How to tell a refurbished Laptop?

Other than the obvious signs like scratches, and stuff on the keyboard, how can you tell if your laptop is refurbished? I have a suspicion that Dell might be using refurbished laptops to increase their supply...

 

My refurb had a bright red sticker on the bottom that said it was refurbished. It also had NO scratches, NO wear, NO sign of use at all. IDK where you are getting this info but I highly doubt Dell is sending out used laptops. Even all the refurbished ones (even the ones known as "scratch and dent") have been known to be spotless.

 

So basically there's no way of telling if they remove that red sticker. It'd be the same as a new one.

 

If WHO removed that sticker? Dell? LOL
Ok I understand you're probably very frustrated, seeing as how you've been waiting almost 2 months for a sunshine yellow laptop, but... seriously??? How did you come up with this idea and what proof do you have?

 

see if it smells, people always smell

 

I just applied your suspicion to Toshiba and HP, now what?

 

I don't have any hard evidence (if I do then it would be fact not suspicion) but nonetheless, it's possible. Plus, so many people are getting quasi-broken "new" laptops.

 

I highly doubt that..........I would think there are some parameters to which they actually label them refurbished, and have to let the people know

maybe on some conspiracy shelf they are, but its doubtful that taiwan and china are not willing or able to keep production equal to the demand

I would say the broken stuff is due to that same demand........they hire extra workers to fill the extra demand when people wait until the last moment around school time/christmas and they just want to shoot for the numbers, and some just arent put together the way they should be

 

My new-to-me Inspiron 1420 is a refurbished unit and it is flawless. There is not one scratch or smudge, I honestly would not be able to tell it is a refurb it it weren't for the sticker on the bottom.

I ordered it Sunday night and received it this morning. No complaints here.

 

As a sort of startling trend that people who are getting refurbs are much happier with their purchase.

 

Trust me, Dell and other manufacturers are not using refurbished machines and them selling them off again as new... If they were caught doing that they'd be in for some VERY heafty fines from the Federal Trade Commission which says they have to specifically label anything refurbished. Not to mention the loss of goodwill they would suffer if that were to surface...

The risks are too high for them to do it... That is why they have the outlet store.

 

Hi folks,

While looking for any information on Dell refurbished systems I came to this thread.

I have received a replacement (Germany) which came within one week (from order to delivery) only and when I opened the box the laptop was not that wrapped as it was before. The laptop came without the plastic foil between the keyboard and the screen (which protects the surface around the keys and around the touchpad) and without the foil on the bottom. I know how a brand new laptop will be wrapped and protected.

However the tape stripes sticked there without any function. Additionally a lot of fingerprints were above the keyboard next to the power button. The protecting film on the infrared sensor was half missing.

It just looked like another customer has sent it back and Dell forwarded it to me.

What do you think?

Rudi

 

It's possible. But, it seems like if Dell removes the tape saying "Refurbished" then we have no way of telling if it's bad workmanship or refurbished.

 

look for the sticky residue where the refurbished tape would be =P

 

As Dell do not sell refurbished laptops in Germany (as far as I know) a sticky residue will probably not be there.
Anyway, can you tell me whrer the "refurbished" sticker is located on the laptop? That would be great.

Thanks

Rudi

 

At first, when i received my computer with "the classic" defects everyone is having and it was shipped 1 month before the estimated date, i though that maybe Dell were sending less defective laptops to other customers so maybe they just ignore them and accept... there is nothing to prove it so it just ended on a thought...

 

Yup, got my Qosmio refurb. Kicks so much ass I had to ask the government to import some new ass cause it ran out of asses to kick.