairs within a specified time frame.
Many people get the wrong idea that used or refurbished computers do not offer warranty and any after-sales care. In reality, most used and refurbished tech stores offer warranty services for their products.
Always read the fine print, and speak with the computer shop’s salespeople to ensure that you understand the coverage and terms of the warranty.
Environmental Impact
Computers are composed of many heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and beryllium, which can be toxic to humans and the environment when improperly disposed of. They also contain flammable batteries and plastics that do not disintegrate.
Just imagine if computers were immediately discarded just because they could no longer be sold as new. Landfills will be heaping with garbage, and the potentially hazardous components of the disposed of computers can poison animals and humans.
Today’s climate crisis calls for everyone to do their part in reducing waste and protecting the earth. When you purchase secondhand or refurbished computers, you are reusing something that would otherwise end up thrown away in a landfill.
Like any investment, the computer you purchase must give you the most value for your money. Discuss your computer needs with your IT guy to know whether it’s a used or refurbished unit that can best benefit your business.
