The severe downturn in the economy has created a market for second hand items such as cheap refurbished laptops. These unprecedented conditions that have been said to border an actual economic depression has wounded the major industries. Moreover, the American consumer has been propelled into debt by the horrific conditions within the real estate and lending markets. Many owe more than they are worth. Despite these grim conditions, the need for the utilization of the latest technology by the average American remains constant. Recently, many of those in need of laptop computers have been buying them second hand, since they tend to be cheaper that way.

Cheap refurbished laptop computers are an alternative for the frugal buyer. Most of the major computer manufacturers have engaged in resale programs for their previously owned computers. However, the quality and reliability of these programs may vary among manufacturers. One of the more expansive programs belongs to Hewlett Packard and Dell. Refurbished HP laptops come with extended warranties guaranteeing much of the hardware and some of the software, but like many things that have been pre-owned, there can and will be problems.

Refurbished HP laptops boast an extremely comprehensive program that focuses on quality control and assurance. This is done by mandating that all units slated for refurbishment meet uniform and stringent standards. These standards include the replacement of defective parts with new ones. Those units with obvious scratches and cosmetic damage will not be considered if they cannot be repaired completely.

Affordable refurbished laptop computers are not always units that have actually been used. Many come from large orders by businesses that are returned unused for various reasons. Others may have been slightly used and were warranty returns for defects that were easily repaired. Some older, outdated products that are still useful to the consumer are also sold as cheap refurbished laptops.

A refurbished HP laptop can be returned within ten days of the delivery date. Like any large corporation, they compel the consumer to call a toll free number to obtain an authorization form describing the reason for the return. Dependant upon the type of return, sending the laptop to the company for repair may cost the consumer in shipping charges. The biggest downfall to purchasing a cheap refurbished laptop is that the computer may have been substandard to begin with. The flaws are often found within the design itself and though the parts can be replaced with new ones, they too may falter.

Buying a cheap refurbished laptop computer may or may not be the most frugal thing to do. The quality of the computer itself must be considered along with the reputation of the manufacturer and its program. The overall needs of the consumer must be weighed against the potential for savings, and in such tough economic times, buying a refurbished laptop instead of a new one can prove to be an even tougher decision.