A refurb is a unit that someone did not want. Supposedly, they get checked out and re-certified for sale at a lower price. It may be okay if you're getting a warranty with it. However, if it turns out to be a dud don't count on being able to return it to the store for a refund. You'll probably have to send it away to heaven knows where to get it fixed or pay someone local to repair it.

Refurbished units can be a good deal and in most cases they are something that was returned just because the buyer didn't like the item.

As suggested, read the warranty/return policy fine print carefully so there are no surprises.

If it is a deal you can't walk away from and there is a warranty no reason not to go for it.

Always remember four things that have never changed:

You get what you pay for,
If it sounds too good to be true it usually is,
Buyer beware, and
When in doubt.....don't.

Good luck.

DA

Good advice from DA.

Prices have plummeted for entry level laptops, they're cheaper than ever. If buying a refurb, compare the price to a new one to be sure there's a savings involved. Computer makers add many onboard component upgrades to juice the price (because margins are low on the basic machines). Many of these upgrades are unnecessary for an average user, a basic machine might fill the bill. Buying something with fewer features is a way to save money too.

Just like with outlet stores or other retail stores, the fact that it "looks" like a good deal doesn't necessarily mean that it is.