Laptops: new, refurb or finance?

Lesson 2 of 13 in our free Big Purchases guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Big Purchases is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo's laptop dies mid-term and money is tight. What should Mo check FIRST?

Refurbished mid-range laptop with a 12-month warranty → S-tier. Does the job, costs less, still protected.
New budget laptop that meets course specs → S-tier. Sensible and cheap.
Top-spec gaming laptop on 0% finance → Mid. 0% is fine if you pay on time — but you're borrowing for power you don't need.
Top-spec laptop on a high-interest store card → F-tier. Paying extra interest for power you won't use. Big F.
Mystery 'new' laptop from a stranger for way under the price → F-tier. Could be stolen or fake. Ronnie vibes.
Fact: “Refurbished items from a business still come with your consumer rights.” — They must be as described and of satisfactory quality for their age and price.
Myth: “More expensive always means more reliable.” — Often you're paying for features or a logo, not reliability.
Fact: “Student discounts on tech are common — always ask.” — Many shops offer them. It's a free saving.