Buying refurbished laptops, computers, or tablets has a big upside: savings. These items are almost always a little more inexpensive than the brand-new version of the same product. Still, when grabbing refurbished computers or refurbished tablets, there are a few things you should consider. To get a better idea of exactly what you're buying, check out the grading definitions and explanations Groupon uses for its computer inventory—it may help you decide if a new or refurbished laptop is the right choice for you.

New

As the title suggest, these products are brand new, boxed, and haven't yet been used by an end user.

• Product Condition: new

• What's Included: all the original accessories, such as standard battery supplies or power cables.

• Packaging: Manufacturer packaging

• Warranty: Varies 30 days to 1 year; be sure to review Groupon's fine print for any and all applicable warranty information.

A-Grade Refurbished

A-grade refurbished laptops, computers, and tablets are used, but they've undergone extensive testing to ensure they work just as a normal, new item would.

• Product Condition: Like new with little to no wear, these products are tested by a third-party and refurbished based on functionality, cleaning, inspection, and repackaging.

• What's Included: Other than a power cord, no accessories are included with the product unless otherwise stated. The power cord will be used/refurbished, MFi certified (as listed), or new OEM, the latter meaning that it's made by the manufacturer and not intended for individual sale.

• Packaging: Non-manufacturer brown box

• Warranty: Varies product to product; be sure to review Groupon's fine print for any and all applicable warranty information.

B-Grade Refurbished

Similar to A-grade items in that the only included accessory is a power cable, B-grade products may have signs of minor damage or usage wear, such as scratches or scuffs.

• Product Condition: An item that's B-grade refurbished may show light blemishes or scuffs on its screen, and it might also have scratches, dings, or scuffs on its exterior. These products will not show larger damage, such as cracks or chips, and they'll have no water damage.

• What's Included: Same as A-grade refurbished

• Packaging: Non-manufacturer brown box

• Warranty: Varies product to product; be sure to review Groupon's fine print for any and all applicable warranty information.

Scratch & Dent

These computers and laptops will be 100% functional. They may have scratches on their screens or scuffs on their exteriors, but they won't have cracks or chips.

• Product Condition: Scratch-and-dent items will have some signs of use, such as dings and smudging. Device corners might also be slightly dented.

• What's Included: Same as A- and B-grade refurbished

• Packaging: Bulk or plain brown box

• Warranty: Varies product to product; be sure to review Groupon's fine print for any and all applicable warranty information.