Some refurbished laptop models are less suitable for SMEs because they lack sufficient performance, business functionality, or manageability.
Not every device labeled as “refurbished” is automatically a good choice for professional use. You don’t want to waste time on poor performance, limited compatibility, or unreliable systems. In this blog, we show you which types of models are best avoided – and why.
Avoid consumer models: insufficient business functionality
Consumer laptops often lack the stability, build quality, and IT management features required in an SME environment.
Devices such as the HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron, or Lenovo IdeaPad are designed for home use. They usually lack a TPM chip, don’t support business BIOS settings, and aren’t built for long-term durability. While they may look modern, they lack the robustness found in EliteBooks, Latitudes, or ThinkPads from business lines. For device management and long service life, business-class models are essential.
Outdated chipsets or slow storage: no long-term value
Laptops with 5th, 6th, or 7th generation Intel CPUs or slow SATA SSDs are often already reaching their limits today.
Although they may seem cheap, these devices are a false economy. They face performance issues sooner, are less energy-efficient, and may no longer be eligible for software support (like Windows 11). SATA SSDs also have much lower read speeds than NVMe storage. Prefer models with at least an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or higher. These are more future-proof and better suited for business workflows.
Too small screens or poor resolution: reduced productivity
Models with 11 or 12-inch screens and low resolution (e.g. 1366x768) limit working comfort, especially for administrative or hybrid tasks.
Unless you're looking for devices for very specific use cases (like mobile stock management), such small screens hinder productivity. Screens with poor viewing angles or low brightness add little value in office environments. Go for 14-inch or 15.6-inch displays with at least Full HD (1920x1080) resolution for optimal work comfort.
🔗 View all available refurbished laptops by screen size and application
Non-standard keyboards or import chargers: avoid frustration
Refurbished devices with unusual keyboard layouts or non-EU chargers cause unnecessary annoyance for end users.
Watch out for laptops originating from the US or other regions, especially when buying via general platforms. Keyboard layouts like AZERTY FR or certain QWERTY types can lead to typing errors, and non-EU chargers are often unsafe or impractical. Professional refurbishers supply Belgian AZERTY layouts and compatible EU chargers – exactly what you should expect from a business-focused order.
Brands or series without available drivers or spare parts
Some models – especially less common brands or older series – lack long-term support for drivers, firmware, or components.
If you buy a device with little documentation or from a manufacturer that no longer provides updates, maintenance and management will become a hassle. This also applies to older devices for which batteries or SSDs are hard to source. Always choose brands with strong support (like Dell, HP, or Lenovo), and check for the availability of drivers, BIOS updates, and spare parts.
Too much variation in a single purchase: management risk
When purchasing multiple devices, variation in model, generation, or configuration can complicate IT management.
It’s tempting to go for “the cheapest mix,” but that quickly results in differences in BIOS settings, drivers, and performance. For you as an IT coordinator, this means more work, a higher risk of deployment errors, and frustrated users. It’s better to choose one uniform model per order – ideally from the same production series.
🔗 Explore our solutions for standardized business orders and batch deliveries
Not every “refurbished” device is suitable for business use
Refurbished can work perfectly well in an SME, as long as you consciously avoid what doesn’t meet technical, ergonomic, or management requirements.
What matters to you is likely: reliability, manageability, and future-readiness. By not compromising on business specs, chipsets, screens, compatibility, or driver support, you avoid frustration and extra work. That's why you should work with a refurbisher who communicates transparently, selects professionally, and understands your IT reality.
