Everyone would love a brand-new shiny laptop with all the newest features and highest specs, but with laptop prices today, fewer and fewer people can afford that. And that’s completely fine. It’s better to make a smart financial decision and purchase a cheap laptop that may be a couple years older or with a chip that came out last year instead of going into debt over an electronic device.
In recent years, there has been a rising demand in Ireland for affordable laptops, especially among students, freelancers, and home users. A laptop computer is a staple device that most people use on a daily basis for emails, browsing, or streaming. And as such, it needs to be reliable with the power to keep up with everything you want to do.
Because of this demand, the market has been flooded with cheap laptops, which has its pros and cons. The biggest con is that it is easy to get swept away by a low-price tag and end up with a piece of equipment that might as well be a decoration for your desk. In this article we help you understand how to avoid bad deals so that you can find a good cheap laptop that you can trust.
What Makes a Laptop “Cheap” – And Why That’s Not Always Bad
The first thing we want to do is clarify that “cheap” is not always bad. “Cheap” can be a bargain, it can be a deal, it can be a discount on what is usually a very expensive device. But cheap can also be frustrating and low-quality junk. Essentially, it’s a spectrum, so when you’re buying a cheap laptop, it’s important to understand which side of that spectrum your laptop falls on.
There are quite a few low-cost new laptops on the market that are perfectly functional for light everyday use. Think browsing the internet, watching YouTube videos, and sending an email or two. These laptops generally may not have the most powerful processor or the most vibrant displays, but they get the job done as long as it is a simple one. But if you need to do anything that requires more power than a simple internet search, good luck. Some of these machines may be able to run simple applications, but there are a lot of poor quality or unreliable machines on the market these days.
Refurbished laptops are starting to take up a bigger share of the market for cheap laptops in Ireland. These laptops often have higher specs than low-cost laptops as they were previously used but have been tested and restored to ensure that they operate at the same level as a new laptop. One of the biggest perks of a refurbished laptop is that it offers all the high specs, the state of art display and substantial processing power of a new laptop but at a much lower price point.
Risks of Buying “Cheap” Laptops – and How to Avoid Them
Buying a cheap laptop comes with risks, especially when you are buying a low-quality machine. But every risk is avoidable when you know what potential issues to look for. Allow us to assuage some of your worries.
Will my laptop come with outdated components?
If you purchase a refurbished laptop from a reputable seller like Wisetek, you can rest assured that your device has been thoroughly tested. As part of this process, any parts that were not working correctly would have been replaced to ensure that the laptop is working like new. This means that even if the laptop may be a couple of years old, it will still be functioning like new and will be able to keep up with your video editing, gaming, or multitasking.
Will my cheap laptop have a poor battery life?
If you buy a laptop with a low-quality battery, then yes, it is very likely that your laptop will have a poor battery life. However, this is not something that you need to worry about with a refurbished laptop as the battery is tested as part of the refurbishment process. If the battery is found to be severely degraded or not functioning at the device standard, then it is replaced with a new battery to ensure that you have optimal battery life and laptop performance.
I’m worried about build quality issues.
Honestly, we would be very worried about build quality issues too if we were purchasing an incredibly cheap brand-new laptop. Which is why we would purchase a refurbished laptop instead to get the most bang for our buck. When you purchase a refurbished laptop, you are getting name brand build quality from the likes of Apple, Dell or Lenovo but at a much lower price. And you don’t need to worry about build quality because not only are these high-quality laptops, but they have also gone through a thorough inspection by a trained professional to make sure all aspects of the laptop are functioning like new.
What if there is hidden damage or a missing warranty?
We can’t tell you what will happen if you buy a cheap new laptop from another site and it arrives damaged and without a warranty, but we can tell you what happens when you buy a refurbished laptop from Wisetek.
Every refurbished device sold at Wisetek comes with a free 12-month warranty which can be extended up to three years at purchase. This warranty means that in the unlikely event that you find hidden damage on your refurbished laptop or if something goes wrong during those first 12 months, Wisetek will repair, replace or offer a full refund for your device. They are happy to do whichever works best for you.
Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy a Budget Laptop
We’ve put together a little checklist for you to conder when you are on your search for the best budget laptops in Ireland. Make sure to evaluate these essential factors before purchasing to make sure you are buying a laptop that's on the good end of the cheap spectrum.
Warranty and return policy
Make sure that the laptop comes with a warranty and a clear return policy. Wisetek Store offers a 12-month warranty and a 30-day free returns policy, so you don’t need to worry about losing money on a low-quality cheap device when you purchase from us.
Seller reputation and reviews
Make sure the seller has a good reputation by doing a little bit of research. Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of their products and customer service.
Processor, RAM, and storage
Laptop specifications can get confusing but at a minimum, make sure that it has at least an Intel i5 or equivalent processor, 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) to make sure your laptop can easily handle everyday tasks.
Battery condition
It is always a good idea to inquire about the battery's health. A good refurbished laptop should have a battery that holds a charge well so that it can keep up with you on the go.
Screen size and keyboard layout
Make sure that the screen size that suits your needs, whether it's for portability or a larger display for multitasking. Also, ensure the keyboard layout matches your preferences, such as UK or US layouts.
Operating system
It's a good idea to check that the laptop comes with a pre-installed operating system, like Windows or macOS, to avoid additional setup hassles.
Refurbished vs. Used: What’s the Difference?
While they might sound similar, there is a significant different between refurbished and used laptops that is important to understand when you are making a purchase. Refurbished laptops have been professionally restored to like-new condition, which often includes hardware replacements, software updates, and thorough testing. Used laptops, on the other hand, are sold as-is, without any guarantees on performance or condition.
Why Refurbished Laptops Are a Smart Way to Save
Refurbished laptops offer a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, and sustainability. By choosing a refurbished device from Wisetek Store, you're not only saving money but also contributing to environmental conservation by reducing electronic waste.
Wisetek Store's refurbishment process involves rigorous testing, cleaning, and necessary repairs to ensure each laptop meets high-quality standards. This thorough approach ensures that you're getting a device that performs like new.
By purchasing a refurbished laptop, you're supporting a circular economy and making an eco-friendly choice.
Best Budget-Friendly Laptop Picks
If you're in the market for a reliable and affordable laptop, here are some top picks available at Wisetek Store:
Dell Latitude Series
Dell Latitude laptops are known for their durability and performance which makes them ideal for both professional and personal use. They offer a balance of power and portability, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 combines that sleek design that Apple devices are known for with powerful performance. Its energy-efficient M1 chip ensures smooth multitasking and long battery life, making it a great option for students and professionals alike.
Lenovo ThinkPad X-Series
Lenovo's ThinkPad X-Series laptops are renowned for their robust build quality and comfortable keyboards. They are well-suited for business users and those who require a dependable machine for daily tasks.
Conclusion
Finding a trustworthy and affordable laptop in Ireland doesn't have to be a daunting task. By understanding what to look for and choosing reputable sellers like Wisetek Store, you can secure a high-quality device that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Explore Wisetek Store's extensive collection of refurbished laptops today and take the first step towards smart, sustainable, and budget-friendly computing.