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Buying refurbished computers for your business

How to equip an office with refurbished business laptops and desktops: what to specify, what to check and what to do with the old equipment.

By Electro Emporium 2 min read
Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad business laptop

Office computers do not need to be new to be good. A refurbished business laptop or desktop is built for daily work, and it often costs far less than a new model with the same performance. If you are upgrading a team or opening a new office, this guide covers what to look for, and what to do with the equipment you are replacing.

Why businesses buy refurbished computers

  • Lower cost per seat. You can equip more people for the same budget.
  • Business-class build. Models such as Lenovo ThinkPad and Dell Latitude were designed for long days and travel.
  • Standard parts and software. Windows business laptops work with the tools most offices already use.
  • Less waste. Keeping good hardware in use is better than recycling it early.

What to specify for office work

Role Suggested minimum
Admin and reception Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, 8GB memory, 256GB SSD
Finance and operations Core i5 or Ryzen 5, 16GB memory, 256GB to 512GB SSD
Design, analysis and heavy multitasking Core i7 or Ryzen 7, 16GB or 32GB memory, 512GB SSD

What to check before you order in volume

  1. Condition grade. Make sure the condition is stated on every unit you order.
  2. Matching models. Identical machines are easier to support. Ask us about availability before you order several.
  3. Operating system. Confirm which version of Windows or macOS is installed.
  4. Accessories. Check chargers, docks and monitors, so every desk is ready.

Our team can help you plan an order. Contact us with the number of units and the roles they are for.

What to do with the equipment you are replacing

Do not just stack old computers in a cupboard. Wipe the data securely, then decide whether each device can be resold, reused or recycled. Companies that specialise in this can collect and document the process. For example, Westmark Solution in Toronto resells, recycles and securely disposes of surplus office furniture and IT equipment for businesses in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Browse business laptops and monitors

See our refurbished Windows laptops, desktop computers and monitors, or read our refurbished laptop checklist for what to test when your order arrives.

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