The Ultimate Decision: To Repair Or To Replace?
Laptops are designed with portability in mind first and foremost, which is why laptop replacement parts are hard to come by. Cant get the connection? Read on.
You see, because portability is imperative in a laptops design, laptop parts are constructed in such a way that weight is minimized and compactness is maximized leading to some very rigid designs. Furthermore, each laptop manufacturer follows its own design schematics, so its not like you can just swap laptop spare parts at whim. Everything has to be specialized.
Now what happens when your laptop breaks? Unlike desktops, laptop parts arent as easily replaceable, leaving consumers to resort to an ultimatum of sorts: Do I have my laptop repaired? Or should I just replace it outright?
Whats the Problem?
Before plunging into that decision, though, you have to first know what the problem is exactly. Are you really sure that its a hardware malfunction? Isnt it entirely possible that the problem could have just been caused by a virus, in which case its relatively easy to fix? If youre unsure, do you have a techie friend who can help you look things over?
The point is that before you think of repairing or replacing your laptop both of which require spending some dough it pays to know if those options are even necessary in the first place.
Which Is the Better Option, Money-Wise?
Say that you found out that it is a hardware problem; what then? Which option will prove to be a wiser investment?
Most industry pundits agree on this rule of thumb: If the cost for repairs ends up becoming more than a third of the cost of a new laptop, youre better off buying said laptop.
What Else Can a New Laptop Offer Other Than the Expected Spec Upgrades
Another rule of thumb: When deciding to buy a new laptop, make sure that it offers at least two new features that you would really like to have. It doesnt matter if its a built-in webcam, a lighter weight, a longer battery life, or a kitchen sink. As long as they are features (not specs) that get you all excited, then dont feel too guilty about spending all that cash on a new laptop.
Just How Old Is Your Current Laptop?
If your laptop is just two years old or less, then repairs are the better option, all other factors being inconsequential. If its three to four years old, the decision could go either way. However, if its nearing the fifth year mark, then it might be a good time to get a new one, as what you have right now is sorely outdated.
Which Part Got Damaged Exactly?
If the part that got busted doesnt really affect the laptops inner workings in any way say the LCD monitor, the battery, or the keyboard then repairs are the logical choice. However, if its the GPU or the motherboard that got fried, then you may as well think about getting a new laptop.
Have You Checked Your Laptops Warranty Status?
Finally, always be mindful of how long your computers warranty will last; and whether its for repairs only, or whether it covers both repairs and replacements.
You see, because portability is imperative in a laptops design, laptop parts are constructed in such a way that weight is minimized and compactness is maximized leading to some very rigid designs. Furthermore, each laptop manufacturer follows its own design schematics, so its not like you can just swap laptop spare parts at whim. Everything has to be specialized.
Now what happens when your laptop breaks? Unlike desktops, laptop parts arent as easily replaceable, leaving consumers to resort to an ultimatum of sorts: Do I have my laptop repaired? Or should I just replace it outright?
Whats the Problem?
Before plunging into that decision, though, you have to first know what the problem is exactly. Are you really sure that its a hardware malfunction? Isnt it entirely possible that the problem could have just been caused by a virus, in which case its relatively easy to fix? If youre unsure, do you have a techie friend who can help you look things over?
The point is that before you think of repairing or replacing your laptop both of which require spending some dough it pays to know if those options are even necessary in the first place.
Which Is the Better Option, Money-Wise?
Say that you found out that it is a hardware problem; what then? Which option will prove to be a wiser investment?
Most industry pundits agree on this rule of thumb: If the cost for repairs ends up becoming more than a third of the cost of a new laptop, youre better off buying said laptop.
What Else Can a New Laptop Offer Other Than the Expected Spec Upgrades
Another rule of thumb: When deciding to buy a new laptop, make sure that it offers at least two new features that you would really like to have. It doesnt matter if its a built-in webcam, a lighter weight, a longer battery life, or a kitchen sink. As long as they are features (not specs) that get you all excited, then dont feel too guilty about spending all that cash on a new laptop.
Just How Old Is Your Current Laptop?
If your laptop is just two years old or less, then repairs are the better option, all other factors being inconsequential. If its three to four years old, the decision could go either way. However, if its nearing the fifth year mark, then it might be a good time to get a new one, as what you have right now is sorely outdated.
Which Part Got Damaged Exactly?
If the part that got busted doesnt really affect the laptops inner workings in any way say the LCD monitor, the battery, or the keyboard then repairs are the logical choice. However, if its the GPU or the motherboard that got fried, then you may as well think about getting a new laptop.
Have You Checked Your Laptops Warranty Status?
Finally, always be mindful of how long your computers warranty will last; and whether its for repairs only, or whether it covers both repairs and replacements.
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