One of the more common situations we find ourselves in is having a customer ask us the question: “should I just get a new computer?” Whether the repair on their old computer may be too involved, the operating system is too far out-of-date, or they just plain want to upgrade, there are so many varying scenarios regarding computer repair versus replacement. I am writing this with the hope that it will help folks decide which direction they would like to go when faced with this crossroads. There are upsides and downsides to each, and every situation is unique, but the decision does not need to be paralyzing. We can help you make it and get you on your way back to productivity…or a Netflix binge!
Repairing Your Machine
Computer repair is going to be the more common answer to the question of whether to fix or replace. Repairing your computer comes with many benefits that make the continued use of your computer more of a smooth and seamless experience. Your data is there, that familiarity with the system is there;, all of your accessories and dongles will keep working too. No new operating system to learn, no new keyboard to get used to - it’s still YOUR device. Now of course, there are a few negatives as well, which could include price, availability of parts, turnaround time. Not every issue is worth fixing, particularly if the system has more than one issue such as a bad harddrive and faulty motherboard. If the sum of the repair cost and time is too great, looking into a new machine may be a smart move, especially if the unit is a bit older. Moving on and upgrading to a newer computer could be your best bet moving forward, however, it does have its own drawbacks.
Buying New
So your old computer has an issue. You have looked up places that sell electronics and found the cost of a new machine and compared it to your current computer repair quote. “For that price, I could just get a new one!” Well, that is not necessarily true. If you want your data, your programs, your same password, your e-mail set up, etc… those costs have to be taken into account. Sure, if you don’t want those things then those expenses can be eliminated, and a fresh start can be achieved. Sometimes that’s a perfectly acceptable option! And of course, new toys are fun, right? But you may have to learn how to navigate a new OS, operate a new keyboard setup, adjust to having different/less ports at your disposal. Overall, buying new sounds awfully neat, but depending on your situation, it might not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Decisions, Decisions…
Ultimately the choice between repairing and replacing is up to you. However, we will always do our best to help you make the decision that best fits your situation. Hopefully this article has given you a better idea of which direction to go in, and regardless of your choice, we are here to help you each step along the way. Just let us know what we can do to help!