We’ve all experienced a crashing laptop. Failing motherboards, dead logic boards, burned-out power supplies, and exploding batteries are just a few common ways laptops go downhill. You know your laptop is in trouble when you start getting the “blue screen of death” out of nowhere.
You need your laptop, especially if you use it for work. Is it worth repairing your existing laptop? Should you junk it and buy a new device? Maybe. The answer depends on several factors.
1. Can you part with your laptop for a short period of time?
The main consideration is whether or not you can part with your laptop for the time it takes to have it repaired. Granted, if your laptop is entirely unusable, it won’t matter how long you part with your device. However, if you’re just starting to notice some problems, you need to consider the time it will take to repair.
If your device runs on a Windows, Chrome, or Linux operating system, you can get your laptop repaired just about anywhere. If there is no repair shop nearby, you can mail your laptop to get it repaired by professional technicians. It doesn’t matter if your device is manufactured by HP, Gateway, Asus, or Toshiba – the hardware is standard and easily repaired by skilled computer repair technicians.
If you’re using an Apple Macbook, you’ll need to either mail it or take it to an Apple store for repair. Although some people claim to work on Apple devices, it’s risky. Apple has engineered several unique, proprietary components that don’t function like the standard parts people are used to handling. For example, Apple has designed proprietary diagnostic software that must be used when repairing or replacing certain parts. When the special software isn’t used, the result is an inoperative system.
2. Do you have a backup laptop?
If you have a backup laptop you can use, it might be worth repairing your broken device even if it takes a while to get it back.
It’s a good idea to have at least one backup laptop that functions in the full capacity you require. For example, if you use applications like MS Word, Excel, and Photoshop, your backup laptop should have the same software.
3. Are the repairs more expensive than a new laptop?
One of the most important considerations is the cost of repair. If it costs more to repair your existing laptop than it does to buy a new device, you should probably buy a new device.
Some repairs that can outprice the cost of a new laptop include replacing the logic board and the motherboard.
4. Can you get a fresh installation of your software without paying again?
In some cases, you might have software installed on your laptop that you can’t install on a new laptop. There are several reasons this might happen. If the software is old and the developers don’t offer downloads anymore, you will be out of luck. You’ll also have trouble downloading a new copy of paid software if you can’t log into your accounts.
You might be able to contact customer service to retrieve your login information, but you might not have an account. For instance, your old employer may have paid for your software applications under their bulk license agreements. In any of these circumstances, you’ll have to buy a new license.
5. Are you ready to upgrade your laptop?
If you’re already in the market for an upgraded laptop, it might not be worth repairing your broken laptop. It’s not advised to repair your laptop if the cost of repair is more than half the cost of a new laptop. Especially if you can get a new laptop with upgraded specs.
Handling repairs takes time and money, and if you’re short on both, it could be time to recycle your device.
6. Could you sell your laptop after it’s repaired?
Another point to consider is whether you can sell your laptop after it’s repaired. If you can sell your laptop for more than the repairs cost, it’s worth repairing just to sell. Even if you decide you don’t want to keep it and you get a better, upgraded laptop, repairing your old laptop can bring you some cash. Especially if it’s a highly sought after model like the sturdy IBM ThinkPad models.
Repair or replace – it’s up to you
Whether you repair or replace your laptop depends on how much money you’re willing or able to spend. If you don’t have money for a new laptop, your only option is to repair your existing device.
