OEMs Are Continually Increasing Their Required & Recommended Hardware Specifications, ARE YOU PREPARED?
Did you know that Ford, Volvo and many other OEMs are upgrading the required and recommended hardware specifications for their OEM diagnostic software? Many others are also doing the same and Win 11 with an i5 processor and 16GB of RAM is now becoming the common specification. Does your current laptop meet these requirements?
Have you invested in an underperforming refurbished laptop only to be dissatisfied with it’s performance? Wasting hours upon hours waiting for it to load the software and connect to the vehicle, then waiting even longer for it to go through the diagnostic routine as you perform the repair.
Now is the time to upgrade to a NEW ruggedized laptop with the most recent components and specifications to meet the demand of multiple OEM and aftermarket diagnostic software specifications.
When considering whether to upgrade to a new computer versus going with a refurbished computer again, there are several reasons why buying new is the preferable choice for many consumers. Here’s a detailed examination of why investing in a new Panasonic Toughbook or Getac ruggedized computer presents clear advantages over purchasing a refurbished one:
1. Latest Technology
New computers come with the latest technology, including the most recent processors, graphics cards, and support for newer software. This ensures that your machine is up to date and can handle the latest applications and software updates more efficiently. Refurbished computers often have older components, and often are refurbished only with wear items like the keyboard keys and peripherals, cleaned internally and externally, then resold. For instance, the most dominant refurbished laptop is the Panasonic CF-31s which costs most distributors somewhere in the $300 range. What do you really think you are getting if the cost of these is only $300 for hardware that you are installing the most crucial software in your shop on? These same distributors then wrap these underperforming, unreliable and cheap hardware “solutions” which usually turn into a problem into a replacement program that they charge you a premium for and label it Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, to ensure that if, usually when the refurbished laptop fails, they will send you a new one to replace it. So you pay a premium of more than $300 to replace an underperforming and obviously unreliable refurbished laptop with another underperforming, unreliable refurbished laptop. That same distributor then sends in the returned laptop, has it “refurbed” again and puts it back into inventory to sell to the next guy. Really?
2. Longer Lifespan & Greater Reliability
A new computer will generally have a longer lifespan compared to a refurbished one. Since all components are brand new, you’re less likely to encounter hardware issues soon after purchase. This can be especially important for those who rely on their computer for work or intensive tasks and need a reliable machine that will last several years. For instance, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 has a less than 2% failure rate after 3 years of service in harsh shop environments. Isn’t it important to have diagnostic tool uptime to ensure your investment in one of the most crucial tools in your shop works when you need it to and how you need it to?
3. Warranties and Customer Support
New computers typically come with full manufacturer warranties and better customer support options. These warranties usually cover a wide range of potential issues and defects, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment. Panasonic Toughbooks offer 3- and 4-year accidental damage warranty and Getac on their fully rugged laptops and tablets like the B360 fully rugged laptop, F110 fully rugged tablet automatically come with a 3 year bumper-to-bumper accidental warranty included in the purchase price. Refurbished computers, while often covered by some form of warranty, usually have more limited coverage and shorter warranty periods.
4. Battery Life
For laptops, battery life is a crucial factor. New computers come with fresh batteries that have maximum capacity and longevity. Refurbished laptops usually contain batteries that have already been partially depleted, which can significantly reduce their effective lifespan and performance. We offer new Panasonic secondary batteries to provide a seamless diagnostic experience.
5. No Previous Wear and Tear
New computers are guaranteed to come without any physical or internal damage. You won’t have to worry about how the previous owner may have used or possibly mishandled the device. This removes any doubts about the cosmetic condition or the internal state of the hardware.
6. Customization
Buying new often allows for customization options directly from the manufacturer. You can choose specific configurations for the processor, RAM, storage, and more to tailor the computer to your specific needs and preferences. This flexibility is typically not available with refurbished models, which are usually sold as-is. Remember, there is a movement by the OEMs to upgrade required specifications. You need to take this into consideration when making an investment in the right hardware as opposed to “saving money” by buying a refurbished.
Also, check other diagnostic software distributors, they are often selling refurbished computers with aftermarket software installed as a kit at a higher cost than the exact same diagnostic kit with a brand new and highly reliable Panasonic FZ-55 Toughbook or Getac S410 ruggedized laptop from Triad Diagnostic Solutions.
7. Cost vs. Value
Although refurbished computers are at times cheaper, and again compare Jaltest distributors before making a choice and ask the hard questions like, is this computer new or refurbished before making the investment in not only the tool, but the organization supporting it. Do you really want to do business with an organization that charges a premium for a cheap refurb computer when compared to Triad who offers only the best ruggedized computers from Panasonic or Getac?
If the refurb does happen to be cheaper than new, the price difference may not always justify the potential downsides like shorter lifespan, reduced performance, limited warranty and most importantly your diagnostic tool’s downtime. Diagnostic capability for any shop is the lifeblood of your ability to correctly access and repair vehicles, equipment and marine vessels. For those who need a computer to perform at peak for several years, investing in a new machine provides better value over time.
Conclusion
While refurbished computers my seem like a cheaper option for budget-conscious buyers or those with less intensive computing needs, new computers offer the latest technology, longer lifespans, better warranties, and the reassurance of a brand-new product. These factors make them a compelling choice for professionals, and anyone who needs reliable and powerful computing performance.
For more information on the right computer platform for your organization, call Triad Diagnostic Solutions, Platinum Level Reseller of Panasonic Toughbooks and authorized reseller of Getac ruggedized laptops and tablets.
Triad Diagnostic Solutions
12175 Visionary Way
STE 1210
Fishers, IN 46038
317-939-3690