Buying A Refurbished Laptop: A Good Choice?

Why would I consider buying a refurbished laptop? I just started a new consulting gig, and since it’s a contract, I’m not officially employed. That means no perks, no company-provided laptop, basically, I get to figure out my own setup. Exciting? Sure. But it’s also a little daunting, and a completely new experience for me

To be honest, part of my motivation was also to test whether buying a refurbished laptop is a good idea. My boyfriend suggested I go for a brand-new laptop instead. After all, it was back-to-school season and there were lots of great deals around. However, I decided to explore a different route.

The Old MacBook Dilemma

My current laptop is a MacBook that my boyfriend and I shared. It’s been my trusty companion for over ten years, but recently it’s started showing its age. The battery drains quickly, it struggles with Teams calls (and the microphone not working as it should) and opening Word or Excel tests my patience. As much as I love this MacBook, it was clear I needed something faster and more reliable for my consulting work, so I decided it was finally time to make a change.

Buying A Refurbished Laptop

While searching for options, I came across Insertech, a Montreal-based non-profit that refurbishes donated computer equipment. Their mission really resonates with me: they provide young and often disadvantaged people with training and work experience, while also extending the life of electronics. Apparently (at least that’s what I read on their website) Insertech takes old laptops and desktops from companies (donations I guess), refurbishes them, and sells them at affordable prices. And also there are no sales taxes! This means you get equipment without paying full retail, and at the same time, you support a local initiative that gives back to the community.

For someone like me who is both budget-conscious and who usually tries to make eco-friendly decisions whenever possible, it felt like a perfect match.

Since I wasn’t fully convinced about whether I was making the right choice, I asked on a local parent Google group whether they had any experience with Insertech, and one Mom replied with very helpful feedback. She mentioned that she had purchased laptops and tablet-laptops from Insertech, and apparently received excellent advice. She also had damaged devices repaired or set up without any trouble. Insertech also offers online workshops about extending the life of devices, which she found really useful. When I got this response, I was a bit more confident that I was making the right choice.

My Purchase: A Refurbished Dell Latitude for $525

After browsing their selection online, I decided on a Dell Latitude. I then biked over to Insertech in Rosemont,  got some advice from the staff, and walked away with a laptop that comes with a one-year warranty.

The price? $525 CAD, and I scored a 10% discount with my Accès Montréal card. If you’re not familiar with it, the Accès Montréal card costs $10 per year and gives Montreal residents discounts on local services and attractions. By using the card, I saved over $50, which already made the card worth it. I’ll dive deeper into all the perks of the card in another blog post soon.

Overall, I felt pretty happy with the purchase, but I haven’t used the laptop much yet, so only time will tell if I made the right choice. There is no guarantee for the battery, so that’s something I need to watch out for. I may have to replace it at some point in the near future.

Next Steps: Getting It Fully Set Up

Now that I have my new laptop, the next steps are making it fully ready for work. I’ll be installing a good and hopefully free (still need to do some research on that) antivirus to keep everything safe, and I’m weighing whether to go with Microsoft Office or stick with Google Docs for now. Another option I am considering is Libre Office. I’ll report back on what I’ve decided on in a future post.

A Laptop That’s Good Enough

I know there are probably more powerful laptop models out there, but I just wanted something that gets the job done. I’m all for purposeful spending, and don’t want to pay more just to have all the bells and whistles. Since I have not received a payment yet, I need to be a bit more resourceful.

Have you ever chosen a “good enough” laptop instead of the newest model with all the bells and whistles? How did it work out for you? Do you usually go for refurbished devices, or do you prefer brand-new? I’d love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects my personal experience and perspective. It is not intended as financial advice. For personal financial guidance, please consult a qualified financial professional in Canada.