Refurbished - Benefits of New Without "New Premium" w/ @refurbio #tech

We all know the minute we drive a new car off the lot it depreciates. A few metres of mileage takes it from new to used. Not because it isn't working or under warranty, but because a new car like many things comes with what I like to call a "new premium". That premium often means the buyer is getting the latest model or specific features or colours they want. Sometimes this makes sense, but sometimes buying used or refurbished and letting someone else pay the "new premium" for you is the answer. 

"Refurbished computers and electronic products are restored to function as new products and they have no noticeable working conditions relative to new products. They may however have minor scratches and blemishes. A refurbished computer is one that cannot be sold as new, as it has been previously leased to corporate customers, used as display product or returned for a range of reasons." via refurb.io

As with buying a used car, buying a refurbished computer means someone else has paid the "new premium" on that computer. Over the years we have bought several refurbished laptops and desktops. My in-house IT team (Engineer Hubby &  two tech-savvy teens) are quick to weigh the pros and cons of new versus refurbished, but finding refurbished items has been a bit hit and miss, and we mostly just happened upon them. There is a new site called refurb.io that specializes in refurbished electronics. This makes finding and comparing their refurbished products fast and easy. They carry top brands like Dell, HP, IBM and Lenovo, and additional products are being added all the time. They are ISO 9001 Certified, a Microsoft Authorized Gold Certified Partner and Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. 

Image via refurb.io (as of March 20, 2015 7:30 pm est) Inventory and price subject to change.

Your refurb.io shopping experience is made easy and convenient with available shipping to all provinces and territories, a free one year warranty on the products they sell. (see site for specific warranty details) and both credit card and PayPal payment options.  

Choosing the electronics that are right for you, whether new or refurbished requires answering a few basic questions or what I like to call:
My 5 before you buy questions:

• What is the budget, and expectations for product life? How much do you have to spend and how long does it need to last you?
• What will you be using the product for? For example in the case of a computer is it for school projects, email, social media, streaming videos, gaming or all of the above? 
• Where will you be using it? At home, school, work, travelling, at Starbucks, or a combination of these? Answering this question will help to determine how portable it must be, as well as the ideal weight and size of the device. It will also help to determine what if any accessories are appropriate.
• Who is going to be using it? Is it just for you, or to be shared with family, and more specifically kids? If it is to be portable and used by kids then durability becomes important. Some of the business oriented laptops lines may offer more durability as they are made to withstand the wear and tear of travel. 
• Environmental Impact and Footprint: One additional but important point and thing to consider when buying electronics is the environmental advantages to buying refurbished and to properly recycling electronics. Having the newest and shiniest has to be weighed against the impact this has on the environment. Opting for a refurbished computer helps to reduce the impact and the amount of electronic waste that needs to be processed, or worse ends up unprocessed in landfills. 

Once you have answered these questions you're in a good position to start your search. Be sure to check out reviews of products you're interested in. This is a worthwhile time investment, since reviews often reveal hints why a particular product may or may not be a good fit for you.

To help you on your way and as a bonus budget booster
refurb.io is offering a 10% discount on laptops until April 3oth, 2015
(use the code LAUNCH10)

For updates and more information about refurb.io be sure to follow refurb.io on facebook and refurb.io on twitter.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about refurb.io.

Note: I was compensated for this post and an honest review of this site as I experienced it. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and product.