Refurbs are older and might have a few dings, but you'll usually get more for your money.

Buying new isn't always the best route for your next laptop. Refurbished laptops can get you the same or even better specs as a new model, but without as high a price. Refurbs can also give you more room to prioritize the features you need. For instance, you might find a refurbished mid-range laptop with more memory and a better screen than a new budget machine at the same price.

There will be compromises, however. A laptop that looks brand-new might come with a well-used battery. Older models might struggle with the software you need to run. Warranty coverage can vary, with some sellers offering shorter coverage or none at all. Opting for refurbished can reduce some of the uncertainties of buying secondhand, but only if you know what the seller has checked and what to do if something goes wrong.

The biggest advantage to buying a refurbished laptop is almost always the savings. You're giving up the privilege of being its first owner and unboxing it fresh. That might not be a huge deal, but you have to understand what "refurbished" means for the seller you're considering.

A "used" laptop is generally sold in the condition that the previous owner left it. A professional refurbishment, meanwhile, should involve an inspection, cleaning, testing and repairs. Unfortunately, the standard for this varies across companies.

Dell and Apple, for instance, both have a program selling refurbished laptops.

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