How to Know if a Computer or a Laptop is Used

The options when buying a new computer are increasingly varied. Currently it is possible to go to physical stores, online platforms or second-hand applications to buy laptop or computers.

In all these channels it is possible to find new products. But, is it possible to know if a computer or a laptop is used? Depending on the circumstances, it will be necessary for you to carry out an in-depth inspection of the equipment to find out.

It’s not uncommon for some products labeled as new to come from returns, refurbished, or a second-hand laptop outright. We understand that acquiring a new piece of equipment means for the vast majority of people making a large investment.

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We have written this guide to help you identify if a computer or laptop is used. Only then can you take the appropriate measures and exercise your rights as a consumer.

How to know if a Computer or a Laptop is used or not

The first thing you should look at before buying a computer or any other product is the state that the business declares.

In the equipment file you should indicate if it is new, exhibition, second-hand or reconditioned. What difference there is?

• New: The equipment has never been used. Therefore, when you take it out of the box you will be giving it its first use.
• Refurbished: Refurbished products are those that have been re-enabled for sale and to which a restoration process has been applied.

Imagine for a moment that someone returns a computer because it is not working properly.

When the manufacturer or dealer receives it, they repair it, clean it, and put it back in its box as if it were new. Then, it puts it back into circulation at a cheaper price.

• Used or second hand: These are items that have been used for a while by the owner.
• Exposure: Computers, tablets or phones that at some point have served as a display product in a physical store.

In an ideal world, all businesses should report the origin of their products. But the truth is that this is not always the case. So how to know if a computer or a laptop is used let’s see.

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Signs that a Computer or Laptop is used

If you have doubts about the computer you just bought, regardless of whether it is an online or physical store, and you think it is not entirely new, follow these steps.

1. When you take it out of the box, take a look at how it is packaged

Second-hand, reconditioned or returned products have sometimes been repackaged. Sure, it doesn’t always look the same as it did when the item just left the factory.

Are the cables well coiled or located inside the package? Are the plastic wrappers wrinkled? Is equipment documentation on your site?

2. Look for signs of wear

Another way to detect if a computer or laptop is second-hand is to look at the possible brands it may have.

Check the entire body of the equipment and try to locate scratches, dents and other damage. As small as they are, it is possible that they are indicative that the product had a previous life.

3. See if it brings dust or dirt

Not all dust or dirt is so easy to remove from a second-hand product. Take a look at the speaker or fan slots to try to locate lint and the like. Mainly, look at those corners where you think it is easier for dirt to accumulate.

4. Track the serial number

The serial number tells a lot about the computer. Most manufacturers allow you to trace the origin of the computer and to know, among other things, the date of manufacture. These data are decisive when it comes to knowing if an article is new or not.

5. Check the hard drive

Even when it has been formatted, a hard drive shows signs of having been used before. In this guide we will explain what are the utilities to check the status of this component?

6. Take a look at the battery

The battery is another element that could act as an informer that a team is not completely new. Here we explain how to know the health of the battery in a laptop.

The tricks mentioned in the linked post will allow you to find out if the equipment is used or not. Obviously, a range that is too low is also an indication that something is wrong with your new equipment.

7. Take a good look at the screen

Another indicator that a computer or laptop is used is defects in the screen. First of all, make sure that it is covered with the corresponding protector.

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Take a look at the surface for any damage or fingerprints. On the other hand, if you find dead pixels, you should request a return immediately.

What to do when a Computer or Laptop is used

As you have seen in this article, there are many ways to find out the true condition of a product, whether it is a used computer or laptop or any other electronic device.

Now, what should you do if you discover that you have been sold an item that is not new?

First of all, check if the distributor indicated the status of the equipment on the card. It is not uncommon to overlook this information when shopping. If, despite being informed of the status, the purchase does not convince you, remember that you can return an item without giving reasons within 14 days.

In the event that you have opened the product after that period of time and you believe that your rights have been violated, go to the competent consumer office depending on where you live.

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Finally, when the purchase has been made between individuals, you must appeal to the good will of the seller to accept the return.

Although it is possible to make claims in this type of transaction, the process is much more complicated.

And you, have you ever been sold a used product declaring that it was new? What did you do in that case? Leave us your experience in the comments. It may be of help to the rest of the community.