Refurbished laptop vs new goods?

I'm currently considering buying a new notebook. I have the usual customer laptops up to 500 euro or refurbished thinkpads of different T-series for 379 euro. What would you rather buy?

It always depends on the purpose. Since they are used devices, you never know how long the battery will last, how worn the keys are and whether the screen is causing problems.

Which T model is it? For a T480, 379 euro would actually be good if the device is in order.

It is a T450s with i5 5th generation

https://www.notebookpartner.de/laptop/lenovo/lenovo-thinkpad-t450s-gebraucht-geprueft-i5-2-3-ghz-8-gb-240-gb-ssd-1-600x900-intel-hd-win10-2-jahre-garantie-akku-6-monate/a-932

I have several notebooks myself, including various ThinkPad models from the T series. I bought most of the devices used for an "Appel und Ei" and I'm still extremely satisfied with them. Probably one of the reasons why I have tied several of them to my leg and no longer want to give it up. 🤦♂️😉

I myself own The ThinkPad twice the T420 and T420s and the T460s. I only spent 100, - Euro for each and then expanded and / or "upgraded" them myself by making minor changes. Mine are bought used, "refurbished" notebooks can still recommend.

If you are tech-savvy, can do a few things yourself and guarantee is not so important to you, I would maybe check out eBay or eBay classifieds. If you prefer the "all-round carefree package" and are willing to spend a few euro more, I would buy the notebook from a dealer.

Refurbished ultimately only means that you get a new housing around a used device. Conversely, would that mean that you would not have taken a "normal" used laptop because of possible minor scratches / signs of wear? I don't think so… The status refurbished is just pretending to be a new device, you are cheating yourself…

I think a laptop is a mobile device, the area of use and handling of which you do not know before. With the purchase price, which is not totally cheap either way, you have "only" 120 euro difference - that would be worth a device that is definitely new to me.

Alternatively, you can try it much cheaper with a normal used device…

T3 driver

Since they are used devices, you never know how long the battery will last

Here was asked for "Refurbished". 😉 At appropriate dealers, the battery is either replaced with a new one or the condition is also stated.

how worn out the buttons are and whether the screen is causing problems.

It's basically very similar with the keyboard, the display and the other components. The devices are finally overhauled. Worn or defective components are replaced.

It's different when you shoot a used device on eBay. Since it is as it is and you usually do not get a 12 month guarantee.

I find that expensive.

The status refurbished is just pretending to be a new device, you are cheating yourself…

No offense but I think that's nonsense. If you look around for a refurbished dealer, you also know what you are buying. From there: The higher surcharge is mostly related to special services (guarantee).

But the guarantee is generally Shorter and less extensive than the new device. In addition, the dealer does not know how the device was previously traded…

Refurbished is needed. How long is open, could be 1 month, but could also be leasing equipment. Since the seller gives 2 years here (only 6 months on battery), you can assume that it has been overhauled properly. Still find 379 euro for a T450 a little bit expensive. Although you probably can't find anything better now.

Depending on the provider and offer, the guarantee is between 12 and 24 months. If you can live with it, it's perfectly fine. I myself am tech-savvy, can do without it and buy used equipment instead.

In addition, the dealer does not know how the device was previously traded…

At the dealer, the devices are usually professionally opened, checked, repaired and cleaned if necessary. Everything I've bought so far has been flawless. The oldest notebook has been with me for 5 years.

Refurbished is needed.

Yes and no, refurbished is not inevitably used. Among them, trade fairs and exhibits with a minimal runtime appear again and again. Even if it is, it will be completely overhauled.

Since the seller gives 2 years here (only 6 months on battery), you can assume that it has been overhauled properly.

A dealer can of course pay extra for the guarantee. Then there are the expenses (wages for employees, insurance, etc.) and the device value. If you put it all together, that's fair retail prices.

My oldest ThinkPad was bought used, is still running after 5 years and has kept up thanks to minor changes. As far as the 380 euro goes, even the older T420s goes away for 250 euro.