When deciding whether it is time to replace your computer, there are several factors to consider.
- Age of your computer – The industry standard for replacing a desktop or laptop is every three to four years. This is mostly because the costs of repairing an older computer begin to rise substantially – to 50% of its purchase price and more, after four years.
- What do you need your computer to do? – Do you want your computer to run faster and have more efficient hardware – such as increased Random-Access Memory (RAM) and a solid-state drive (SSD)? Is your Internet content downloading slowly? Would you like to upgrade your operating system to the most current one available? Is your new software not working well? If you have answered “yes” to more than one of these questions, chances are good that is time to replace your computer.
- Cost of repairing an old computer versus the cost of replacing it – New computers vary greatly in cost so this must be considered when deciding the right time to replace your computer. Computers can cost as low as $400 for a basic model with limited storage space or as much as $3,500 for a high-end desktop with a large hard drive. You will also need to consider the cost of software and malware protective software, which usually costs over $200. Transferring files from your old computer to the new one and getting the new one set up properly can cost a few hundred as well if you hire an IT professional.On the other hand, fixing your old computer might be as simple as updating your software (free of cost) or as costly and complex as hardware replacement. This could run between $200 and $600 for professional services, in addition to parts and software. Consider this against the cost of a new machine and the other factors (age and what you need your computer to do).
Contact the professional IT technicians at Geeks on Site to help you look at the pros and cons and determine what’s best for you and your budget. We take great pride in providing quality IT support and services nationwide.
