Just a couple of decades ago, when it came to technology, the average student could slide by with just a calculator and perhaps a wristwatch. To make the grade these days, your kids will likely need a full suite of mobile devices.
With the skyrocketing cost of brand-new devices, you may be unwilling or unable to outfit teens and college students with the latest releases. However, there is good news: a large shift in how consumers are buying and selling their gear means that you can make proper upgrades for students of all ages without the sticker shock.
“Savvy consumers are catching on to the fact that you can easily find a high-quality refurbished device if you look in the right places,” says David Conti, senior director of e-Commerce at MyWiT.
If you think that a refurbished device equates to poor quality, think again. A large percentage of refurbished mobile phones, tablets and accessories were perfectly good devices that owners simply traded in for newer models. But shoppers should beware. Different sellers have their own standards, and you’ll want to stick to reputable sources where you can trust the device you purchase will be in fully functional condition and works exactly as expected.
In the case of MyWiT — a company that sells new, like-new and refurbished smartphones and tablets — and has a state-of-the-art repair facility capable and approved to restore devices to manufacturer and carrier specifications — every device for sale has undergone an extensive 65+ point inspection of cosmetics, functionality and connectivity to ensure optimal performance. Tests verify every function (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in 100 percent working order and connectivity tests ensure wireless devices deliver a consistent quality of connection and do not drop available signals. What’s more, purchases come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can have peace of mind as students take their gear out for a test run.
“Technology should be accessible to everyone,” says Conti. “Unfortunately, many families shopping for tech devices may not be aware of the quality of refurbished options and, as a result, may feel priced out of the latest high-quality technology.”
Whether buying a refurbished iPhone, Samsung Galaxy smartphone or iPad, keep in mind that kids can take an active role in extending the life of their devices with proper maintenance. Be sure to send them to school with protective gear like cases, screen protectors and waterproof backpacks that come with specialized compartments for all their gear.
More information can be found at MyWiT.com.
In a world where staying connected is critical to a student’s success, keep in mind that getting reliable technology doesn’t need to break the bank.
