The experience of buying a new computer from the shops is almost always coupled with a salesperson trying to sell you on the benefits of taking out an extended warranty. This usually extends the warranty of your device for an additional 1-2 years and what it means is that you are covered for repairs should your computer be damaged in that time.
So why should I replace my computer rather than repair it?
It’s no secret that technology is advancing at a rate of knots. This means that replacement time for electronic devices comes around more quickly than you think.
The average age of PCs these days is 5 years, but when used for business the recommendation is to replace your equipment every 3 to 4 years. The cost of maintaining hardware for longer than 4 years begins to outweigh the benefits of not replacing it, and when it comes to repairs or upgrading, these expenses can easily exceed the cost of a new machine.
The decision to spring for a new computer needn’t be an expensive guess. Consumer Reports says spending money to repair a laptop that is 5 years old isn’t worth it and if the repair on a laptop under 5 years old is more than 50% of the cost of a replacement machine, don’t repair it. While upgrading hardware such as memory or the hard drive might cost you 10-20% of the cost of a new PC, remember that this usually only buys you a year or so on your computer’s lifespan.
“The cost of maintaining hardware for longer than 4 years begins to outweigh the benefits of not replacing it.”
Your under performing PC can cost you productivity
Aging hardware is not the only reason to replace your PC. Older machines are less likely to support newer operating systems, and if they do, it’s often at the expense of reduced performance.
Consider for a moment that most computer manufacturers release new desktop, notebook, or tablet PCs at least twice a year. Intel tends to launch new processors about once a year. Support for older operating systems is continually phased out and if your desktop PC or laptop needs a replacement part that is no longer readily available you could see yourself having to wait unnecessarily long for a repair or fork out for a new computer in any case.
A new PC offers you the latest software, a faster processer, more storage space and a new 1 year warranty for free, not to mention increased productivity in the workplace.
The verdict
When buying a new PC we would always recommend purchasing a 3 year warranty alongside it. This means you are covered for any problems with your device which is still fairly new. However after the 3 year warranty has expired it is time to invest in a new PC or Laptop which will not only provide you with a better device but most likely save you money in the long run.
Chat to us about upgrading your computer, or if it is older than 3 years, replacing it with a better, faster machine that makes your life easier.
