Once a laptop is considered broken or has been declared unusable, there are only a few options available to the owner, either:
- Sell it to buyers of second hand or broken laptops
- Salvage usable parts that still work (sell the parts, keep them as spare, or use it for replacement on another laptop)
- Get it checked out by professionals to see if its fixable or upgradable
- Recycle
Today, we’re going to share simple insights for you to consider if finally you need to let go of your good old trusty laptop.
Sell It to Make $$ Money Out of It
While the market for secondhand laptops is booming in Australia, a portion of the market is dedicated to making money out of broken units. Quick cash can be made from defective laptops if only you know where to sell. There are many websites or even market places for Aussies such as (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay are a good start)
Market places as mentioned above are where buying broken laptops are based on the fair value of the still usable parts. Searching local laptop computer shops likewise can be a welcomed option for the assessment of broken laptops to see whether or not you can sell it.
Buyers of broken or second hand laptops already expect that your laptop has materially depreciated but they rely on the possibility that they can still do repairs on it and sell it in a refurbished state. Thus, it is but logical that they will ask how you broke your laptop and assess whether your laptop still has any value to it or it already belongs in the bin.
In all cases, always seek trusted and reputable businesses for such purposes. Living in Brisbane Queensland Australia? Talk to The Electronic Fix, we’re conveniently located at 5/17 Blackwood Street. Mitchelton, Brisbane, QLD 4053 or you can always phone (07) 3613 0029 during business hours for expert opinion.
Keep the Serviceable Parts for Future Use
Let’s imagine you already brought your problem laptop to a service centre and the technician advised on its retirement. You may ask them to test which parts can be used or integrated to a new laptop, or which are compatible to PC. The service might come with a small price, but this can help you save costs in buying a new laptop or by opting to build your own PC.
If the display still works, it can be used as a second monitor. The RAM sticks may be added as additional RAM on another laptop you are considering buying (this can be a cost-effective upgrade). The graphics card, the CPU and the hard drive if without defect, are very useful components that can still last for many years.
Get Laptop Repair Professionals to See If Fixable or Upgradable
The best way to make certain that your laptop is redundant, as in, it can not be used nor worth fixing or upgrading is through getting professional laptop technicians to analyse the laptop thoroughly as well as find out which parts are worth keeping. Doing so can actually reduce hundreds of dollars from your next laptop purchase because you may have a laptop with good specs and parts. In fact laptop specialists can inform you if its worth upgrading or which laptop parts you can easily sell. As the saying goes, something that one person considers worthless may be considered valuable by someone else.
Take it to Computer Recycling & E-Waste Disposal Facility
If you’re ready to say goodbye to unusable laptop or desktop computer (or other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles), you can donate it to initiatives that put your not-usable laptop to good use. Extracting recyclable materials from a deteriorated unit can only be done by using specialised equipment.
By surrendering your unusable laptop, not only will you support Eco-Friendly living, but you can also prevent the improper disposal of components that can be potentially hazardous once exposed to the elements. Especially when all the recent news suggesting shift in our consciousness for caring for mother earth, as well as for World heritage listed Great Barrier Reef just a stone throw away from Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council resource recovery centres (previously known as ‘transfer stations’) located at Willawong, Chandler, Ferny Grove and Nudgee can be used for recycling electronic waste. You can also find a recycler by searching recyclingnearyou.com.au
Important: remember to delete data from your electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops before disposing of them to help prevent theft of your personal information.
Finally, should you be a well-off Australian, then, helping a battler can be a great option for your old (but still usable laptop) by donating it to your local community school. You can simply get in touch with your neighbourhood school (primary, or high school, or even university) and ask whether they have electives on information technology subjects, or whether the laptops are compulsory to have for students (as it is usually the case in 2021) and then simply donate it.
Whatever you might choose to do with your laptop, the choice is yours. It is totally up to you whether to let go of it, sell, repair, upgrade, recycle, or donate it. For all laptop and Apple MacBook laptop repairs and upgrades in brisbane, simply contact us
Our Blog Section About Laptops and Computers
The Electronic Fix in Brisbane and surrounding suburbs offering laptop computer repairs, upgrades and part replacement as well as fixes game consoles. To learn more visit: Alderley, Arana Hills, Ashgrove, Aspley, Enoggera, Everton Hills, Everton Park, Ascot Brisbane, Bridgeman Downs, Carseldine, Clayfield and Services section.
