Refurbished: Deal or Nightmare?

[Teffy]

I'd like to hear opinions on whether or not to buy refurbished hardware.I am torn between a new and a refurbished dual-monitor graphics card from newegg.com.Thanks,Teffy

[Guest genaldar]

I bought my old laptop refurbished. Initially the hard drive died but it was during the warrenty period so I got a new laptop sent out. No problems since then (it's been almost 2 years).

[SonicDragon]

I've always wondered whether or not to buy referbished stuff also.Great topic Teffy!

[Guest LilBambi]

It really depends on a lot of things. If I buy refurbs, I try to find out information about the common failures for the product, and stick to name brands I feel are a good gamble. Plus, I try to make sure that I test it out good during the warranty periods (which vary with the refurbed product).Having said that, I have rarely have bought refurbs.The one thing I did buy has been a great product. A Sony portable CD player that has been working great for at least 3-4 years now.

[Stryder]

It is really hit and miss in my experience. I tend to buy new almost 95% of the time. But once in a while I see a great deal and can't pass it up. But I still pass it up if there is not at least a 2 month warranty. Usually if something is going to go or be bad, you will know inside of 60 days. It is really not a deal at all if you spend your money on somethng that does not work 5 weeks later.

[henderrob]

I bought a lease return IBM 17" monitor for $99CAD a year ago. It's been working well and has fine text and graphics. It's old enough that Mandrake 9.1 Linux listed drivers for it. So does Win 98 and XP.

[havnblast]

I've had great luck with refurb. products too - I like to take the cheapest route possible.

[Poincare]

For the last couple of years, I've considered refurbished everytime I research a purchase.But I've never bought anything refurbished because the price differences I see are never enough to make it worthwhile.Another term I see used is "reconditioned" or "factory reconditioned." Regardless of terminology, it's never seemed worth it.caveat emptor

[BarryB]

I've had great luck with refurb. products too - I like to take the cheapest route possible.

ok..I'm cheap too...most of what I own is refurbed..only got burned once on a D-link 900ap+(should have known by the price though)......but when you consider 5(refurbs) computers, and 3 printers(refurb) and routers and switches( I have saved a few bucks)...I think I've done ok.......

[mrainey]

How do you "refurbish" a graphics card, hard drive, or monitor? It's really just a term for a used item that's had the dust blown off. It might be good, it might not last too long. You might get a reliable warranty with it, or might not.If you watch the sales and rebates, you can often get new stuff about as cheap as used.www.hotdealsclub.comwww.techbargains.com

[havnblast]

How do you "refurbish" a graphics card, hard drive, or monitor?

Well usually there was something wrong with them from manufacturing and so they correct the problem and put them back on the market as refurbished. My monitor is refurbished and has been a great monitor.

[Gus K]

Products that are perfectly fine but returned cannot be sold as new. These also become 'refurbs'. With Stereo equipment at least, 'Factory refurbs' (usually sealed with official tape), from authorized dealers are usually good, new units.

[mrainey]

Products that are perfectly fine but returned cannot be sold as new. These also become 'refurbs'. With Stereo equipment at least, 'Factory refurbs' (usually sealed with official tape), from authorized dealers are usually good, new units.

But how can you know when you buy it online? Is there a legally binding definition for the term "refurbished", or can it be anything that's "previously-owned" but "checked-over" and meets "factory specs"?