Refurbished, but done right: Enjoy second-hand hardware

Every year again... the shopping frenzy begins

And our loved ones? They basically already have everything they need. If you don't want to resort to socks, tea sets or household appliances, you can give them the gift of time together – perhaps not entirely altruistically. Wellness weekends, concert tickets, short trips or a meal at their favourite Italian restaurant are popular, but prices have risen steadily in recent years. And if you don't have a ‘fixed date’ for it, you'll soon find that the voucher will gather dust in a drawer for the next few years.

Instead of getting caught up in the consumer frenzy, it's worth thinking about alternatives. What is really useful? What might you not like to buy for yourself because you keep putting off the purchase? Gifts don't have to be expensive or brand new to bring joy. On the contrary: the trend is increasingly towards more sustainability under the Christmas tree.

And what could be more practical than technology that we use every day anyway – PCs or notebooks, just refurbished instead of brand new?

Refurbished under the tree – hardware that really impresses

Many people may now be thinking: are used devices even suitable for Christmas presents? Doesn't that sound more like dusty basement finds, worn-out keyboards and computers from a bygone era? That may be true for some private sales on auction platforms – but not if you rely on refurbished hardware from IT remarketing professionals like us.

Our devices are not simply used, but professionally refurbished: tested, cleaned, upgraded and ready for a second life. A laptop or PC is ready for immediate use and often looks just as good as a new product. As these are often leased devices that have been replaced after only a short period of time, they are also state-of-the-art – and therefore a real highlight under the Christmas tree.

Refurbished hardware offers several advantages:

• Environmental aspect
  The production of new hardware consumes valuable resources – CO₂ emissions are enormous. Reuse conserves resources, reduces emissions and avoids electronic waste.
• Price advantage
  Refurbished devices have already undergone ‘depreciation’ (similar to cars) – without compromising on performance and reliability. Buying second-hand protects both the environment and your wallet.
• Quality
  Refurbished hardware from IT professionals means tested goods from reputable manufacturers at a low price. Every device is checked technically and visually to ensure you can enjoy it for a long time.
• Tailored to your needs
  Because refurbished goods are significantly cheaper than new ones, you can also get the right configuration. Instead of settling for run-of-the-mill models, you get high-quality business devices with features that exactly match your requirements.

Smart consumption: demand instead of excess, sustainable hardware as the solution

Refurbished hardware is the answer to several challenges at once: an affordable price, greater sustainability, full functionality – and a gift that will bring joy for a long time to come. At a time when gift-giving is becoming increasingly complex, used hardware can strike the perfect balance between joy, meaning and responsibility.

But be careful: used is not the same as refurbished. There is a world of difference between an old find from the basement and professionally reconditioned brand-name hardware. To help you avoid falling into a ‘gift trap’, we have compiled the most important buying tips for you.

What to look out for when buying and giving away used hardware

1. Reputation of the retailer
   Only buy from reputable suppliers who explicitly advertise refurbished hardware. Check reviews and testimonials to make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy partner.
2. Guarantee & warranty
   Ensure that you are covered in case of an emergency. For example, we offer optional warranty extensions for notebooks and PCs, which allow you to protect yourself for even longer.
3. Check the return policy
   Pay attention to the return deadlines – if the hardware does not fit after all, flexibility is crucial.
4. Functionality
   The device should be tested and fully functional. In our in-house technical centre, we check every model both technically and visually to ensure that you receive hardware that is in perfect condition.
5. Visual condition
   Devices in perfect condition are usually labelled as A-grade (Grade A or A+ / A++). If there are scratches or minor signs of wear (B-grade), the price must be adjusted accordingly.
6. Scope of delivery
   Some retailers save on accessories – power supplies or software are then sold separately. At Serverando, you always receive the complete scope of delivery for PCs and notebooks: a suitable power supply and a current Windows operating system pre-installed (if compatible or available).
7. Upgrades
   Check whether upgrades are possible. This allows you to configure your desired device directly to suit your needs.
8. Experience
   Refurbishing thrives on experience. With almost 25 years in IT remarketing, we are a competent and reliable partner.
9. Product range
   Often, you need more than just a PC – a monitor, mouse and keyboard are also essential. A wide range of products makes it easier to find everything you need.
10. Gifts tailored to needs
    A gaming PC for grandma? A tablet for seniors for your grandson? Neither makes much sense. Read product descriptions and reviews to find the right hardware for your loved ones.
11. Storage space
    Sufficient storage is essential. Devices with two drives are ideal – e.g. SSD for booting and HDD or second SSD for data.
12. RAM
    Sufficient RAM is crucial for smooth operation (check the minimum requirements for certain games/programmes if necessary). Here is a rough guide:
    • 4 GB: only for very simple tasks (text, emails)
    • 8 GB: simple office use, little multitasking
    • 16 GB: current business standard, ideal for meetings, browsers, Office and cloud tools
    • 32 GB: power users with intensive multitasking (large Excel files, remote desktops)
    • 64 GB: creative and technical professionals (CAD, video editing, data analysis)
13. Processor performance
    The processor should be modern – more cores mean better multitasking and smoother operation.
14. Operating system
    Windows 11 is now a must. Regular updates keep you protected and compatible.
15. Service & Support
    If you are unsure, you should seek advice. We have direct contact persons available via chat, email, telephone or contact form. You can also get to know us on our ‘About us’ page.
16. Ask about the intended use
    A gaming PC requires a different configuration than a business workstation. There are also differences between laptops: from entry-level models to creative devices with high-resolution displays to mobile workstations.
17. Check the connections
    Not every device has the same interfaces. Check which connections are available and which ones you need.
18. Beware of fake shops
    Cybercriminals are particularly active in the run-up to Christmas. Check the imprint, the spelling of the shop name and the reliability of the website. You can find more tips in our blog post on safe online shopping.
19. Check your order
    The shop advertised 16 GB, but only 8 GB were delivered? Save the item description and compare it carefully with the delivery.
20. Vouchers & discount codes
    Many shops offer codes – whether through campaigns, influencers or discount portals. It's always worth doing a quick check.

What sets our refurbished hardware at Serverando.de apart

You now have a rough guide to what you should look out for when buying refurbished equipment. The crucial question remains: where to buy used hardware? Not every supplier works with the same care and transparency. We, on the other hand, offer you several advantages and quality promises that make all the difference.

What's more, we ourselves come from the small and medium-sized business sector. For us, customer service is not just a buzzword, but something we put into practice every day. Personal advice and quick assistance are just as much a part of this as providing continuous information about new products, current technology topics and discount campaigns – whether on our blog or via social media. It's best to follow us or save our page right away so you don't miss a thing😊.

You can find out more about online shopping and sustainability here: