The 411 on Refurbs

In the spirit of the holidays, with thoughts of re-gifting already in our heads, I want to have a quick chat about something sort of related to that topic.

Refurbished electronics.

With the rising cost of electronics and the rising decline of the economy running neck in neck in the race to claim every cent we have, many people are taking a used car approach to buying the latest in cutting edge technology. I used to b e an anti-refurb guy myself. But after a couple of good experiences I have changed my mind...somewhat.

With a few caveats and simple guidelines perhaps you too will find that iPod of your dreams on the cheap, sitting pretty in the used-but-just-like-new pile.

The cool thing about purchasing a refurbished laptop or television is that it helps us do our part to save the environment. No really. This isn't me being all hippie-trippy here. The refurb market helps cut down on the number of consumer tech that ends up contaminating and overpopulating landfills. Kumbaya, let's all run down to the Haight now.

Whoops, wrong decade.

Anyway, environmental concerns aside, another great advantage to buying a reworked, re-energized piece of tech is the cost to you. Refurbished items tend to cost less, in some cases, much less than their brand new shiny counterparts. Obviously this has to do with the fact that the item is pre-owned and pre-used.

Now all refurbished electronics are not created equal. What to look for in a refurbed laptop for example is not necessarily what you would need to concern yourself with when searching for a mini video camera. Here's a breakdown of simple Dos and Don'ts using two types as examples:

Laptops or Desktop computers: Seek out either manufacture produced refurbs or store refurbs offering a warranty. Refurbished tech from Apple or any other big manufacture will likely come with some form of guarantee after being rigorously tested to insure peak performance. These computers are also sold directly by the manufacturer at discount prices. They have been checked, fixed, and made to be as good as new. Store refurbs are also professionally worked on and offer a level of piece of mind that just doesn't come from buying a used laptop from the Sanford junk lot and garage sale.

Video Game Consoles: Avoid buying from anyone who has "fixed" a 360, Wii or PS3 themselves. You never know if they have been modded in any way that might cause you problems down the road. The above info on laptops also holds true for both last Gen and Next Gen gaming systems. My only advice would be that when getting a refurb console inquire into the manufacturing history and specific specs of the model you are buying. If it is a 360 that had previously Red Ringed for instance, run away screaming and say, "No Gracias." Again, the best bet is to buy from the manufacturer or a reputable store that offers some form of warranty and technical support should anything go wrong.

Remember, the bottom line with buying quality refurbs is that you want cheaper, good as new products that have the same guarantee of continued, quality performance as actually new products.

So let's here your thoughts on refurbs. What have been some good buys or horrible nightmare pick-ups? Have any questions about where to start looking for good tech, slightly used? Ask in the comments and I'll let you know. As always, you can also follow my electro-geek ramblings about all things tech-related on Twitter @SavingsGCapes.