Looking for a new laptop but on a budget? Or do you just want to be more sustainable and contribute to the environment? Considering a Certified Pre-Owned or Refurbished laptop is a great option. In this article, some benefits and current considerations regarding the performance and functionality of Certified Pre-Owned or Refurbished equipment will be discussed.
What is the average life of a laptop?
The life of a laptop can be analyzed from its functionality and performance. According to Statista, [1] the average replacement time for a desktop computer in the US from 2018 to 2025 is 6.9 years. This data can be a reference for the functional life of a laptop (except for the battery; according to HP, [2] a battery has an average life of 2 to 4 years). On the other hand, according to Moore's law [3] every two years the processing capacity doubles, therefore, the absolence of a laptop at a performance level is conditioned to technological innovation. A study carried out by J. Gold Associates [4] in collaboration with Intel, showed that the optimum replacement time for a computer equipment from a cost-benefit perspective is 2 years.
What is a Certified Pre-Owned or Refurbished laptop?
A Certified Pre-Owned or Refurbished laptop is a used computer that is brought back to a condition and time suitable for a Certified Refurbished process and a second life cycle. According to Rematech® México, the optimal time of use for the recovery of a laptop is 1.5 to 2 years of life. The reconditioning process consists of corrective and preventive maintenance that guarantees 100% functionality and performance of a laptop (except the battery, which is usually at 80% life). Aesthetically, the state of a refurbished laptop will depend on the care and use of its previous user, however, in most cases its physical condition is more than acceptable. It is important to highlight that certifications such as ISO 9001:2015 allow us to guarantee that the reconditioning processes are carried out with excellence and consistency.
What is the difference between a certified pre-owned and a used laptop?
The main difference between a certified pre-owned laptop and a used one is its veracity and guarantee. In the case of the certified pre-owned, there is the assurance that it has gone through a reconditioning and verification process and that it has the support of the supplier. While in a used one, there is no certainty or guarantee of its physical condition or its functionality or its performance or its origin.
Can a Certified Pre-Owned laptop replace a new laptop?
At the performance level, a new laptop will almost always be better than a certified pre-owned one, however, functionally both can meet the expectations of use. For the vast majority of basic and intermediate users, the performance between the two will be marginally the same. Only in the case of advanced functions such as rendering, 3D modeling, massive data processing, advanced programming, graphic production, among others, the performance of a new laptop can be significantly better. [5] However, sometimes a certified pre-owned laptop may outperform a new one when its configuration and components such as hard drive and RAM are 100% optimized. Functionally, both computers can perform the same functions with some differences in processing time.
How much is it possible to save when buying a certified pre-owned laptop?
Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned laptop can represent significant savings compared to a new one. The price of a refurbished laptop is up to 60% less than that of a new one. In the following example, it can be seen that the savings is 55%.
|
Computer equipment |
Condition |
Supplier |
Price |
|
Dell Latitude 3330 |
New |
Dell Mexico [6] |
$24,496.85 MXN |
|
Dell Latitude 3380 |
Certified pre-owned or refurbished |
Amazon Renewed [7] |
$11,000 MXN |
|
Saving of 55.01% |
$13,496.85 MXN |
How can the acquisition of certified pre-owned computer equipment help to meet the ESG goals (or ESG for its acronym in English)? [8]
Purchasing certified pre-owned or refurbished computer equipment can help companies achieve their environmental, social and governance (ASG) goals in a number of ways:
- Reduction of environmental impact: By reusing existing equipment instead of producing new ones, the demand for natural resources is reduced and the amount of electronic waste is reduced.
- Cost savings: Refurbished laptops are often cheaper than new ones, which can help businesses reduce costs and increase profitability.
- Contribution to the local economy: When you buy refurbished equipment, you support local companies that are dedicated to the reuse and recycling of technology.
- Fostering Social Responsibility: By choosing refurbished equipment, companies can demonstrate their commitment to the environment and sustainability, which can enhance their reputation and strengthen their relationship with stakeholders.
Some recommendations for correctly choosing a certified or refurbished pre-owned computer
When choosing a Certified Pre-Owned or Refurbished computer, it is important to consider the following:
- Technical specifications: Verify that the technical specifications meet your needs and requirements.
- State of conservation: Check the state of the equipment, including its aesthetics and operation. Some may be in better condition than others.
- Warranty: Check to see if the equipment comes with a warranty and what it covers. This can help you protect your investment.
- Seller Reputation: Buy from a trusted seller with a good reputation and positive feedback from other customers.
- Price: Compare prices and features with new laptops and with other refurbished laptops to make sure you're getting a good deal.
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/267465/average-desktop-pc-lifespan/
[2] https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-long-should-i-charge-hp-laptop-battery
[3] https://www.intel.la/content/www/xl/es/newsroom/opinion/moore-law-now-and-in-the-future.html#gs.pdq5hs
[4] https://i.crn.com/sites/default/files/ckfinderimages/userfiles/images/crn/custom/INTELBCCSITENEW/WhitePaper_EnterpriseRefresh.pdf
[5] The study by J. Gold Associates and Intel takes a closer look at laptop performance for different functions and uses.
[6] https://www.dell.com/mx/business/p/latitude-13-3330-laptop/pd?oc=xctol3330mmcla&model_id=latitude-13-3330-laptop&l=es&s=bsd
[7] https://www.amazon.com.mx/Dell-Latitude-3380-Touchscreen-Reacondicionado/dp/B09RPPDQW9/ref=sr_1_10?m=A27PYJGF2BA1TC&qid=1675881565&refinements=p_89%3ADell%2Cp_6%3AA27PYJGF2BA1 TC&rnid=9754433011&s=electronics&sr =1-10
[8] https://www2.deloitte.com/mx/es/pages/dnoticias/articles/inversion-sostenible-ASG.html