Refurbished computers, an environmentally and wallet-friendly option you should consider

We hear more and more often about refurbished computers, but what exactly does this term mean? Why would anyone buy refurbished computers?

We will try to answer this and many other questions that you often ask us in this post. We will respond based on our experience and knowledge of the industry. If you don't find any answers to your doubts, don't be afraid to contact us , we are always available.

What are refurbished computers ? What is meant by used computers (or used PCs)?

By refurbished computers we mean all those desktop PC or notebook machines which after a "first life" are subjected to a careful overhaul and regeneration. A complete "makeup" and check to then be put back on the market. Contrary to what you might think, these used computers are not warehouse waste or machines that have reached the end of their working "life cycle", but tools that still have a lot to give.

In fact, these are not "basic" computers that have worked for a lot of years before becoming obsolete, but rather semi-new machines, still very performing which are replaced due to leasing contracts, financial incentives or pre-established rental formulas.

In fact, many companies now manage their hardware as they do with company cars. They establish multi-year rental contracts (two, three years) with large specialized companies, to then replace the entire hardware sector at the expiry of the leasing, obliged by a formula that brings advantages only from a fiscal point of view.

However, unlike cars, which can suffer damage from neglect, damage or road accidents, the computer that arrives at the end of the lease is still a high-performance machine, very often better than those on offer in consumer chains.

Origin of used PCs

As already written, used and refurbished computers often come from the business world . In many cases these are machines that are one or two years old. Devices that have been used in exhibition rooms, fairs, for demos or solely for exhibition purposes. To return to the comparison with the automotive sector, in this case we are faced with those cars known as "zero km" or "ex-exposure".

Advantages of buying used computers

There are many advantages of evaluating and purchasing used PCs for home use. Let's see what the most common are:

Ecological aspect

The era of consumerism which had its official birth in the 80s and its maximum diffusion in the last 20 years, is now coming to an end. The concept of disposable items, so loved by capitalism, has now been supplanted by the ecological spirit and by the application of the famous 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

By choosing to opt for used PCs, we are making our contribution to the sustainability of the planet, reducing the material that will end up in landfill, the consumption of raw materials and lightening the transport chain; reducing the handling of parts and components. On the other hand, the fact that no PC component is now produced in Italy is known and renowned, with the consequent delocalisation of work abroad and an increase in imports.

Used computers, on the other hand, have a much smaller ecological footprint. This is because there is no new consumption and also the costs (not just monetary) of transport are very low.

Savings on the purchase cost

Refurbished computers cost much less than new PCs. As in the automotive sector, a "zero km" used PC has a cost reduced by 15/20% compared to the list price, from the moment it leaves the dealership/IT shop.

Refurbished computer services

As already indicated previously, used PCs come almost exclusively from the business sector. In this sector, dedicated PCs are used, usually from the Enterprise series, which have "professional" performance, components and materials. For better results than those offered in the "consumer" division.

Test and regeneration quality

The electronics market has become increasingly frenetic, with development and testing times cut short

inimo. All to the detriment of customers, who find themselves acting as guinea pigs for new versions of software, drivers and operating systems that are increasingly less tested, as demonstrated by the continuous updates recommended or requested by the manufacturer.

By choosing a refurbished computer you avoid this entire testing phase, purchasing a machine that has already passed the entire testing and running-in phase . The regeneration process then further guarantees the quality of the machine which undergoes a new in-depth test in every aspect.

Planned obsolescence

The capitalist market works with a very simple concept. It is necessary to always release new, more beautiful, better performing and "more useful" products to keep the "purchasing wheel" active. This artificial push leads to the release of ever new models and to the very rapid disappearance of slightly older models , still perfectly reliable but with a price destined to fall. This "forced upgrade" therefore leads the customer interested in an "average" machine, perfect for surfing the internet, email and watching a film in streaming, to buy a computer with greater processing power than the one used by Neil Armstrong for his first lunar walk.

Choosing a used PC allows the customer to "exit" this senseless logic, opting for a machine with characteristics calibrated for their needs without being "pulled by the neck" of the market.

Operating systems and software

When you buy a new computer, you get it with a lot of useful software installed. Only after a week, thirty days or in the best case 90 days does one discover that the software licenses are time-limited and that if we want to continue using them we are forced to pay for a license. When you opt for refurbished computers you have the certainty that every software installed, starting from the operating system, is correctly fully licensed.

Opting for refurbished computers means having the intelligence to escape from a market logic that too often considers the consumer and end user as a "wallet with legs". Choosing a used computer allows you to help save the environment, your finances, the Italian economic supply chain and satisfy your needs as a user in a precise and relevant way.

What are you waiting for to choose your "new used PC"?