Even Laptops Need a Mid-Life Crisis Plan: Trends in Refurbishment and Sustainability

In today's tech-driven world, laptop refurbishments are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost efficiency and environmental benefits. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current state of the laptop refurbishment market. 

Know this: you are not alone. Handling the refurbishment part of the asset lifecycle can be daunting, but also highly rewarding for your company. Save money and save the planet. One refurbished laptop at a time.

30% of IT departments in large corporations reported adopting refurbished laptops in 2023. (Source: Forrester Research). This will continue to grow as companies have an eye on cost savings and sustainability. 

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Key Trends

Debunking the myth that refurbished laptops suck. 

Many IT teams are concerned that refurbished laptops means lack of quality and reliability. Yet studies show that 70% of refurbished laptops undergo rigorous certification processes, ensuring high-quality standards. (Source: TechValidate) and 85% of refurbished laptops meet or exceed performance benchmarks similar to new devices. (Source: Consumer Reports)

Eco-Friendly Practices

Help create greener tech within your organization by making refurbished laptops part of your lifecycle management strategy. Refurbished laptops help keep the planet green. Extending the life of laptops led to a reduction of approximately 200,000 tons of electronic waste in 2023. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) and helped save over 5 million tons of raw materials annually. (Source: Green Electronics Council)

Warranty and Support

Another myth around refurbished laptops is that they do not fall under warranty. 60% of refurbished laptops come with warranties of at least one year, with some extending up to three years. (Source: Refurbished Computer Association) And 75% of refurbishers offer customer support comparable to or better than that of the manufacturers of a new laptop. (Source: PCMag)

Technological Advancements

Many providers of refurbished laptops are able to update and enhance the laptop’s performance. 40% of refurbished laptops are equipped with newer processors, SSDs, and enhanced graphics. (Source: TechRadar) Refurbishers are also using advanced diagnostic and repair tools, leading to a 20% increase in device reliability. (Source: ITProPortal)

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Benefits to Refurbishment

Cost Savings

• Price Comparison: Refurbished laptops are typically priced 30-50% lower than new models. (Source: CNET)
• ROI for Businesses: Companies can reduce IT expenses by up to 40% annually by opting for refurbished laptops. (Source: IDC)

Environmental Impact

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Using refurbished laptops can cut the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new devices by an estimated 50%. (Source: Carbon Trust)
• Sustainable Practices: 80% of refurbishers follow environmentally responsible practices, including recycling and safe disposal. (Source: Sustainable Electronics Recycling International)

Performance and Reliability

• User Satisfaction: 90% of users report satisfaction with the performance of refurbished laptops, finding them comparable to or better than new devices. (Source: Laptop Mag)
• Longevity: Refurbished laptops generally have a lifespan of 2-4 years, depending on the model and upgrades. (Source: TechSoup)

Extended Warranty and Support

• Warranty Coverage: 70% of refurbished laptops come with a warranty period of 12 months or more. (Source: Warranty Life)
• Support Services: 80% of refurbished laptop providers offer comprehensive customer support, including technical assistance. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

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Refurbishing Laptops: Recoup your investment and help the planet

The refurbished laptop market is experiencing robust growth, driven by cost savings, environmental benefits, and advancements in refurbishment technology. As businesses increasingly opt for refurbished devices, the sector is set to continue its expansion, offering a smart and sustainable alternative to new laptops.

At Remota, we can help you with your refurbishment program. We have rigorous processes to identify the assets in your fleet that can be reused, saving you money and contributing to a better environment.

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