End of the Road? 6 Signs PC Technicians Use to Determine When to Replace a Laptop (Or Repair)
published 4/21/2020Is your laptop giving you grief? Are you battling the blue screen of death more often than not?
Is your computer constantly freezing? Is your mouse responding?
All of these things are frustrating, especially when your laptop is such an expensive asset, and when most of us rely on it for daily activities.
Deciding when to fix a PC or when to chuck it is a difficult decision. In this blog post, we'll discuss when to replace a laptop to help you more comfortably make the decision of when to buy a new one or send it to the "doctor."
Read on for more.
1. Replace a Laptop If It Is More Than 3-5 Years Old and Has Functioning Issues
Most laptops last between three and five years. Inexpensive models can hold out for three years, but high-end models can keep chugging along for up to five--if you take care of them well.
If your laptop is a year or two old and the issue can be fixed relatively cheaply, it's a good idea to have the PC repaired. This way, you'll give it a new lease on life, and you'll be able to use it until the end of its cycle (hopefully).
But if your laptop isn't functioning properly and it is several years old, it is likely best to upgrade. This is because it is doubtful your laptop will last much longer, even if you do fix the current issue. At that point, it is like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound.
Since you can purchase computers that will function for you as needed for as little as $300, it may be worth considering that as an alternative to a repair.
2. You've Damaged It Irreparably
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people do try to salvage computers that have been damaged past the point of no return. For example, if you've accidentally spilled your Diet Coke on your laptop, for the most part, you'll need to purchase a new one.
If you bring the PC in for repair and the team tells you there's no way they can fix it, it's a good idea to look for an alternative.
3. Your Insurance on It Will Not Cover Repairs
Many people buy insurance when they purchase laptops because they are such a high-priced item. This is fantastic and encouraged, as it can save you a pretty penny in the long run, should it malfunction.
But at some point, the insurance will run out. Many electronics are covered for set periods of time--sometimes 1 to 3 years of use. After that, you're on your own.
Additionally, most insurances have clauses that state that they will not help pay for your computer's repair under certain situations. For example, they may pay for your repair if the computer suddenly stops working through no fault of your own. Or, if the manufacturer realizes there was an assembly error, they may offer to fix it or replace it for free.
But, if you dropped your laptop and part of it shattered, for instance, this is likely not covered in your insurance.
If it is damaged to the point that your insurance refuses to cover the repairs, especially if they're costly, it may be time for a replacement.
4. It Costs More to Keep It Running Than the Computer Is Worth
Laptops have become essential in our society. As such, they're available in a variety of price points. From just a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand, and everywhere in between, they're affordable for most people.
But, repairs are often costly. If the repairs you need to be done cost so much that they're almost equal to, or even surpass, the cost of the laptop itself, it's time to get a new one.
5. The Laptop No Longer Serves Your Needs
As you grow in your career and life, your needs for a laptop and technology change with it. And, we know technology is also always evolving and moving forward at a rapid pace.
So, if you've decided to take up a career as a Twitch streamer, for example, your Chromebook may not be enough to help support that. Or, if you've decided to do advanced coding or are really into video games or other creative endeavors, an older laptop may no longer do you justice.
If your laptop no longer suits you or your lifestyle, and you can afford an upgrade, it's definitely time to do so.
6. It Has Major Operating Issues and Doesn't Run Smoothly
Does your computer randomly shut off when you're working? Does it freeze often? Has it shut off and you can't turn it back on? Is it running at a pace so slow that you're sure molasses could fall much faster?
If so, it is definitely time to take it to the computer "doctor" for a check-up. Only they can determine if your laptop is really on its deathbed, or if it can be revived through their work.
Deciding When to Replace a Laptop
Knowing when to replace a laptop is tricky. It's expensive to do so, and many of us store so many memories on our computers that the idea of letting them go can be scary.
But the only way to know for sure what the future holds for it is to take it to a reputable repair shop.
If you live in the Phoenix area, Data Doctors are the perfect technicians to help you decide what to do with your laptop. They can offer you advice and can repair a laptop you want to keep alive a little while longer.
For more information, contact us directly or book an appointment online.
