As with all electronics, laptops have a lifespan and they can break down sooner than anticipated. When your laptop is no longer working like it used to, you may perhaps be wondering whether it’s cheaper to repair it or to buy a cheap refurbished laptop as a replacement.
Is it cheaper to get your laptop repaired or is it cheaper to buy a refurbished laptop? It depends on a few factors, so it’s worth weighing the pros and cons so you can save yourself time and money.
Repairing a Laptop – When Does It Make Sense?
Get your laptop repaired whenever the damage is not too severe. Minor issues like component replacements are usually fairly cheap and you can sometimes repair them yourself. Inserting RAM, swapping a dead battery, or even just cleaning out the fan might take you only a few minutes of time and cost you whatever the components cost.
If your laptop is relatively new (but no longer under warranty) and you’re happy with how it performs - except with this current issue it’s facing - then you’ll probably want to go for repairing it.
As a general rule of thumb, if the repairs will end up costing you half the price of buying a replacement model or less, repairs are better.
Benefits of Buying a Refurbished Laptop
Refurbished Laptops are a sensible alternative to repairing your broken laptop. If the repairs are going to cost you a lot more than anticipated or your laptop was getting old and you want to upgrade, reconditioned laptop computers are a great solution.
Not only are refurbished laptops cheaper than buying brand-new, but they’re also sometimes cheaper than getting a laptop repaired if the damage is severe. Moreover, reputable refurbishers such as Wisetek Store offer Refurbished iPhones, MacBooks, laptops and more that have been quality tested, come with warranty protection, and a great selection of products.
Comparing the Costs
What are the costs of repairing a laptop vs buying cheap refurbished laptops as a replacement? Well, of course this will vary quite a bit depending on the type of repair needed and the type of replacement laptop.
To give an example, a broken laptop display screen in Ireland may cost around €200-€300 to replace. A replacement battery for several major laptop brands might cost around €50-€150 to replace. Used cheap laptops for sale like the Dell Latitude 5520 are available for around €460 and can make for a fantastic replacement for daily use and productivity.
Generally, cheap second hand laptops like this will be better to buy than repairing if the issue is more costly (e.g. the screen replacement above). If your old laptop only needs a battery replacement, it might be better than buying a refurbished laptop based on cost alone.
Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding whether to go for cheap refurbished laptops over paying to have your old laptop repaired often just comes down to money and convenience alone. If time and money are what you prioritise, then stick with the old rule of thumb: if repairs cost less than half the price of buying cheap used laptops as a replacement, go for repairs. Otherwise, just buy a replacement model.
Of course, there are some of us that hold onto old laptops for sentimental value, or perhaps to avoid having to transfer all the data on the hard drive. Your decision of whether to repair or buy a replacement might take other factors like these into account.
For quality refurbished electronics, including a comprehensive Apple Tech Collection, refurbished phones, tablets, laptops, and more, shop at Wisetek Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with a refurbished laptop?
Buying a refurbished laptop can often result in savings from around 30% to 60% compared to buying brand-new. The price depends on the model and its condition, but generally it’s much cheaper to buy refurbished than to buy new.
Is a refurbished laptop reliable for work or school?
Yes, refurbished laptops can be excellent devices for work and school so long as you purchase from a certified refurbisher like Wisetek Store. All refurbished laptops sold on our platform have been thoroughly tested and come with a comprehensive 12-month free warranty.