The number of technology items you own is probably going up and up, along with their prices. And with new models coming out all the time, it’s really expensive to keep up. If you don’t need the brand-new, top-of-the-line model of every tech item, consider buying refurbished instead of new.
Here’s what you need to know about tech items you should buy refurbished.
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Why Buy Refurbished?
Here are three reasons to buy refurbished tech.
They’re less expensive. This is the obvious reason, but it’s not the only one. With technology products getting more expensive — and more necessary — every year, it makes sense to save where you can. Plus, refurbished equipment isn’t subject to tariffs.
They have a track record. Buying the latest and greatest gadget as soon as it’s released is fun, but there’s something to be said for buying an older model that is well known to work well. Some tech products have bugs in the first release, so buying an item that’s already been used can be an advantage.
It’s better for the environment. A lot of technology ends up in landfills when it still has some life left, and these items are some of the worst for the environment. According to the Institute for Energy Research, the lithium-ion batteries found in laptops and other tech devices have an environmental impact when they are manufactured and when they are disposed of. Buying refurbished reduces the number of these batteries, which has a positive impact on the environment.
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Which Tech Items Should You Buy Refurbished?
There are four tech products you definitely want to consider buying refurbished. They’re expensive, and they come out with new models regularly, leading to a wealth of discarded older models that can be refurbished.
Here are four tech items that make sense to buy refurbished.
Smartphones
Smartphones are regularly upgraded, but the new features may not be necessary if you’re not a professional photographer or a smartphone power user. If you don’t need the fanciest camera or a huge amount of storage, look at refurbished when you want to get a new smartphone.
Laptops
For your home laptop, you may not need all the very latest features. And if you have cloud storage, you don’t need a lot of resident storage on your personal laptop. A refurbished laptop may mean you can get a higher-end machine, perhaps with a larger screen, for a lower price if it’s refurbished.
Gaming Systems
Unless you are a hardcore gamer, you can benefit from the pre-loved systems of those who are. Upgrading your Xbox or PlayStation to a new-but-not-the-newest model can be a lot less expensive if you buy refurbished.
Smart Watches
New smart watch models are released pretty regularly, and those who jump on the latest and greatest may trade their current model in. This leads to a wealth of refurbished watches that probably have all the features you need, for less money.
Buying for Kids or Seniors? Refurbished May Be Best
If you’re buying technology for a child or for a senior citizen who won’t need all the bells and whistles of the latest model, refurbished is a great way to go, regardless of the item. You can get a model that simpler to learn and use and save some money in the process. And if your kids tend to be less than careful with their devices, you may be replacing them more often, so refurbished is particularly smart.
What To Look Out For
When buying a refurbished device, make sure you understand whether there is a warranty, and, if so, what it covers. The product’s original warranty may not transfer to a new owner, or the warranty period may have already ended.
Know who you’re buying from. Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer if you want the best quality. Buying from an unknown individual may leave you with no recourse if the product is not as advertised.
Open-box products can be a good deal, albeit a little more expensive than truly refurbished items. These are products that have been opened but never used. They typically sell for less than brand new, still-sealed-in-the-carton products, and usually include the full manufacturer’s warranty.
If you want to save money and help the environment, and don’t need to always have the very latest tech gadgets, it’s definitely worthwhile to look into buying refurbished for your next device.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Tech Items You Should Always Buy Refurbished
