Tips in Buying a Refurbished Notebook and Antivirus Software

There are various varieties of refurbished notebooks and antivirus software you can buy at a computer store or online. Check on the specifications of the product before buying.

When buying a refurbished notebook and antivirus software, it is important to consider all the possible factors that can affect its quality. Of course, you do not want to buy something you will regret later on. Here are some useful tips in buying a refurbished notebook and antivirus software:

Buying a Refurbished Notebook

In order to save money, most people purchase refurbished notebooks instead of a new one. With inflation and the recession these days, it is more practical. Imagine saving more than $100 by doing this. When it comes to the quality, of course, there are things you need to consider before you finally say "yes" to a refurbished notebook.

Refurbished notebooks are computer machines that were returned to the company because of various possible reasons. There are also those that did not even leave the factory due to testing defects. Other reasons can be as simple as a buyer changing his mind or he realized its too pricy as well as other reasons not particularly due to the computer itself.

Retailers often take these returned machines, have the hard drive wiped, have the software reinstalled and have it placed back on the shelf on sale. These are also called "open box computers" which should never be confused with "factory refurbished notebooks." Hence, these "open box computers" can also have the full warranty of the manufacturer but this is totally dependent on the retailer. This is why it is best to check the warranty before you make the purchase.

If a notebook was returned due to working issues, transit damages and the like, most of the time, retailers replace the notebook's defective parts with standard factory parts. After this, it will go through a series of check-ups in order to make sure that it is already working properly. Then it will be placed on a sale price. This is now called "factory refurbished notebooks."

Occasionally, brick and mortar retailers sell these factory refurbished notebooks, however they are now more commonly sold online. You can also see them within the site of the main manufacturer. In fact, Dell, HP, Apple and various other manufacturers have refurbished notebook deals on their websites. When it comes to big box retailers, they don't stock refurbished notebooks in their store inventories but they are placed on their online stores.

With the low price, it is definitely an attractive deal but you need to consider the various potential consequences that can arise with the purchase of refurbished machines. So, prior to purchasing an open box or refurbished notebook computer, you need to ask for the remaining warranty and if it can be extended; ask if every component that came with it when it was new is still there; and ask if you can still return it if you will encounter problems with it.

Aside from all of this, before you buy a refurbished notebook, make sure that you are satisfied with it. Even if saving more than a $100 is a great deal, if it compromised the quality as well as your confidence in the machine, it is not worth it and you should just buy a new one.

Buying Antivirus Software

With all the different brands of antivirus software in the market, it is really hard to choose which can be the best for your computer. Although it is best to go with a reputable brand, there are antivirus software already comes with the computer. The best thing to do is to take note of the version and brand of antivirus software that comes with the computer; if this is preinstalled, if you will be the one installing it or if they will be the one to install it; if this antivirus software is fully functional or it is limited by a demo package; and if you will be entitled to virus defined updates. Once you have checked on this and you are satisfied with the answers then it is a sure deal.

by David H. Urmann