Is it worth it to fix my computer?
If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your computer for a while anyway, a broken computer could be just the incentive you need to take the plunge and invest in that brand-new laptop or PC.
But if you are reasonably happy with your existing computer or you’re on a tight budget and can’t really afford to upgrade right now, it’s not so easy to make the decision to pay for a replacement.
If this is the case for you, the first step is to find out how much it will cost to repair your computer. If the cost of the repair is high, you may decide that it’s a better decision to pay a little more for a new one. However, if the computer fix is relatively simple and easy, it makes sense to opt for the repair. Once you have an accurate quote for fixing the computer, you can weigh up your options.
Computer repairs are usually significantly cheaper than buying a new model. But that doesn’t mean you should always opt for the repair. Usually, if repairing a PC or laptop is going to cost more than half the price of a new one, it doesn’t make sense to fix it. However, this does depend a bit on your individual circumstances.
The best way to get an accurate quote for the repair is to contact a computer repair shop in area. You can find your nearest computer repair shop by googling “repair computer near me” or “fix computer near me”. Make sure you choose a computer repair service with good reviews and double-check they offer a free repair estimate before you take your computer in for assessment.
How do I know if my computer needs replacing?
Apart from the cost of the repair, there are a few questions you should ask yourself that may help you decide whether replacing your computer is a better option than repairing it:
How old is my laptop or PC?
If your computer is less than a year old, there’s a good chance it’s still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, which will cover the cost of repairs.
The length of this warranty will depend on the brand of your computer and where you bought it from. Check the documentation that came with your computer as well as sales receipts and any emails you have confirming the sale or registration.
Some computer brands offer an extended warranty (for example, Apple Macs users may opt to extend their warranty to the AppleCare+ plan for an additional fee, which provides support, service, and mac repairs for up to 3 years after purchase.) So even if your computer is up to around 4 or 5 years old, it’s still worth checking your paperwork to see if it may be covered for repairs.
If your computer is well out of the warranty period and you’re wondering “Should I repair a 5-year-old computer?” The answer depends on whether you are planning to upgrade within the next couple of years anyway.
Most people replace their laptop every 3-8 years, and desktop computers a little longer at 5-8 years so it comes down to personal preference whether you think you can squeeze a few more years out of your computer.
On the other hand, is an 11-year-old computer worth fixing? Probably not. It really depends on what you’re using it for and the quality of the build.
Computer components do wear out over time, and 10 years is a pretty good lifespan for a computer. But if you’re just using your computer for web browsing and emails, you might be able to get a few more years out of it by just replacing the worn-out part.
It’s best to get in touch with your local laptop computer repair or PC repair shop and see whether they think it’s worth fixing or not.