Laptops, Desktops, Servers, Accessories, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that we havent answered yet?  Maybe you can find the answer here!  Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.

Why should I buy a computer from 2nd Look?

2nd LOOK is a certified Dell direct supplier of Dell remanufactured computers:

• Buying from 2nd LOOK is buying from Dell!
• We can save you hundreds of dollars and give you superior value!
• 2nd Look is a Dell direct supplier; you get Dell support and service!
• 800 number tech business grade support from Dell!
• Through 2nd LOOK, you are registered with Dell as the end user!
• Often, better warranties than a brand new computer!

What's the difference between refurbished and remanufactured?

Most refurbished computers are resold after their first lease to open-market resellers. The reseller then dusts them off, removes the operating system (or can sometimes install an illegal copy) and then sells it as refurbished. You, as a customer, could end up with a computer with no operating system, no software and no support from the manufacturer. At 2nd LOOK, our computers are REMANUFACTURED, which means that they've been returned to Dell after their first lease, run through their remanufacturing facility and sent on to a Dell certified reseller (that’s us!). Lastly, when you purchase your 2nd Look computer, you'll receive free 800 number Dell business grade technical support.

Why should I buy a 2nd Look remanufactured computer?

A 2nd Look remanufactured computer will cost you hundreds of dollars less than a new business-grade computer. The second reason would be to avoid paying for what you don't need. Most new computers have far more capability then the average user requires. See the next question………

Will a 2nd Look remanufactured computer fill my needs?

Our first question for our customers is "What do you want to do with your computer?" The latest lines of computers have huge, powerful processors. This power and speed is usually not required by our average customer. Ninety five percent of our average customer's computing needs are in five areas: 1) Word processing; 2) spreadsheets; 3) desktop publishing; 4) internet; and 5) e-mail. For these functions, no one needs giant processor! So why pay for it? Also, new computers come with many programs that most users either don't want or never use. These third party programs gum up your system and slow down your performance.

2nd LOOK computers come with only the operating system - you add your own software - so your computer has just what you want and need. This makes for an incredibly clean and efficient system. Now, if you are going to be building three dimensional manufacturing models that need to be color-coded and rotate on six axis parameters, or, you need the finest real motion in your game applications - you should probably buy a new machine. But, for 90% of the computer using public, 2nd LOOK computers will more than fill your computing needs and save you plenty. Why pay for capabilities that you'll never require?

What about warranty?

This is where we really shine. The majority of the machines we sell are from Dell’s top of the line, business grade, Latitude Laptop and Optiplex desktop lines. Again – this is business grade machinery with business grade warranties. What this means to you as a consumer is that you’ll never hold for an hour to talk to someone in another country.  So, if you're looking at a blue screen on Christmas Eve, you've got someone to call! If your problem cannot be solved on the phone, then our business grade machines include NEXT BUSINESS DAY – ON SITE – PARTS AND LABOR – NO DEDUCTIBLE, REPAIR WARRANTIES.  We transfer all remaining Dell warranties (sometimes a year or more!) directly to you - another advantage of dealing with a 2nd LOOK as a Dell reseller.

I've seen refurbished computers on the Web that are less money.

Aha! So have we! But what is important in their ads is what they don't say. We reformat each hard drive and reinstall a fresh vendors copy of your operating system. This is a “clean” install with no third party vendors taking up valuable computer resource. Next, try getting service on many of those machines. Unlike most resellers, when you purchase a 2nd LOOK computer, your computer comes through us to you directly from Dell. We will register you with Dell as the end user of your machine so that if you ever have a problem, you can call Dell toll free, 24 hours a day, and they'll walk you through it. Most importantly: because Dell installed your computers operating system, Dell will support that operating system! Dell installed it, Dell supports it - YOU own it! This kind of support does not come with most resellers.

I've seen new laptops at other stores that are cheaper than the one 2nd Look sells.

Yup, so have we.  And if that is the machine you need you should get it.  But before you do, look at what you are actually getting and then compare a Dell business-grade machine:

• Consumer grade machines at "big box" stores come with a 90-day limited operating system warranty.  After that you go to "pay-per-call" support which means you are going to have to pay $50-$100 per incident for every issue your operating system may.
• These machines also have a limited 1 year hardware warranty.  That means if any hardware failure occurs to your machine you will have two choices - send the machine to the manufacturer and wait 2 - 6 weeks for them to fix it OR the manufacturer will ship you a replacement part and hope you know how to install what's not on it.
• Consumer grade machines are not built to last - they are made with plastic snaps and tin parts which are prone to failure.  This is how many manufacturers keep the up front cost down and then continue making money off of you in the after market.
• Consumer grade machines are loaded with consumer edition operating systems and tons of 'bloatware' which is trial or ancillary software that you dont need  that will slow your new low cost machine down.
• Even if you are covered with warranty on a consumer machine, the support you get is often out of country and menu driven, meaning unqualified support technicians read quick fixes from a menu and if it doesnt fix your problem then you have to ship the machine in.
• And you won't be told of the deductible or your shipping charges on the "limited" comsumer grade warranties.

How long does it take to get a machine?

We can have your computer from the Dell remanufacturing line, usually in 5 days. We take one day for our own bench check to make sure that your machine is just as you expect it and that no damage has occurred during shipping. We'll ship it out, locally deliver it, or have it ready for pick-up the following day. If there are any delays in your order, you will hear from us personally, either by e-mail or the phone.

What software comes with my machine?

You're 2nd LOOK computer comes loaded with a complete Windows operating system installed by Dell. You also receive the system disk, Microsoft certificate of authenticity, and manual. Few refurbished computers come with a certified copy of the operating system. From there you can load your own favorite software!

Do you just sell laptops?

Well, that’s how we started, but now we sell just about the whole Dell line. Laptops, desktops, servers, spare parts and accessories! Now, there are machines that we prefer not to sell and we’ll certainly be happy to answer your questions and even help you buy those machines directly from Dell, but if you are interested in Dell top quality business grade machines – we’re going to be a great source for you. Whether you need remanufactured, demo or new machines – we’re going to work to find the best combination of equipment for your needs and your budget.

How can I place my order?

2nd Look was built on personal customer relationships and word of mouth.   The best way to place your order is call us at our store in downtown Bridgman, Michigan, at (269) 465-9269. If we’re not available, we’ll return your call as quickly as we can! Or you can e-mail us at sales@2ndlooklaptops.com.

Will 2nd Look be around to service my remanufactured machine?

The worry of any consumer in buying a secondary market computer is: "Will the folks that sold it to me be around next year?" Given the fallout of the dot com businesses, this is a valid fear. Rest assured that any computer purchased through 2nd LOOK comes with the full backing of Dell Computer Corporation. If you buy from 2nd LOOK, you've bought from Dell.  And we've been in business for 10 years and at our rate of growth we are not going anywhere!

When should I not buy from 2nd LOOK?

No matter what your needs, we’ll be happy to advise you on your computer purchase – but our machines are not the perfect solution for everyone. If you know very little about computers, you might want to spend the extra money for a new machine with a longer warranty and factory bundled software (again, we’ll be happy to help you with that purchase). If you have someone (friend or family) who can help you, or if this is your second computer, then a 2nd LOOK machine might be appropriate. If you are buying for younger children, or if this is going to be your first computer, we would like to encourage you to buy a new Dell, rather than a remanufactured computer. Our computers are the finest available on the secondary market, but if you're unfamiliar with computers, a new machine would give you programs and documentation that would be very helpful for a new user. Again – feel free to give us a call and we’ll help you make the decision that’s best for you.

I have two machines that need service but they are different manufacturers and neither of them are Dells.  Can 2nd Look service them?

Absolutely!  We service all makes, models, and manufacturers of PC computers.

Where is 2nd Look Laptops located?

We have offices in downtown Bridgman, Michigan – off exit 16 on I-94. Our address is PO Box 465, 4355 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106

Note from the Owner: "I opened 2nd Look Laptops after I bought a Dell laptop computer at an internet auction site. The ad said that it came with an operating system and a guarantee. The operating system was an illegal copy, the tag number was forged and the guarantee was on paper only. When I tried to have the machine worked on, no one would touch it. There had to be a better way. Now there is. At 2nd Look you are going to get a quality Dell computer, with a legal operating system, a valid, registered Dell tag number and Dell technical support.

Take a look at 2ndlooklaptops.com. If you don't see your system, call us - we can find just about anything Dell makes(including desktops and servers). 

Finally, if you ever have a question, a problem or a concern with any 2nd Look product - call me directly. An unhappy customer doesn't cost me one sale - they'll cost me twenty. We're looking forward to helping you with your computer needs. Call us at (269) HOLY COW. You're going to love your computer - you'll love the price even more. I guarantee it."