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Buying second-hand computers and refurbished: What to look for

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tagsglossar, hardware, kaufberatung

2 min read

Buying second-hand computers and refurbished: What to look for

In short: Second-hand and refurbished devices save money and resources; you check condition, battery, display, storage and seller and watch for right of return and warranty.

In more detail: Second-hand means: sold privately or by dealers, unchecked or checked. Refurbished means: a dealer has checked, cleaned, possibly repaired the device and offers it with warranty. Business notebooks (ThinkPad, Latitude, EliteBook) in particular are robust and cheap.

In Depth

Advantages and risks

Advantages: considerably cheaper, often better build quality than new devices in the same price class, more sustainable. Risks: worn battery, signs of use, missing updates for very old models, hidden defects, locked devices (theft, activation lock), fraud in private sales.

What to check

  • Exterior: case, hinges, keyboard (wear), display (pixel faults, stains, brightness).
  • Technology: CPU/RAM type, SSD/HDD condition (SMART), battery capacity (powercfg /batteryreport on Windows, cycle count on Mac), Wi-Fi, ports, camera, speakers.
  • Locks: BIOS/firmware password, activation lock (Apple), MDM/company management, Microsoft account.
  • Windows licence and Windows 11 suitability (TPM 2.0, supported CPU).
  • Check the serial number, demand invoice and origin.
  • Understand the dealer’s condition grades (A/B/C).

Ways to buy

  • Refurbished dealers (for example Backmarket, Rebuy, Afbshop, Notebooksbilliger Outlet, manufacturer outlets): warranty/guarantee (often 12 to 36 months), right of return.
  • Business returns from specialist dealers.
  • Private (classifieds, Vinted, flea market): cheap, but no statutory guarantee if excluded (private sale), test the device in person, pick-up and cash payment, beware of prepayment/PayPal friends (no buyer protection).
  • Paperwork: keep the proof of purchase.

After the purchase

  1. Delete all data and reinstall the operating system if unclear (previous owner’s software could be spyware).
  2. Update BIOS/firmware and drivers.
  3. Check/replace battery and SSD if necessary (cheap, see upgrading).
  4. Remove dust, renew thermal paste if needed.
  5. Set up encryption and backup. If a defect occurs: contact the dealer within the guarantee period. A well-chosen second-hand device is sustainable and economical.

See also: Buying a laptop or PC, Drive and SSD health, TPM, Securely erasing drives