I know there are some electronic items that are usually good as new after being refurbished, and others where you’re best to just steer clear of refurbished altogether. In which category do monitors usually fall?
Details: I’ve been looking at a refurbished 21" monitor for around $150 after shipping, with a 6-month warranty. Alternative would be spending a similar amount for a new 19" monitor at a local store, with a 1-year warranty.
In my experience refurbished items are a crap shoot if you don’t know where they are coming from or what the companys policies are concerning them. That said, many people have been happy with refurbished monitors…i have had 2 myself. That’s because a lot of those refurbished monitors (rm) are from businesses that either are upgrading and just replacing everything or its end of lease time.
I would say monitors are usually a good deal refurbished. YMMV, but i say go for it…and a 6 month warranty is pretty nice also.
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Details: I’ve been looking at a refurbished 21" monitor for around $150 after shipping, with a 6-month warranty."
I think this answers it for you, think how much it would cost to mail it back to them should you need to.
A warranty is always a good thing when dealing with refurbs.
Does the place you are dealing with have any references/history?
FTR, my home PC has a refurb monitor that is nearing 5 years old. Actually, 5 since I bought, so who knows how old it really is. It has outlasted the new PC I bought it for though.