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How To Choose The Right Laptop: A Beginner’s Guide to Laptop Types

which laptop to buy

If you are planning to buy a new laptop, choosing the right laptop for your use – will be the most important decision before you make a purchase. 

Whether you need a laptop for work, school or college, gaming, or casual browsing, it’s important to understand what type of laptop will be best suited for your needs.

But with so many options available—brand new, open box, renewed, refurbished, and used — it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

If you’re an Indian consumer, particularly based in busy cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai or Thane, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi and Chennai, where tech-savvy buyers are always looking for the best laptop deals, I will guide you through the pros and cons of each laptop type.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of what laptop is right for you and how to make the most informed decision.

Do let me know in the comments section ,whether you liked this article or suggest me ways to improve this article.

What You Learn About Laptops in This Article?

1. Brand New Laptops

Brand new laptops, as the name goes, are absolutely new, manufactured fresh out of the factory, never used by anyone before, and usually come with the latest technology, features, and warranty.

All major laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Toshiba etc. sell these new laptops through official retailers, authorized dealers, or ecommerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Reliance Digital, Croma and LaptoBoost.

They come in sealed boxes, guaranteeing you’ll be the first owner.

Pros: Buying a Brand New Laptop

  • Latest Technology: You get the most up-to-date specifications, including processors, graphics cards, and software. This means faster performance and better hardware scalability for future use.
  • Full Warranty: Brand new laptops come with a full manufacturer’s warranty, often ranging from one to three years, providing peace of mind.
  • No Previous Wear and Tear: Since they are untouched, you don’t have to worry about hardware malfunctions or cosmetic damage from previous use.
  • Customization: Many new laptops can be customized before purchase, letting you choose everything from RAM size to storage options. (Dell is known to allow users to  customize configurations on its website before purchase.)

Cons: Buying a Brand New Laptop

  • High Cost: These laptops are the most expensive option. The latest technology doesn’t come cheap, and you’ll have to pay a premium amount of money for it.
  • Depreciation: Just like brand new cars, brand new laptops also lose value quickly. Within a year, your laptop’s resale value will likely drop significantly – almost upto 50-60%.
  • Known Issues: There is a risk of flawed design or architecture in laptop which may cause inherent manufacturing defects or functionality problems. (Do detailed research if a particular laptop model is known to have any manufacturing defects)

Who Should Buy a Brand New Laptop?

If you’re a professional working in fields like software development, graphic design, or gaming, where high-end specs are crucial, investing in a brand new laptop makes sense.

For instance, if you’re based in Mumbai and working from home, a new laptop with the latest specs ensures smooth multitasking, powerful performance, and no technical hiccups.

Example Use Case

Swati Rane, a seasoned .NET and Java developer staying in Mulund, needs a laptop that can handle intensive core programming tasks without slowing down. Since she relies on her laptop to meet tight deadlines, she opts for a brand new high-performance laptop with the latest Intel i7 processor and 32 GB RAM, knowing it will last her for years. She purchased a Dell Latitude 5450 Laptop and upgraded the RAM to 32 GB by opting for Laptop upgrade services from LaptoBoost.

2. Open Box Laptops

What are Open Box Laptops?

Open box laptops are essentially new laptops that have been returned by customers shortly after purchase.

These returns can happen for a variety of reasons, such as buyers changing their minds after purchase or receiving unwanted gifts.

Open box laptops are usually re-tested and sold at a discounted price.

Pros of Buying an Open Box Laptop

  • Almost New Condition: Since these laptops are returned shortly after being purchased, they are typically in excellent condition, often with no signs of wear.
  • Discounted Price: You can save a significant amount of money (often up to 20%) compared to buying brand new.
  • Full or Partial Warranty: These laptops usually retain either – full or partial manufacturer’s warranty, so you’re still protected for certain warranty period in case something goes wrong.

Cons of Buying an Open Box Laptop

  • Limited Stock: Since open box laptops are returns, they are available in limited quantities, and you may not always find the exact model you’re looking for. (Check Open Box Laptop Section on LaptoBoost)
  • Uncertainty: While most open box laptops work just as well as brand new ones, there’s always a slight risk that something was missed during testing. 

Who Should Buy an Open Box Laptop?

Open box laptops are great for buyers who want a almost new laptop at a reduced price.

If you’re a student or a young professional in Mumbai, Thane or Navi Mumbai, an open box laptop offers great value for money. Just be sure to purchase from a trusted retailer like LaptoBoost to ensure the laptop is in perfect working condition.

Example Use Case

Raj Sharma, a business analyst from Mumbai, needed a powerful laptop for data analysis but wanted to save some money. He found an open box laptop with an Intel i5 processor and 16GB RAM that was perfect for his needs—at a 15% discount.

3. Renewed Laptops

What are Renewed Laptops?

Renewed laptops, also called “Certified AGAN” (As Good As New), are laptops that have been rarely used previously and show minimal signs of usage or wear & tear. 

Renewed laptops undergo rigorous testing and cleaning, by certified professionals as they ensure the renewed laptops meet manufacturer standards.

These laptops are restored to a like-new condition and are often sold with a seller warranty.

Pros: Buying a Renewed Laptop

  • Lower Price: Renewed laptops are significantly cheaper than new laptops, allowing you to buy high-end models at most affordable prices.
  • Certified Quality: Because renewed laptops are certified by professionals, you can trust that they are in good working condition.
  • Eco-Friendly: By buying a renewed laptop, you’re a hero who contributes in saving the planet earth by contributing to a more sustainable product cycle 

Cons: Buying a Renewed Laptop

  • Older Technology: Renewed laptops are often older models, meaning they may not have the latest features or technology.
  • Limited Warranty: While they do come with warranties, these are often shorter than the warranty you’d get with a new laptop.

Who Should Buy a Renewed Laptop?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers reliable performance, a renewed laptop is a smart choice. For example, if you live in Thane and need a decent laptop for everyday work-from-home tasks like video conferencing and browsing, a renewed laptop can give you all the functionality you need without breaking the bank.

Example Use Case

Anjali Shastri, a teacher based in Thane, needed a laptop for conducting online classes. She found a renewed laptop with a Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, perfect for managing her teaching software, at a fraction of the price of a new model.

4. Refurbished Laptops

What are Refurbished Laptops?

Refurbished laptops are similar to renewed laptops, but the key difference is that refurbished models have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to defects or issues.

These defects are then repaired, and the laptop is tested to ensure it’s fully functional before being resold. Like renewed laptops, refurbished ones also come with warranties.

Pros: Buying a Refurbished Laptop

  • High Savings: Refurbished laptops are typically priced much lower than new laptops, offering significant cost savings.
  • Inspected and Repaired: These laptops have been inspected for issues and repaired by professionals, often ensuring high quality.
  • Warranties Available: Refurbished laptops usually come with warranties, giving you some protection in case of problems.

Cons: Buying a Refurbished Laptop

  • Risk of Shorter Lifespan: Since refurbished laptops have been previously used and repaired, there’s a chance they might not last as long as a new laptop.
  • Outdated Technology: Refurbished models are often a generation or two older, which means you might miss out on newer features.

Who Should Buy a Refurbished Laptop?

Refurbished laptops are an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance laptop without spending more money.

If you’re an entry-level employee or freelancer in Mumbai or a startup entrepreneur / small business owner  who needs reliable laptops at affordable prices, you can buy refurbished laptops and save huge amount of money.

Refurbished laptops can be for managing spreadsheets, emails, and presentations, as they offer a good balance of fair performance and affordability.

Example Use Case

5. Used Laptops

What are Used Laptops?

Used laptops also known as pre-owned or second-hand laptops, are sold directly by their previous owners, can be found in second hand markets or through online resellers/mediators like OLX or LaptoBoost.

These laptops haven’t gone through any professional refurbishing process, and their condition depends entirely on how they were used and maintained by the previous owner.

Pros: Buying a Used Laptop

  • Lowest Price: Used laptops are often the cheapest option, making them a good choice if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Availability: You can find a wide range of models online or through second-hand markets.

Cons: Buying a Used Laptop

  • No Warranty: Most used laptops don’t come with any warranty, meaning you’re taking on more risk.
  • Uncertain Condition: Since used laptops haven’t been tested or repaired by professionals, they may have hidden issues or hardware problems.
  • No After-Sales Support: If something goes wrong with the laptop, you’re on your own to fix it.

Who Should Buy a Used Laptop?

If you’re a student or someone who only needs a laptop only for basic tasks like browsing, watching videos, or light document editing, a used laptop might be an affordable option.

Just be sure to inspect it thoroughly before buying, or better yet, buy from a trusted platform like LaptoBoost.

Example Use Case

Akshay Mehta, a college student in Navi Mumbai, needed a budget laptop for taking notes and browsing the web. He bought a used laptop online and saved a lot of money, while still getting a laptop system that met his needs.

Which Laptop Type is Best for You?

  • Brand New Laptops: Ideal for professionals who need cutting-edge technology and are willing to invest for the long-term. Best for performance-heavy tasks like video editing & rendering, Graphic design, gaming, or coding or software development.

  • Open Box Laptops: Great for anyone looking for almost-new laptops at a discounted price. Ideal for professionals and gaming enthusiasts who want a reliable laptop without paying full price.

  • Renewed Laptops: Perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want a dependable, lightly used laptop with a warranty. Good for students, freelancers, web developers, digital marketers, Online Stock Traders,  and everyday work-from-home users.

  • Refurbished Laptops: A smart choice for those who want to save money while getting a professionally refurbished laptop. Best for startups, small businesses, or users who are accountants, back office executives etc. need a functional machine for standard office tasks.

  • Used Laptops: Best for buyers on an extremely limited budget who only need a laptop for basic tasks like browsing, word processing, or media consumption.

In conclusion, your choice of laptop should be based on your specific needs, budget, and the level of risk you’re comfortable with.

Whether you need the latest and greatest or a budget-friendly powerhouse, understanding the different laptop types will help you make a more informed decision.

Remember, no matter which option you choose, always check reviews, ask questions, and consider warranties to ensure you’re making the right investment.

In case of any doubts or queries, feel free to leave a comment here and I shall revert back with answers.  

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