How to know if you should repair or replace your computer?

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Working from home has become more popular than ever, so it’s essential that our devices are working optimally. There’s no worse feeling than experiencing technical difficulties right before a deadline or an important meeting. 

If you’ve recently found yourself working with a laggy and noisy laptop, you might be wondering if it’s time to send it into retirement. But how do you know if your ailing laptop is repairable or simply beyond saving? At the end of the day, every device is different, so it’s a good idea to enlist the help of an IT specialist to get a more accurate assessment of your device. However, there are a few factors you can take into account when determining whether you should repair or replace your computer. Here are just a few: 

Cost

Cost is a big determining factor when it comes to figuring out whether to repair or replace a computer. Generally speaking, the ‘50% rule’ is a pretty good guide to help you get a picture of the most cost-effective route. If the repairs are to exceed 50% of the total cost of replacing the computer, then you’re probably better off purchasing a replacement. For example, if you’ve isolated your problems to a dysfunctional or old hard drive, then it might be more cost-effective to simply get a new hard drive. This is because hard drive repairs are usually an easy and inexpensive fix. However, if your technician realises that the damage to your device is a bit more complex, then it might be more cost-effective to buy a new computer altogether. A good IT specialist will be able to provide you with an accurate snapshot of the overall health of your device as well as an honest opinion on the best route for you to take. 

Time

Repairing a computer takes time, and not everyone can afford the downtime that may come with the repair process. Similarly, depending on the make and model of your device, finding the exact parts to complete the repair could also take up some more valuable time. If your computer is just for your personal use, then time away from your device might not affect your day-to-day life too much. However, if your device is used for work or for school, then you might not be able to get away with not having access to it for more than a few days. In those sorts of situations, it might be better to simply purchase a new computer and transfer your data over. 

One of the handy features of Jim’s IT is that our technicians come straight to your home or business. What’s even better is that we don’t charge a call-out fee. This means that you don’t have to worry about taking time out of your week to drop off and collect your device from a repair shop. If you think that your computer could do with a repair, our team can come straight to your doorstep to help you resolve the issue. Alternatively, if you’ve decided to purchase a new computer altogether and don’t want to waste any time with setting it up, our technicians can set up your new device at a time that’s convenient for you and get you back up and running in no time.

Condition and Age

Nothing lasts forever, including our tech devices. The average lifespan of a computer is 3 years, so if you’re wondering why your 8 year old laptop is suddenly acting up, it’s probably because it’s at the end of its lifespan. If the warranty on your device has expired, you’re almost always better off purchasing a new one altogether. 

Although it’s impossible to find a computer that will last forever, there are still some things you can do to extend its lifespan. Ongoing maintenance will make sure that you get the most out of your device, so that you don’t have to spend time and money replacing and/or repairing your devices unnecessarily. At Jim’s IT, we can provide ongoing or once-off maintenance services to help keep your expensive devices in good condition and working order. Consistency here is key, so let us know if you need some handy tips on how you can maintain and look after your device from home.

Frequency of Use

Everyone interacts with their devices differently. For some people, computers are integral to their daily life and workflow. For others, not so much. If you’re a graphic designer or an animator, you’ll undoubtedly need a computer that is functioning optimally at all times. However, if you only use your device a few times a day to check up on emails or to type up a short document, then you probably don’t need a super high performing computer. When weighing up between a replacement or a repair, have a think about exactly what you’ll be using your device for, and if it’s really necessary to upgrade to a newer model.

Ultimately, there’s no hard and fast rule for when you should repair and when you should replace your computer. Everyone’s individual needs and situations are different. The best way to determine your best course of action is to have an IT specialist run diagnostics on your device. At Jim’s IT, we can perform testing and repairs on all sorts of different devices and systems. So, if you’re weighing up whether to repair or upgrade your computer, give our specialists at Jim’s Group a ring today on 13 15 46. 

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