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Published on: 22.01.2024 | updated on: 08.04.2024
In this article, we discuss whether you should repair your laptop or buy a new one. We talk about why buying may be the better option when your computer has extensive damage and how to prolong the life of your computer by installing updates and keeping up with virus scans. We discuss the price comparison between repairing and replacing to help you decide which one suits you better.
To know whether repairing or replacing is the better option, you need to take a few things into consideration.
Think about how old the PC already is, how bad the damage is, and what the cost is going to be to get the computer repaired. If you have complex water damage, it may cost more to repair the device than buy a new one. However, it would be more cost-effective to have a newer model with just a cracked screen to get it repaired rather than replace it.
Cost is the main thing to think about when you take your PC to the repair store. It is wise to get a quote first to see what you will be up for before proceeding. Here, we look at the average costs of repairing a laptop.
It can cost between $300 to $1300 for a laptop screen replacement for the basic laptop models all the way up to the gaming laptops and Macbooks.
For a laptop battery replacement, you are looking at around $50 to $200, but prices will differ per model and repair store.
For a laptop charging port repair, you can expect to pay around $50 to $200.
For a laptop screen repair, the average cost is $50 to $100, which does not include any special tools that you will need to purchase to do the job yourself.
For a laptop battery replacement, the average going price to buy one of these is $50 to $200, but it can be more depending on the model of laptop you have. For example, a gaming laptop battery will be higher, but a normal Dell laptop battery will be cheaper.
For a charger port replacement, the average price starts at $50 and can go up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the model that you have.
There are average computers that are fairly priced, but there are more expensive brands like Alienware and Apple. Here we look at the prices for the different computer models.
There are times when your laptop may cost a lot more to repair than you think. It is often due to the extent of the damage. You might think that water damage is not too much to worry about. However, the job is very complex and fragile as the technician is dealing with tiny components inside the motherboard that he must ensure he doesn't damage. Basic parts like a screen or charger port replacements are cheaper as they are basic parts, but internal components are more expensive, so water damage will cost more than a broken screen.
The age of the computer needs to be taken into consideration because if the computer is not far from being obsolete and its overall performance has degraded significantly, it would be more cost-effective to buy a new one. If the computer is still fairly recent and runs well and only needs a charger port repair or a new screen, it would be more affordable to get the repairs done.
How long a computer lasts will depend on whether it is a high-tech one or a basic one, how often you use it, and how you treat it. For laptops under about $700, you can expect to get a good 2-4 years out of them, and for computers that cost over $1000 for peak performance, you would need to replace them within 4-7 years.
If you hardly use the computer and only use it for basic minimal things like email and browsing, you may get closer to 8-9 years. Some computers will stop getting updates when they are considered obsolete, but as long as you are still getting updates, the computer can still be used and may just require a new battery, as these tend to wear out after two to three years.
The average cycle for a laptop is 2-3 years. You can get longer out of the computer, but after this time, you may start to see a decrease in performance. If the computer is still receiving updates, you may be able to install more RAM or replace the battery to gain better performance. The repair store can look over the computer and offer their advice if you don’t know what to do.
When a device starts to slow down, or newer, better-performing parts come out, some people buy new parts and add them to their existing computers. Desktop computers are better for this, but a lot of gaming computers can have extra performance material added to them to enhance their performance. This is usually done every 2-3 years for those who prefer to keep upgrading and re-building their existing computers.
The life expectancy after a repair is good for most computers. Some damage, like water damage and overheating damage, can take a toll on the computer, but as long as parts are repaired or replaced, the computer can still work fine.
In most cases, the battery is usually the first thing to break down in a PC laptop. Once you get a battery replacement, you can add years more of life to expensive computers like Alienware gaming ones as long as it works fine and updates are available.
If the PC was a cheaper model like a Toshiba or Lenovo, you may get another 12 months out of the computer before performance issues will become a problem.
Consider the environmental factor if you are trying to do your part for the environment. If the laptop still runs fine but needs a minor repair, that is more eco-friendly than buying a new computer. If the repair is minor, you may still be able to get another 12 months out of the computer before sending it to landfill.
Time can be a factor when it comes to repairing your laptop. You need to consider how long it will take to repair the laptop. If you are sending the computer away, you must allow travel time and repair time, so you may not have the computer for a few weeks. Local stores may be able to repair, but if there are people ahead of you and the repair is complex, it may take a few days for you to get the computer back/
A repair may be the preferred solution if your laptop has sentimental value. You can repair the laptop and continue using it until it can no longer be fixed or updates are no longer supplied.
Most laptop manufacturers, like Apple and Dell, offer a one-year laptop warranty cover for faults or mechanical problems. This warranty does not cover damage from drops, water, or misuse. You must file a report to see if you are eligible for a refund, replacement, or repair in that one-year period.
You can purchase individual insurance for your laptop or add it to your home insurance policy. You must read the terms and conditions to see what you are covered for. If you are covered, repair might be more economical than replacing the whole PC.
Take performance and functionality into consideration; if the PC still works great and runs smoothly without hiccups, then a minor repair like battery replacement or charger port repair would be more cost-effective. For a computer with many performance issues, upgrading and fixing everything may cost more than buying a newer model.
Users who are on their computers for gaming using high-tech equipment may choose to advance when newer computer models come out. Those who just have a PC to answer emails and do a few Google searches may be happy with a repair here and there as there is no need to buy new computers as they advance as they will not be accessing all those high-tech features as gamers do.
You will notice changes in the computer when it is nearing time to replace the PC. Your computer may crash and give you a blue or black screen or fail to boot up. This can indicate a booting system problem and can be expensive to fix. If updates are no longer being created for that computer, it has become obsolete and must be replaced.
If the computer is just not charging correctly or turns off when you pull the charger out, it may indicate a battery problem, which can be repaired without needing to replace the system.
You can do many things to prolong your laptop's lifespan. Let’s check them out below.
There are several options where you can get your computer repaired.
The Simply Fixable platform partners with different repair stores personally vetted by Simply Fixable themselves to ensure they pass what matters like quality control, affordability, and supportive customer service.
You can also seek repairs from computer manufacturers such as Dell, Acer, HP, Apple, and Asus. You may pay a higher price for the repairs, but you will get genuine parts. It can take longer if you choose to repair with the manufacturer if there is no repair store near you, you will need to send away for the repair.
Most electrical stores sell PCs. You can find just basic ones or more complex gaming laptops at electrician stores, BestBuy, and online stores such as Kogan which has both new and refurbished PCs. Refurbished is another option if you would like a similar laptop that is cheaper than buying brand new.
It is a good idea to seek advice from a professional first to see whether the repairs are worth doing and the price outcome. They can help you decide whether repairing or replacing is the most cost-effective thing to do. They will also discuss your needs to see whether a new computer would be better suited for what you want the computer for. Sometimes customers think the problem is major and rush out to buy a new computer, but it could only be a small problem that doesn't cost much to fix, so you can avoid the large cost of a brand new computer, at least for now.
Is it worth repairing when I can replace it? It’s a common question that repair stores get asked because people are unsure which is the best option. If you only have minor repairs that would cost around $200 there really is no point buying a new laptop that could see you paying $1000s. If, of course, the extent of the damage is severe, like bad water damage, it might be more affordable to buy a new one, especially if it’s not guaranteed the computer will run the same as it used to once the repair has been done. It’s always a good idea to get professional advice before buying a new one, as there may be solutions available that you have not tried yet.
Professional Content Creator
LinkedIn: Hollie Spooner
Hollie is a technical writer with over 15 years of experience specializing in creating content to help keep the rest of the world informed and updated on all tech-related subjects. Hollie has created content for many writing platforms in the tech and IT industry, and her passion for turning words into helpful articles is still growing. Hollie holds several certifications, like "Professional Article and Blog Writing", "Writing Editing and Publishing", "Creative Writing" and "Technology Digital Solutions" by Open Education and Thompsons Education Direct. When she isn’t creating content for the web, she is enjoying a crazy life with her family and friends.
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