No, they're not refurbished. They are brand new, but they just don't come with the retail packaging, which includes stuff like a manual, cable, and the fancy box.
I think it's more important for SSDs come with a 2.5" to 3.5" bracket for desktop use rather than SATA cable. I have spare SATA cables that came with my mobo, but I don't have any brackets for my SSDs. I really find it annoying that most SSDs don't come with anything even in the retail packaging.Most important part IMO being the lack of a SATA cable, very important if you're building a PC or adding a drive to your desktop, but pretty much negligible regarding laptops.
Case in point: Bought a SSD as an upgrade to my PC, had to play musical chairs with my two SATA cables in order to install Windows on my SSD, and now I am only using my two Hard Drives with my CD-ROM disconnected until I get some new SATA cables.
I think it's more important for SSDs come with a 2.5" to 3.5" bracket for desktop use rather than SATA cable. I have spare SATA cables that came with my mobo, but I don't have any brackets for my SSDs. I really find it annoying that most SSDs don't come with anything even in the retail packaging.
I know what you mean though. I gave a friend an SATA cable because he bought an OEM HDD, but had a pre-built rig.
Folks, OP is not talking about desktop use, but for laptop use. No cables involved. Just remove the old HDD from the laptop's caddy and replace with the SSD. Same screws. Nothing else needed.
I don't think any of us thought otherwise, simply offering our thoughts on the "downsideto buying an OEM hard drive." Most everyone stated that the downsides we are referring to are mostly irrelevant in relation to laptops.