It never ceases to amazed me just how much we rely on technology these days. Growing up the idea of a handheld device you could watch movies on, or make phone calls wirelessly from on top of a mountain were not even a thought. The big thing when I was a teen was cable and Sony Walkman portable players.
I also cannot believe how far computers have come. When I was young I had a massive IBM computer that was so heavy it took two people to move it. Back then we only had a black screen and a little square that appeared on the screen (curser). These days computers are small and lightweight and you can take them everywhere with you.
Many of us “need” our computers whether it’s for work or for keeping up with family and friends. Sadly computers “die” and we find ourselves in need of a new one.
Computers have come down in price considerably, but for many their prices are out of reach.
When my previous computer was dying I needed a new one ASAP but I didn’t have the money for it. Thankfully I had a gift card and a little money set aside so I was able to get one that was on sale. It wasn’t the laptop I wanted, but I was desperate for a new one so I purchased it (I like my laptop now. It’s a nice little laptop).
Recently my husband’s laptop started to have a lot of problems. It’s about 8+ years old – a “dinosaur” by today’s standards. He does so much for me and our family that I wanted to find a way to get him a new laptop to surprise him with. Unfortunately I don’t have the money for a brand new laptop, but can afford a refurbished one.
A refurbished computer is usually a computer that has been previously leased to corporate customer, used as a display/sample unit or returned by customers for a variety of reasons. They are not old or damaged computers – although some might have a scratch or blemish that doesn’t affect it’s functionality in any way.
Refurbished electronics cost much less than their brand new counterparts and work just as well. They are not “rejects” or junk.
The key to buying refurbished electronics is to know the computer you are buying from and see if they offer any kind of a warranty on their products. Also look for companies that are certified to offer refurbished products.
I really wanted to get my husband a “new” computer, but I knew a brand new one was not feasible. I knew I had to go with a refurbished laptop.
I found a great buy on refurb.io (spellend with a lower case “r”). Refurb.io offers consumers refurbished desktops and laptops from such brands as HP, Dell, IBM and Lenovo. My husband previous had a Dell but has been borrowing an HP from his job. I know he likes the HP so I opted to get him an HP laptop.
I purchased an HP Elitebook 8440P laptop for my husband. It features a 14.1″ screen, Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive. It sold for $249.00 on refurb.io. The same computer sells at Kmart for $399.99. That is almost a $150 savings!
Reburb.io is both Microsoft Certified and Microsoft Authorized to refurbish computers.
Purchasing refurbished computers is great for college students, families, parents and those who like a great deal.
I should note that my husband is a computer tech. That is his job. He’s been working with computers for almost 20 years and he’s familiar with popular brands like HP, Dell and IBM because he works with them all the time.
I placed my order for the laptop for my husband (shipping was affordable too). The laptop arrived at our door four days after I placed my order. Talk about speedy! I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly refurb.io shipped out the laptop.
My husband LOVED his gift. He’s been using it ever since he received it. So far, so good. He has not noticed anything wrong with the functionality of the computer. After he set everything up (putting the computer on our router, bookmarking his favorite sites, adding our virus protection…) he was all set to go.
I asked him if he noticed anything wrong or if he’s had any issues with the computer. He said “no.” I asked him, as a computer tech, what does he think about the computer. He told me that it’s a really nice computer, it’s in great working condition and it’s just as good as a computer I could have spent hundreds more on.
The only “flaw” he noticed was a very small dent on one corner. To be honest I didn’t even notice it until he pointed it out. It’s not noticeable unless you are looking for it. I had him purposely look over every inch of the computer – inside and out – that is why he found it. I think if you were not looking for it you wouldn’t even notice it. It does not effect the functionality of the computer in any way.
Another benefit to buying a refurbished laptop or desktop from refurb.io, aside from saving a lot of money, is that it helps to keep the devices out of landfills. Refurbishing the computers and laptops give them new life and they are able to be enjoyed again and it keeps them from ending up in the local dump. I’m all for recycling, repurposing and giving new life to things to keep them from sitting in landfills and destroying our planet.
Buying from refurb.io is a “win-win” situation – you get a great device at an affordable price and it keeps the devices from wasting away in a dump.
If you would to check out what refurb.io has to offer visit refurb.io (type it in you brower exactly or click on the link). The link will take you to the U.S. refurb.io site. You can also change to the Canadian site by clicking on the flag at the top right of the screen and then clicking on the Canadian flag.
Be sure to check the site often as their inventory is constantly changing.
You can also find refurb.io on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Reburb.io is currently offering 10% off of laptops using the discount code LAUNCH10.
In addition, refurb.io would like to give a lucky reader a $100 gift code towards the purchase of a laptop or desktop on their site. Thank you refurb.io!
This giveaway is open to U.S. AND Canadian residents only and will end on April 12, 2015 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and tell me why you want to win the $100 gift code to refurb.io?
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries wont’ qualify (I do check). Extra entries are optional.
Kimberly
*I received a free product in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Sandy Klocinski says
Mama needs a lap top
ron schnell says
awesome!
Linda Kish says
My netbook is dying a very fast and painful death.
Karen Drake says
I would like to buy the DELL LATITUDE E6400, 14.1″ LAPTOP from their website.
tabitha says
i want to win so my dd can can have her own laptop.
Kristen says
I’m wanting to replace my old laptop.
heather s says
I need a new tablet
Kelly D says
I would like to win so I can get a Dell Laptop.
latanya says
to get my husband a new laptop
Richard Hicks says
I want to win because they have perfectly good stuff at a nice discount
Adrienne gordon says
my son needs a laptop
Christine says
I really need to to replace my old laptop.
Thanks for the chance!
Brittney House says
I would like a laptop for a cheaper price than at regular stores.
M.Clark says
I want to win the $100 gift code to refurb.io so I can get a laptop, because the last laptop I had was refurbished and it worked very well. I would definitely purchase another refurbished laptop.
A. Marshall says
I would like to win the $100 gift card because my stores do not sell well refurbished laptops, my family won’t let me own one of theirs and I’m going to head into college soon, within a few months depending on notifications. So I need a good laptop before I start to move and keep up with my work and data.
Larry Fullhart II says
Desktop computer.
Margaret Smith says
I’d like to get my son a laptop. He’s going off to college in the fall and we need to buy him a laptop. Thanks so much.
jules m. says
i could use a desktop at home, i have a monitor but no desktop
nickie says
I need a new tablet
Holly Thomas says
I would love to get a new lap top.
Kim Kihega says
I would love for my son to have his own laptop, but don’t want to buy him an expensive one since he s still a bit careless with things.
klynn says
My current computer is about 10 years old. The slowest thing ever.
Stacey b says
I want to win so I can finally get my kids their own computer.
JR FrugalMom says
I would buy the DELL GX745, TOWER, INTEL CORE 2 DUO 2.4GHz, 4GB, 250GB, DELL 19″ FLAT SCREEN
JR FrugalMom says
My oldest son is in middle school, and he is getting to the point where he needs his own computer for school, which is why I would love to win this giveaway.
Chrystal D says
The fan in my laptop isn’t working ( so I’ve had to run a floor fan all throughout the winter to keep it cool ), it’s slow and outdated. Winning this would help me to get a new one!
Michelle R says
We have two laptops, but my MIL has destroyed hers somehow. I would like to get her a new one. I never thought about using a refurbishing site!
marc Woronoff says
like
Linda Lansford says
I will get a tablet
lynn clayton says
my son needs a new laptop for school work
rickel bart says
i soooooo need to upgrade
Mitch says
Get my brother a laptop! He just started college.
Emily says
i’d get a new laptop
Alona Y says
I’d love to get this because my current laptop just died!
Soha MOlina says
I wanna get a laptop for my daughter.
Denise B. says
I could use something for our daughter to use for her homeschooling.
Karen says
I need a new laptop. The one I have is only about 3 and a half years old, but I use it all day every day. I really think I’d like to get a refurbished one because like you said, there’s nothing wrong with them.
Steve C says
Buy a $1000.00 computer for $200.00? Why Not?
michal k says
I would like to win the $100 because i then i could buy a extrernal hard drive that i need,thank you.
Misty Battle says
I really would love to win this because I need a better laptop.
E Kay says
I would get a desktop because ours recently died and it’s less distracting using one
Betty says
Laptops have a life and I would like to move up to 8.1
Erika C. says
I would love to surprise my mom with a new laptop for Mother’s Day.
Lauren Olivia Wood says
I want to buy a new laptop so bad!
Sandy Cain says
I’d love to win this because my brother needs a new laptop, and he can’t afford the inflated prices for a new one. I’d get him a real nice refurbished one from here! Thanks for the chance to win!
xty cruz says
I would like to win this to buy a new laptop for my parents
Sarah Oswald says
I would love to win this so I can get a laptop thanks for the chance to win.
Enrique Herrera says
I would love to win this for my little sister, she’s in high-school, and really dislikes our stationary computer. We could use it to buy her laptop, for all of her studies and free-time. 🙂
Meghan Malicoat says
I would love to win because I am obsessed with all things electronic.
Melanie Montgomery says
I could really use a new laptop
Katherine says
I only have a desktop so would love to be able to have an affordable laptop
Kim Keithline says
I could use the gift card to get the kids a new laptop the really need one for school
darby says
My laptop is dying so this would be great!
Michele P says
I would like to win so my mom can get a laptop at a great price… or even a desktop for that matter, she doesn’t own a computer and I would like her to have one so she can keep in touch.
Ronald G says
To help my 87 year old mother upgrade her old computer
joanna reed says
I would use it to go towards a laptop for our family. Thank you
christine j says
i would love the DELL LATITUDE E6400, 14.1″ LAPTOP, INTEL CORE 2 DUO 2.4GHz, 2GB, 160GB
Edmond says
OMG, never have any fancy laptop but need one bad. Re: WOW, I need the prize to buy much needed grocery & supplement to get well soon. OMG. Wow, prize $100 gc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the gc to shop and eat again. A life changing exp.
lori b says
i would love to replace my ancient laptop
Jennifer Williams says
We could use a computer for the kiddo!
Surso S. says
my wife really needs a new laptop her screen is taped on the battery is done and he hard drive is going. this would be great.
Jessica Gipson says
I would Love to use this on my laptop.
Angela W says
I would like to buy the DELL LATITUDE E6400, 14.1″ LAPTOP
chris hoey says
Daddy needs a laptop!
brandy c says
I’d love to get a new laptop, my old one failed suddenly after working hard for years.
Tina W says
I would love to be able to get a tablet for my Dad while is in a nursing home after rehab. He’s not computer savvy but I could have it set up with FB so he could just tap and be able to see messages and photos from the entire family.
Nikki K says
My computer died on me about 6 months ago, it’s driving me nuts not having one but I don’t have any money to buy one.
Barbara Fox says
I would really like a pad.
Amanda Bernard says
I want to win because I’ love to surprise my husband with a laptop.
Lisa Fonseca says
My daughter’s computer recently blew up so she news a replacement asap. This would be an awesome way to get one at a deep discount.
Lisa V. says
I could use a new laptop. Mine now doesn’t keep a charge.
Victoria Robinson says
It’s due time to replace my old laptop!
Stephanie Larison says
I am in need of a new laptop.
Tina Reynolds says
I would really like to upgrade my ipad
Birdiebee says
I would love to win as the products on their site are really affordable that I could finally get a tablet that I’ve always wanted.
Sarah L says
My laptop was dropped and doesn’t work any more so I’ll get a new one.
Thanks for the contest.
April Brooks says
My oldest sister, now 52, is going to college for the first time ever. She is getting her psychology degree online, and is having to do her work on her Android phone, because she doesn’t have a computer, and no money to buy one. I would definitely like to win this for her. Thank you!
April
laurie murley says
I need a new desktop mine is old and doesn’t work to good
melina r says
My old laptop broke down last month and could really use a new computer soon, would love to win the $100 to lower my out of pocket.
Kristin says
I actually would like to get a desktop. I’ve used a laptop for SO long it might seem odd to change up, but it would be nice to have in the spare bedroom.
Michelle D says
I’d love to win this because my current laptop is on its way out, and this would help towards the purchase of a new one!
Deborah G says
I want to get this since my laptop keeps shutting down and not working properly, so I’d like to replace it!
Philip Lawrence says
I believe in recycling everything and I could always use a used tablet.
eguiver says
Need a new laptop
Leela says
DELL GX380, INTEL CORE 2 DUO 2.93GHz, 4GB, 250GB, 19″ MONITOR.
Mae says
I would love to try a refurbished laptop
April Morrison says
I could definitely use a new computer.
Jerry Marquardt says
It would be a fantastic deposit on a laptop which is direly needed.
Lily Kwan says
I want to win the $100 gift code to refurb.io because it looks very useful!