You can save a considerable amount of money by learning the used and refurbished Dell computers basics. For example, the costs of used and refurbished Dell computers can be considerably lower than new Dell computers. In addition, many used and refurbished Dell computers include a money back guarantee that covers defects and operational issues you may uncover during set up.

Before you buy, it’s important that you become knowledgeable about the used and refurbished Dell computers basics. Find answers to the following questions to help you determine if purchasing used and refurbished Dell desktops or laptops is a wise business investment.

1. What is the difference between product features for new versus Dell used computers?

2. Are there any operational disadvantages to purchasing used Dell computers?

3. Are used and refurbished Dell computers really more affordable than new Dell computers?

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Compare new versus used and refurbished Dell computers

By definition, refurbished Dell computers are those that a customer bought and returned to Dell due to defects or business IT upgrades. Even though the company repairs and recertifies the machine, they cannot repackage a refurbished Dell computer and sell it as a new computer. These refurbished Dell computers are then sold at discounted prices by Dell and other various online computer stores.

I recommend: Check out ArticleBlast for tips on buying used Dell computers and accessories. You may also consider reading more information about used and refurbished Dell computers by visiting the LifeHacker website.

Research pros and cons of purchasing refurbished Dell laptops and desktops

In most cases, refurbished computers will function just as well as a new Dell computer. The advantages of purchasing used Dell computers are dependent upon the wear and tear put on the machine by the previous owner. In any case, it's best to only buy refurbished and used Dell computers for sale that come with product warranties that cover defects and operational issues.

I recommend: Get tips on what to look for when comparing the value of new versus old Dell computers by checking out Used Computer Guide. You may also visit A1-computers for information on affordable used Dell laptops.

Save money with used Dell computers

Refurbished and used Dell PCs are typically less expensive than new machines. For example, the Dell Optiplex series is a line of used Dell computers great for business use. An off-lease or used Dell Optiplex can be purchased online for approximately $200 to $400 depending upon the machine's features, whereas new Dell desktops will range from $500 to thousands of dollars depending upon the system's performance.

I recommend: Find great deals on used and refurbished Dell laptops and desktops by checking out Tips Dr.com. You may also consider checking out Dell for information on various Dell refurbished computers and accessories available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When shopping for Dell used computers, it's important that you confirm that the computer comes equipped with a working battery and plug adapter. It's also not a good idea to purchase 'as-is' items unless you need a specific part from the computer.

"Dude, you're getting a used Dell computer!" may not have the ring of the tagline from the commercials, but if you can't afford a brand new Dell, used and refurbished Dell computers are a viable option. Used Dell computers carry the Dell name and reputation with a much lower price than new Dells, and Dell inspects, services, tests and repackages to original specifications, thus making for a lower defect rate.

Dell refurbished computers may be so classified for any of the following reasons:

1. A customer returned the computer because of a minor defect, then Dell repaired, tested and repackaged it.

2. Dell repaired the computer casing damaged in shipment, even if it was only a minor blemish.

3. It had damaged packaging during shipment, then returned to Dell.

4. The computer was a demonstration model, though inspected, tested and repackaged.

5. Somebody opened the box.

6. The computer was an overstock.

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Buy used and refurbished Dell computers direct from Dell

Not only does Dell test and repackage its refurbished computers, it sells them as well, giving you the chance to buy factory direct and save.

I recommend: The Dell Outlet Store sells refurbished Dell laptops and desktops for both the home and business office and offers a limited 3-year warranty on refurbished Dell computers. Dell Financial Services is Dell’s online outlet for its previously leased desktops and laptops; purchasers can search for Dell used computers by model name, processor speed, memory, operating system or hard drive capacity.

Bid on a great deal at an online auction

If you like the thrill of competing against others for deals on Dell refurbished computers, online auctions may be for you. Dell even has its own auction site.

I recommend: Dell Auction, founded by Dell in 1997, provides consumers with a safe and secure way to bid on refurbished Dell computers and accessories. Registration is free.

Deal with third-party suppliers of used and refurbished Dell computers

Although Dell offers its own outlets to sell its used and refurbished computers, some people would rather deal with a third-party provider in hope of getting a better price.

I recommend: BTN Systems offers most systems at 25 to 50% off new retail price, a fully transferable manufacturer’s warranty and same-day shipping on most units. UsedComputer.com lets buyers search for used and refurbished Dell computers by model and price range; UsedLaptops.com offers a similar search for used Dell computers, along with a standard 90-day warranty and an experienced in-house technical support staff. USA Notebooks offers discounts on its used Dell laptops for students, military, senior citizens and corporations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compare warranties as well as price when buying used and refurbished Dell computers. A refurbished Dell computer, being for all intents equal to a new Dell, usually carries a warranty equivalent to that of a new Dell, while a used Dell computer usually carries a much shorter warranty.
• •  Be aware that even though a refurbished Dell computer is practically new, it may not meet all your computing needs because it wasn't built to your specifications. You may find one pre-built Dell that meets your needs, but if you need multiple specialized computers, you aren't likely to find them among other users' castoffs.

The pricing and costs of used and refurbished Dell computers can be considerably lower than new Dell computers. In addition, many used and refurbished Dell computers come with a limited time warranty after purchase.

The Dell Optiplex series is a line of used Dell computers great for business use. There are a range of affordably priced low-end to high-end performance used Dell PCs from which to choose. For example, a used Dell Optiplex system will generally range in price from $200 to $400. Before purchasing used or refurbished Dell desktops or laptops, consider the following factors that could affect the overall pricing and costs of used and refurbished Dell computers.

1. Compare prices on new versus used Dell computers.

2. Budget for purchasing required complementary equipment for used Dell computers.

3. Plan to purchase new printers, software and other hardware for your new Dell system.

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Shop around for pricing and costs of new and used Dell computers

While most people assume that purchasing used and refurbished Dell computers will be a more cost-efficient choice, this isn't always true. Be sure to shop around and compare prices of used Dell computers to new Dell computers before you buy. Many online vendors sell refurbished and used Dell computers at affordable prices.

I recommend: Find great deals on used and refurbished Dell laptops and desktops by checking out Tips Dr.com. You may also consider checking out Dell for information on various used Dell computers and accessories available.

Budget for required components for Dell refurbished computers

While used Dell computers may carry a lower price tag, it's important to plan for all expenses that you may incur when purchasing a refurbished Dell computer. For example, most refurbished Dell desktops will not come packaged with keyboards and monitors. These accessories are also available used and refurbished, but it's a good idea to include the pricing of these items into your budget.

I recommend: Get tips on what to look for when comparing the value of new versus old Dell computers by checking out Used Computer Guide. You may also visit A1-computers for information on affordable used Dell laptops.

Plan to purchase accessories compatible with your Dell used computers

Buying the equipment is only a fraction of the costs incurred after purchasing used Dell desktops and laptops. If you are switching from a Mac or another computer manufacturer, you will most likely need to purchase new accessories such as printers and software compatible with Dell systems.

I recommend: Check out ArticleBlast for tips on buying used Dell computers and accessories. You may also consider reading more information about used and refurbished Dell computers by visiting the Laptoplunches’s Weblog website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're interested in purchasing refurbished or used Dell computers, it's a good idea to confirm that your computer comes with a warranty. This will allow you to set up your PC and return it if it does not work properly.

Whether you are looking to buy a new personal computer for yourself or outfit your entire office with Dell computers, consider buying used or refurbished products to save money. Before you decide which type to buy, consider your computer needs and your budget. Plenty of retailers sell used and refurbished Dell computers, so learn the vocabulary to make the right choices for your business.

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Refurbished Dell computers

A refurbished Dell computer is one that was previously damaged, but is now fixed. When the company receives a broken computer, Dell repairs the issue, tests it and sells the computer for a lower price than a new computer.

I recommend: Dell Financial Services explains what each refurbished computer goes through before resale.

Open box Dell

An open box computer is a PC sold by Dell that was simply opened, either at the store or by a customer who decided to return it. Though not actually used, such computers are always treated as used when it comes to pricing.

I recommend: Auction4it.com explains what a Dell open box computer is.

Previously ordered new

Previously ordered new refers to a computer that was ordered and then canceled by a customer before the customer received it. While these computers are not technically used, they are priced and treated as such.

I recommend: Cash Money Life explains the idea behind previously ordered new Dell computers.

Scratch and dent

These types of used or refurbished Dell computers have cosmetic damages that do not affect computer performance. The damage can range from slight to obvious, but the computer is always still intact and works well.

I recommend: Dell Outlet defines the scratch and dent computers available at a low price.

Same as new warranties and support

Dell offers a commitment that you will receive the same warranty and customer support on a used or refurbished computer that you would if you had bought a new computer from the company.

I recommend: Student Buying Guide explains the same as new support and warranty.

Off-lease

When a computer is leased by a company and then returned to its manufacturer, such as Dell, it is called an off-lease computer. It is refurbished and then sold at a low price.

I recommend: TigerDirect explains what off-lease means for Dell computers in its Questions and Answers section.