Did you know that new IT equipment loses a whopping 30-50% of its value within the first year? In fact, e-waste is now classified as the world's fastest growing waste stream, with Sweden alone collecting around 15 kilos per person in 2020.
Additionally, studies show that by reusing a three-year-old computer for another three years, we can reduce carbon emissions by 109 kilograms compared to buying a new one. This is especially interesting when we know that 98 percent of used IT equipment can actually be given a new and extended life.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make a smart and safe purchase of used IT equipment. We'll share expert advice on quality assessment, security checks, and how you can save significant amounts of money without compromising on performance.
Basic security checks when purchasing
First of all, you should check that the supplier of used IT equipment adheres to strict security standards.
When it comes to data management, all equipment we handle undergoes rigorous security checks where previous information is deleted in a secure and traceable manner. In addition, data erasure is performed using the most advanced solutions available before the equipment is made ready for resale.
A professional reconditioning company offers the following safety guarantees:
-
Complete testing of all components and functions
-
Professional data cleansing with verifiable protocols
-
Careful quality control by experts
-
Traceability throughout the process
At the same time, it is important to ensure the warranty terms. Reputable suppliers offer at least a 12-month warranty on the hardware. For batteries, special conditions often apply, usually a three-month warranty with at least 70% guaranteed battery health.
An important tool for transparency is the suppliers' dedicated portals, where you can follow the entire process from start to finish. Here you get access to important documents such as deletion reports and environmental certificates. This gives you full control and visibility into the management of your IT equipment.
How to assess the quality of used IT
When assessing the quality of used IT equipment, there are several important aspects to consider. Professionally reconditioned equipment undergoes a rigorous process where each component is tested and upgraded as needed.
One of the most important quality metrics is the health of the battery. For portable devices, the battery should have at least 70% of its original capacity. In addition, the battery should be able to withstand at least 300 charge cycles with a health of over 80%.
Quality-assured suppliers follow a standardized process that includes:
-
Careful inspection of the condition of the equipment
-
Upgrading components such as memory and battery
-
Extensive performance testing
-
Professional cleaning
-
Quality grading according to standardized scales
At the same time, it is important to check the performance of the processor. For normal use, an i3 or i5 processor is sufficient. Therefore, it is recommended to choose professional computers as they are built with higher quality components and have better performance compared to consumer models.
Another important quality measure is the type of storage. An SSD disk provides significantly better performance than a mechanical hard drive, as it doubles the read speed and extends battery life. Finally, the screen should have at least Full HD resolution (1920x1080) for an optimal user experience.
Cost Analysis: Used vs. New IT Equipment
Cost savings when purchasing used IT equipment are significant. Generally, companies pay about half the retail price when choosing used products. In addition, studies show that a school group with 4,500 students saved a whopping 7.5 million kronor by purchasing 2,000 used laptops.
At the same time, it is important to understand the total cost of ownership. A used computer from a professional supplier undergoes extensive testing and upgrades, which reduces future maintenance costs. However, there are some practical aspects to consider:
-
Shorter delivery times: 1-2 weeks for used equipment compared to 4-10 weeks for new
-
Lower installation costs: 5% of the purchase price compared to 10% for new equipment
-
Guarantees of at least 12 months from reputable suppliers
For many businesses that don't need the latest technology, used business PCs are a great fit for their day-to-day operations. With little noticeable difference between a used PC and a new one, there's really no sacrifice for the organization to make by choosing used. The performance difference is so negligible compared to the significant financial benefits that a used PC delivers, that it should always be the natural choice when purchasing IT equipment.
Conclusion
Overall, our review shows that used IT equipment offers significant benefits for both the economy and the environment. In fact, companies can save up to 50% on the purchase price while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Professionally refurbished equipment undergoes extensive safety and quality testing, and ISO-certified suppliers guarantee that all previous data is securely erased, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.
With the right supplier and careful quality assessment, companies can get reliable IT equipment that will perform excellently for years to come.
Finally, we should remember that by choosing used IT equipment, we are actively contributing to reducing the growing e-waste. This, together with the documented cost savings, makes used IT a wise choice for forward-thinking companies.
