New or Refurbished IT Equipment: Which Suits Your Business Best?

As start-ups and SMEs search for new ways to combine environmental responsibility with good financial management, refurbished devices have seen a real surge in popularity in recent years. Refurbished hardware in particular helps to avoid overproduction and extends the lifespan of devices. However, new devices also have their place—especially for companies experiencing rapid growth.

We’re here to help you make the best decision—one that fits both your employees’ needs and your business requirements.

What’s the difference between a new and a refurbished computer?

A refurbished computer is one that was previously used by a company or a private individual, and then cleaned, repaired, and tested either by a manufacturer or by an independent workshop to meet quality standards.

A new computer, on the other hand, has never been used and comes straight from the factory.

Pros and cons of refurbished equipment

Advantages of refurbished hardware for businesses

• Attractive price: Refurbished computers are generally 30% to 60% cheaper than new ones. The price depends on the year of manufacture and the condition of the device.

• Environmental benefits: Choosing refurbished equipment gives IT devices a second life, prevents the production of new products, reduces electronic waste, and helps decrease your company’s CO2 footprint.

Disadvantages of refurbished hardware for businesses

• Performance: Refurbished devices are often less powerful than brand new, high-end computers. Compatibility with the latest software or new technical advancements—such as improved battery life—can become issues.

• Older models: Make sure the model you pick fits your future needs! While there are some recently released refurbished devices available, most are older models—which might become outdated faster.

• Limited selection: The range of refurbished computers tends to be more limited, as it depends on the available stock and spare parts, especially if you require specific configurations (e.g., memory, processor).

• Warranty: Refurbished computers often come with shorter warranty periods compared to new devices, although this varies by supplier.

The pros and cons of new devices

Advantages of new devices for businesses

• Wide selection: New devices offer a broad range of models and configurations, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your employees’ tasks and needs.

• Warranty: New devices typically come with longer warranty periods, giving you peace of mind for months or even years if any technical issues or component changes arise.

• Design and innovation: With new devices, you get access to the latest models with modern designs and features that improve user comfort—such as keyboard types, touchscreens, or 2-in-1 devices.

• Performance: A new device will always be more powerful than a refurbished device of the same model, especially in terms of battery life or current technology.

Disadvantages of new devices for businesses

• Price: One of the most important factors for companies is price. Buying new IT equipment is obviously more expensive than opting for refurbished devices. The cost ranges from €850 to €3500 for a high-performance model, depending on brand, model, and specs (expect around €1800 for a standard professional-grade device). However, there are alternative financing options—especially for start-ups and SMEs—like leasing, which allows you to spread out costs and protect your liquidity.

Interested in a more flexible financing option? Discover our tailored leasing offer – ideal for businesses looking to preserve liquidity while staying up to date with the latest IT equipment.

• Environmental footprint: New devices mean new production and therefore new resource consumption (manufacturing, transport, etc.). If you choose to buy new hardware, consider options that enable second use (such as refurbishment, recycling, or donation).

Conclusion

Choosing between new and refurbished computers depends on a variety of factors. It’s important to ask yourself the right questions ahead of time:

• Employees’ needs by role: Some jobs require especially powerful hardware, such as graphic designers or developers.

• Financial considerations: The right choice depends on your company’s stage of development, available cash flow, and financing options.

• Your environmental goals: IT strategy is playing an increasingly important role when it comes to reducing your CO2 footprint—such as giving new devices a second life.