Recommendations for a Used or Refurbished Laptop - Budget ~$700

virhlpool on 20/02/2024 - 17:14
Last edited 20/02/2024 - 21:41 by 1 other user

I need to buy a used/refurbished laptop (ideally around $700 or less, though budget is a bit flexible based on what I get) for general/educational use at home. Not after any specific specs so basically looking for the best that this range of money can buy - I am sure it will have more than sufficient specs for school use etc.

There are many sellers out there on eBay and some with their own websites but I have never purchased a used laptop before so I would appreciate some recommendations for vendors as well as a good value laptop model. I assume that usually they don't have 'special' promo deals for used laptops so there should be no need to wait for a special OzBargain deal.

Thanks for your help with this, folks!

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 20/02/2024 - 17:27
    +3

    if you search for Refurbished on that top right corner you will see alot of thread, and you can see which stores on ebay has good feedbacks from comments on those threads.

  • CyberMurning on 20/02/2024 - 17:28
    +2

    you bought surface from AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER TRADERS so maybe buy again from them if you are happy…

    • virhlpool on 20/02/2024 - 18:49
      -2

      Thanks! I didn't end up buying it.. I guess it went OOS or so; I don't recall.

  • sumyungguy on 20/02/2024 - 17:33

    MacBook Air M1 are priced around $900 pre-owned… if you can stretch

    • virhlpool on 20/02/2024 - 19:28

      Thansk! Looking for Windows ecosystem though.

  • kmwa on 20/02/2024 - 17:59

    I got the laptop that I'm using now, 18 months ago from Renewd www.renewd.com.au
    HP Pavilion 15-AB124AX Laptop - 15.6"/AMD A10/1TB HDD/16GB RAM /Windows 10 - P4Y24PA × 1 $499.00
    90 days FREE Warranty × 1 Free
    Shipping $19.00
    Taxes $47.09
    Total $518.00 AUD
    An older model, but good value, and it's worked fine all that time.

    • ihfree on 20/02/2024 - 18:02
      +2

      Not a SSD?

      • kmwa on 21/02/2024 - 12:58

        No, but I've fitted a SSD into another identical laptop, and it worked a treat, with faster startup and no longer pausing while the hard drive was at 100%.

  • ihfree on 20/02/2024 - 18:00
    +3

    If you go the refurb route, 8th gen plus.

    I've bought various refurb systems for family - t480s, carbon X1, yoga 380 and a Dell 7390. The Dell was cheapest at $219. I prefer the Lenovo systems personally.

    Copy and paste of an old comment of mine regarding condition:

    I've bought 4 refurbs laptops now - from Australian Computer Traders and Max Trading Group. I've also bought 2 USFF systems from Metrocom.

    Checking battery health, they've all exceeded what was listed, however, this may just have been luck of the draw.

    • virhlpool on 20/02/2024 - 19:30

      Cheers. What do you mean by '8th gen plus'?

      • ihfree on 20/02/2024 - 19:43
        +2

        Intel CPU generation. For example 8250U.

    • Mechz on 20/02/2024 - 20:19

      Just be aware that some older models also have soldered RAM and aren't upgradable. Most if not all should be ok for M.2 SSD upgrades though.

  • solidussnake on 20/02/2024 - 19:47
    +2

    HP elitebook through act they were $350ish with a 8th gen Intel, rock solid my Gov department still uses them

    • virhlpool on 20/02/2024 - 23:41

      Thanks for a suggestion.

  • virhlpool on 21/02/2024 - 00:47

    Which option is better among these?

    Option 1 -> $459
    Option 2 -> $549
    Option 3 -> $456

    • virhlpool on 21/02/2024 - 01:53

      Option 4 -> 649
      Option 5 -> $389 -> Looks like a good deal but the listing doesn't mention about condition/ grading of laptop.
      Option 6 -> $459
      Option 7 -> $449

      • Mechz on 21/02/2024 - 10:26

        Option 1 or 2 IMO, touch screen is very handy even if you don't fold it into a tablet all the time.

        I have a Dell 5000 series with a 7th gen, touch screen convertible and 8gb of RAM. The hinge is still going strong.

        Either of these should last you a while.

        If you want a more premium device, the X1 would be my pick.

        • virhlpool on 21/02/2024 - 12:14

          Touch screen is my last priority to be honest because I almost don't use it ever. In that case, would you still go for the same options or would you recommend any other? Thanks heaps!

          • Mechz on 21/02/2024 - 13:25

            @virhlpool: Actually didn't notice option 1 was touch screen. For the money looks to be the best option.

            • virhlpool on 21/02/2024 - 14:00

              @Mechz: Option 6 is the same price as option 1. Dell 7410 vs Thinkpad 480.

              • Mechz on 21/02/2024 - 15:14
                +1

                @virhlpool: E480 isn't great, only 1 USB-C and 8th gen CPU.

                Dell has 10th gen and 2x USB-C.

                Easy decision.

  • soda-pop on 22/02/2024 - 20:41

    Make a list of features you want for your laptop.

    a) Do you prefer a gloss or matte finish screen?
    b) Is the weight important?
    c) Quality speakers?
    d) Connectivity important?
    e) 8th Gen and above recommended.
    f) Eliminate from your list those that don't fit your needs.
    g) You have your laptop.

    • virhlpool on 22/02/2024 - 23:35

      I ended up buying the option #1 in my shortlist above. Due to the current 20% off promo, the price went down to around $375, so it was a no brainer as long as the laptop doesn't come/become faulty.

      • CyberMurning on 23/02/2024 - 14:27

        lucky you i want that one too but sold out
        actually if your budget is 700 you should be able to get much better than those i dont know why you were looking at under 500 if your budget is 700-

        • virhlpool on 23/02/2024 - 18:14

          Please feel free to share an example of a better refurb one (<$700) which is equally good or better value for money.

          I could have spent more but I thought this will suffice the requirements for $375. I didn't want it for gaming etc.

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