Laptops have become an essential tool for everyone, whether we use them for studying, work or entertainment, it seems that none of us can get on without one. Think about it, almost all of us use electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops and desktop computers for just about everything. We pay our bills using Bpay, we order items online, we watch the news, connect using Facebook and even search for “what in the world Annastacia Palaszczuk is really doing for us Queenslanders”.
The main question in mind for most Australians who cannot live without a laptop is, when is the best time to start thinking of getting a new one? To a great degree most laptops can be upgraded and fixed to perform faster (unless of course there has been an accident of significant concern). But at what point should you just throw in the towel and invest in a newer model?
The Benefit of The Doubt
Before you decide to buy a new laptop it is important to consider your own available finances. Especially in these uncertain times.
The most important advice we can share with you is the fact that, sometimes an existing laptop can be far superior in its specifications compared to a new but inferior model (whether we are talking about HP, Acer, Dell, Asus, Sony, Toshiba, Lenovo or Apple Mac). Simply because some laptop manufacturers create high-end models that encompasses top of the range hardware (RAM, CPU, Motherboard and others).
The smartest thing to do in such cases is to upgrade certain parts such as SSD and CPU which will work out to be much cheaper compared to buying a new laptop computer. Let’s do the math; upgrading laptop SSD, CPU and RAM may cost around $600 depending on the model you have. Let’s imagine buying a laptop that has similar specs, it will cost you around $1500. Basically, upgrading laptops instead of purchasing a new one can save you hundreds of $$$’s
Furthermore, if you are facing issues such as laptop slowdown or heating up or the screen going dark, they are easy and inexpensive to get fixed, and you need not invest in a brand new laptop at all. If there is an issue you cannot fix yourself, a professional laptop repairman can tell you the cost and you can evaluate it in your own terms.
Some Helpful Considerations Before You Decide
The following questions will undoubtedly help you decide whether a laptop is worth keeping (or repairing) or it needs to be replaced in favour of a new one:
- The repair cost is a major concern. If the repair bill is very large that it costs almost the same as a new laptop, you have your answer. Don’t let sentimental value cloud your judgment, always consider long term implications.
- The age of the laptop is also a valid point of contention. Any laptop that is upwards of four to five years is considered old (unless we are talking about high-end machines). When a laptop is over 5 years old and upgrade / repair costs are over $600 its time for a new one. Although premium level laptops do deserve a second glance in this regard.
- Can your warranty be subject to an extension? If the laptop is covered by an extended warranty (or insurance) you may be able to add on a lot more time to your warranty period making repairs at least partially taking care of by the manufacturer.
- Consider the scale of the problem you are facing with your laptop. Usually, minor problems do not warrant a costly new purchase as laptops need to be more functional than fashionable. For example: if you are asking Why is My Laptop So Slow? This doesn’t necessarily mean its the laptop hardware itself that has problems or outdated, it could have a virus or hard disk drive issues. Therefore, affordable maintenance and tune-up by our professional laptop repairers in Brisbane will make certain your laptop is fast again.
Buy a New Laptop OR Upgrade OR Repair
Find out exactly what is under the hood per se. All laptop manufacturers create different models (usually 3 distinct range):
- Standard models for general Australian market
- Mid-range models to cater for work usage
- High-end models for heavy usage including gaming laptops
Knowing what range your current laptop falls within can allow you to determine if your laptop is upgradable. Then:
- Consider the time it will take to repair your laptop. Does the laptop service provider stock the parts, or do they need to source it from multiple locations. This will mean time you cannot spend on earning or working if the provider isn’t a professional laptop serving business.
- Consider the cost of the repair as well as what extent of it will be covered by warranty.
- Consider the safety of your files and whether or not you have saved them in a secondary location such as external hard drive storage, or on the Cloud before handing in the laptop to a repairman.
At the end of the day, its always smart to speak with reputable computer technicians to find out if or when a laptop is suited for upgrades / repairs / or buying a new one. As always, all our valued customers in Brisbane Australia can get in touch with The Electronic Fix for trusted and expert advice.
Installed a new battery and hard drive in my old MacBook Pro 2012 and turned it into a powerhouse. Brilliant service. Fast. A real pleasure.
Whether you want to find out how good your current laptop model is, or whether you want to get your Apple Mac laptop repaired in Brisbane. We’re here to help
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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.
