Understanding our grading
Every device we sell is graded for cosmetic condition: how it looks. The grade tells you about marks on the case, not about how the machine runs.
The one thing worth knowing
Section titled “The one thing worth knowing”Grade does not affect performance. A Premium machine and a Fair machine with the same specifications are the same computer inside. Both passed the same testing, and both come with the same 12-month warranty.
The only difference is what the outside looks like. A Fair machine is cheaper because it has visible wear, not because it is a lesser computer.
The grades
Section titled “The grades”| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| Brand New | Complete, in factory-sealed original packaging. Not refurbished. |
| Open Box | Opened but unused, or only minimally tested. |
| Premium | No signs of use. |
| Excellent | Minimal signs of use. Looks almost new. |
| Good | Light wear or small marks, but fully functional. |
| Fair | Visible signs of use, but fully functional. |
Brand New and Open Box are new stock, not refurbished. Note that this matters for returns: brand-new items can’t be returned for change of mind, while refurbished ones can.
Which should you buy?
Section titled “Which should you buy?”Premium or Excellent if the computer is going somewhere it’ll be seen (a reception desk, a client-facing role) or if you simply want it to look new.
Good is the sweet spot for most buyers. It looks fine on a desk and costs meaningfully less.
Fair when you want the most computer for the money and don’t care how it looks. Common for workshops, warehouses, kids’ homework machines and spares.
Every one of them is fully functional. That’s the point of the grading: we’re describing the case, not the computer.
What’s true at every grade
Section titled “What’s true at every grade”Whatever the grade, the device has been tested for performance, functionality and cosmetic condition before it ships, and it carries the full 12-month warranty.
If a machine has a fault, it doesn’t get graded. It gets fixed, or it doesn’t get sold.
Not sure which to pick?
Section titled “Not sure which to pick?”If a specific mark would bother you, buy up a grade. If it wouldn’t, buy Fair or Good and put the difference toward more memory or a bigger drive. That money makes a real difference to how the machine feels to use, whereas a scuff on the lid does not.
Ask us if you’d like the condition of a specific unit described before you buy.