As we all move into the digital age together; Slouching Towards Gomorrah; it’s no surprise that many are hesitant to do the ultimate deed and invest in their own machine. “Oh, I’d have no use for it!” “It would just sit and collect dust!” “What? Me?!”

Truth is, as we all get online more and more; computers become a more and more necessary part of our lives. Having your own machine, even in a shared home, is sometimes necessary. If you need to bring the machine with you to work onsite and your partner has the day off and was hoping to type some letter or balance a budget or do a search for wedding things (“gulp!”) then the truth is clear; sharing a laptop is no longer an option. Even the home machines may sometimes be clogged with junior doing his reports or Juliet learning to read; you don’t want to kick them off! So what do you do?

Refurbished laptops are a growing reality for many of young persons not really able to buy a new laptop or in a transition period between models; cheap refurbished laptops are available from many sources; if purchasing a refurbished model laptop computer is a possibility, you should definitely check them out.

One of the first places to look is online (no pun intended) if you’re able. Most bosses won’t mind if, on a lunch break, you needed to do a little online shopping. Also some computer systems at jobs have blocks put in place for things like shopping but at the places I’ve worked at that have only been during the work day. So if you wanted to come in a little early and do the shopping then, some work computer systems will allow that.

If you seriously don’t have any other way of doing so, find me a city, town, neighborhood, shopping plaza without an “Internet Café.” This is the system slouching alongside everyone; as computers become more and more ubiquitous, there are many of these places popping up, exploiting the rich, who just want to screw around and the poor who don’t have access otherwise.

Laptops which have been refurbished often come from overseas. Be wary of any of these retailers; ask around; see who’s had good experiences where then go from there. Really reputable sites will have customer comments, both the good and the bad on their sites as well as customer service phone number for you to call; before you send any money, why not drop a dime and query a live operator?

If you’re not comfortable sending money into the great unknown, why not check out a refurbished laptop dealer. They also, like the cafés, have sprung up everywhere in recent days. Dealers often have access to refurbished wholesale laptops and you can maybe score just as good or a better deal than online.

Refurbished laptops are a part of the process. It’s always good to turn it on, have a look (make sure it’s not corrupted) find out who had it before you, if you can still get replacement parts for it, what the operating system is, and if the location offers refunds. Check with better business bureau also as they have listings; but just go for it; refurbished laptops are part of the patchwork of America. Happy Hunting!