Are reconditioned laptops a good buy?

dllive

Ive had a Dell Latitude E5550 for 5 years. Its been 100% reliable. However, its starting to physically erode (mainly the keyboard!) so I feel its time to buy another one. Also, Windows 7 is no longer supported (even though I think its the best OS ever. But thats a debate to be had for another time!).
The prices on Dell's website doesnt seem to have reduced for similar spec laptops, so Im looking at reconditioned laptops. These are much cheaper than brand new laptops. I was curious to see if anyone on here has bought a reconditioned laptop/desktop; thinsg to watch out for; best website to buy from etc...
Thanks

J_B

Guessing that it has an HDD?

Why not get a new keyboard, a new SSD and a new OS - don't suppose it would cost you a hundred quid (?)

Thenonameleague

Looks like the hard drive is easy to replace, OS would be easy, not looked for the keyboard. 

elsien

I had a refurb from Argos eBay shop. Lasted for years, aside from the battery which is going to happen sooner or later anyway. 

HereToday

Thenonameleague said:

Looks like the hard drive is easy to replace, OS would be easy, not looked for the keyboard. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kLmXZwX05g

[Deleted User]

Hi,

and here's how to get win 10 free.

dllive

Wow, thanks guys. I think replacing hardware and the OS is the way forward.
Which begs my next question: who best to get it done? (Im not confident to do it myself, or have the time, and dont mind paying someone so I have peace of mind). Perhaps a big shop like Curry's, or a one-man band? (in which case is there anything I should watch out for such as if they offer a guarantee etc...)
Thanks!

Aesop

I wouldn't touch Currys. I would look for a local IT shop/guy/gal who comes highly recommended. In my area we have a local facebook community group. The same people and shop are always highly recommended for IT related issues. Price wise and reliability. The people at C£rrys are not necessarily IT trained sufficiently. Plus someone local will more likely give you a guarantee and will be easier to go back for any issues than the bigger shop.

HereToday

Recommended SSD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-MX500-CT1000MX500SSD1-NAND-Internal/dp/B0764WCXCV
Cheaper alternatives:
https://www.mymemory.co.uk/memory/data-storage/ssd-drives/120gb-ssd.html?dir=asc&order=price
https://www.mymemory.co.uk/memory/data-storage/ssd-drives/240gb-ssd.html?dir=asc&order=pric

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Dell-Latitude-E5550-E5570-QWERTY-UK-Backlit-Keyboard-0FP37Y/284035073157 from £20 to £35.

Perhaps £50 + VAT to fit them both.

Of course cheaper to do it yourself, if you have at least a little patience.

Mrabs

Replacing keyboards,harddrive and memory are fairly straight forward with patience and ability.
But now could be the time to try a Linux based Os  if you want a change.
No cost but some mental input suggest Linux Mint.

J_B

dllive said:

Which begs my next question: who best to get it done? (Im not confident to do it myself, or have the time, and dont mind paying someone so I have peace of mind). Perhaps a big shop like Curry's,.................

Nooooooooo - not Currys

Aesop said:

I wouldn't touch Currys. I would look for a local IT shop/guy/gal who comes highly recommended. In my area we have a local facebook community group. The same people and shop are always highly recommended for IT related issues. Price wise and reliability. The people at C£rrys are not necessarily IT trained sufficiently. Plus someone local will more likely give you a guarantee and will be easier to go back for any issues than the bigger shop.

That's the way to do it!