Deciding Between Computer Repair

Has your computer been dealing with performance issues or damage recently? In many of these instances, device owners will need to choose between whether to repair the item or simply replace it – there are some situations where this is a relatively easy call, but also many others where it’s tougher to determine which is the best route.

At PC Laptops, we’re here to help on both sides of this spectrum. We offer both a wide variety of computer repair services and numerous new PCs and laptops for sale, and our team of computer experts has years of experience that will help us evaluate the concerns with your current model and recommend the proper approach. Are issues limited enough that simple repairs will be robust enough to move past them long-term, or might your device have reached a point where simply replacing it will be the most efficient move? Here are some basic factors to keep in mind.

Cost Factors and the 50 Percent Rule

Cost will obviously be a top factor here for most, and the single most important for many dealing with computer issues. The first basic step here to take is comparing whether the cost of repairing the device compares to the cost of simply replacing it, but a bit more detail is also required here.

In particular, many individuals and plenty of business entities use what’s known as the “50 percent rule” for these kinds of decisions, both within computing and other related repair areas. This rule states that if repairs for a given product hit or exceed 50% of the total cost of simply replacing that same item, you should go with the replacement. So if you ascertain that you can have your computer repaired for $500, but the same model is for sale brand new at $900, most financial advisors would recommend going with the new option.

Now, you might be wondering, doesn’t that cost more? Up front, yes. However, a computer that requires repairs that cost over half its new purchase value isn’t likely to only require just the one set of repairs – if it’s already reached this state, it’s going to have issues again in the future, and you’re going to have to pay for these. The reason paying for the new option is more cost-efficient is because a new model will not have these same major issues, saving you more over the long run.

Current Age and Condition

One of the top factors in determining cost factors and applying the 50 percent rule is detailing the computer’s qualities. First and foremost, how old is it? Older computers naturally tend to deal with more issues, as they’re more susceptible to component wear-down and similar risks, while newer ones will hold up for longer – a minor repair on a newer computer will last longer than the same repair on an older one in many cases.

You must also consider the actual condition and qualities of the machine. For instance, many will choose to purchase a new computer even if their repairs are low-cost – but they’ll do so because a newer model has certain features or amenities that their current one does not. For many, this is a major factor, but one that they only truly realize once they have an issue that requires repair.

Source of Malfunction

Also important for determining cost factors: What is malfunctioning? There are many software and hardware issues that can easily be repaired as long as you have quality professionals who know how to pinpoint them; this is why working with our team is so important, and we’ve saved clients thousands of dollars by pointing out a simple repair alternative that stopped them from spending big on a new machine.

Timing and Practical Needs

They say “time is money,” and while defining the value of your time might be a little difficult, there’s no doubt this phrase is true for most of us to some degree. For instance, if the computer having issues is your occasional-use laptop that doesn’t hold many important files or purposes, there’s no issue sending it in for repairs and waiting a few days.

On the flip side, though, what if the computer dealing with problems is a vital work machine that you use daily? You should still go for repairs if they’re much cheaper than replacement, and our team will work with you on timing needs – but if you’ve run your 50 percent rule analysis and the numbers for each option aren’t far apart, those with needs like these will often go for the new model because they can receive it immediately rather than waiting.

Features Available

As we touched on above, the features of a new computer are often what make it so desirable, even if repairs might be a bit more cost-effective. It’s hard to put a precise value on the benefits you get from certain upgraded modern computing features, so this is something you have to decide for yourself, but we deal with plenty of clients who choose the new computer route simply because they want an upgrade, not just repairs.

Warranty Considerations

Finally, it’s vital to think about the warranty while making your decision. For instance, if your computer is still under an existing warranty, you will almost always be able to have it repaired at no cost, and this is the preferred route.

In addition, inquire with any computer repair company you consider about their repair warranties. And if you do choose a new computer, the warranty you receive on it will be an important factor to keep in mind.

For more on how to choose between computer repair and computer replacement, or to learn about any of our computer repair, phone repair or other device services, speak to the staff at PC Laptops today.