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New vs. Refurbished Tech Equipment: Which is Best for Your Business?

New vs. Refurbished Tech Equipment: Which is Best for Your Business?

In the digital age, technology is the backbone of any successful business, and the decisions when purchasing equipment is crucial.  The right choice depends on various factors, including budget, performance needs, and long-term goals. However companies are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly practices, so the decision between purchasing new vs. refurbished tech equipment takes on added significance. We want to dive into the pros and cons of both and explain why manufacturer refurbished technologies such as Cisco Refresh or HPE renew may be the most beneficial for your business.

New Tech Equipment

Pros:

  1. Latest Features and Performance: New technology offers the most advanced processors, security features, and improved efficiency. It’s designed to be compatible with the latest software and updates, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
  2. Full Warranties and Support: New devices typically come with extensive warranties and customer support, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of hardware failures.
  3. Scalability and Customization: Purchasing new equipment allows for uniformity across your business. You can order multiple units with the same specifications, which is crucial for maintaining consistency and scalability.

Cons:

  1. High Cost: New technology comes at a premium price, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for small businesses or startups with tight budgets.
  2. Environmental Impact: The production of new tech is resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of raw materials and energy. This contributes to a larger carbon footprint and environmental degradation. According to the Global E-waste Monitor, approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019.
  3. E-Waste Generation: New devices quickly become obsolete, contributing to the growing problem of e-waste. Disposing of old equipment adds to landfills and environmental pollution, exacerbating the e-waste crisis.
HP packaging

Refurbished Tech Equipment

Pros:
  1. Cost Savings: Refurbished equipment can be much more affordable, often costing up to 50% less than new models. An attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their budget while still acquiring reliable technology.
  2. Environmental Benefits: Supports a circular economy by extending the life of existing devices, which helps lower the overall carbon footprint and reduces e-waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that refurbishing one million computers can save 24,000 pounds of lead and 27,000 pounds of mercury from ending up in landfills.
  3. Solid Performance: Many refurbished devices are only one or two generations old and have been rigorously tested and repaired to ensure they meet performance standards. This means they can effectively support your business needs while being more environmentally friendly.

Read More: Why Your Next Laptop Shouldn’t Cost the Earth: A Guide to Sustainable IT – Steel City Consulting

Cons:

  1. Shorter Warranties: Refurbished tech often comes with shorter warranties compared to new products.
  2. Outdated Technology: Refurbished devices are often older models that may not support the latest software updates, apps, or features. This can limit functionality and compromise security.
  3. Inconsistent Quality: The quality of refurbished technology can vary significantly depending on the seller. Refurbished technologies are often cleaned and restored and fully tested, but some sellers barely even test the equipment before selling it and it will often have cosmetic imperfections like scratches or dents as a minimum (we are not one of these sellers!).

 

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Conclusion: Balancing Business Needs with Sustainability

The choice between new and refurbished tech equipment involves assessing your business’s specific needs, priorities, and values. At Steel City, we choose remanufactured tech every time because it allows us to maintain high performance and reliability while adhering to our environmental values. This choice supports a circular economy, extending the lifecycle of technology and minimising the demand for new production. By prioritising remanufactured technology from the manufacturer, we demonstrate that environmental stewardship and financial prudence can go hand in hand.

Want to know more? Contact us today.