When Will I Know When I Need to Replace My Laptop?

Laptops are remarkable pieces of ingenuity that can perform just about any work-related task without sacrificing portability. However, these amazing devices cannot last forever, and they will inevitably need to be upgraded. Do you know when the appropriate time to address this issue is?

Let’s look at some of the common warning signs that a laptop is due for a replacement.

Laptops Don’t Usually Last Longer Than Three-to-Five Years

The quality of the device might vary, but you can generally expect your new device to last about this long, with budget models leaning closer to the three-year mark and nicer models closer to the five-year mark. By the time these cutoffs have been reached, you can expect the software found on your devices to have progressed beyond the device’s hardware. If you would rather not watch your hardware slowly become obsolete, we recommend that you upgrade accordingly through the use of a hardware replacement strategy.

Here are some of the warning signs that your laptop is on its way out:

• Increased boot time
• Pauses, lag, slowdowns, and stutters when switching between tasks, applications, or even tabs
• Slower file transfer speeds
• Dead pixels or a flickering display
• The dreaded Blue Screen of Death, particularly with commonly-used programs

It should also be noted that it doesn’t matter how long your laptop lasts if it cannot run the latest version of Windows. We recommend that you run with at least Windows 10, then upgrade once you no longer meet those minimum system requirements.

What’s Better: Replacing the Laptop or Upgrading It?

More often than not, you’re better off replacing the entire laptop than trying to upgrade it, mostly because of the way your laptop is constructed. It’s not like a desktop where you can take apart the innards housed within the case; you’re mostly restricted to upgrading your RAM and SSD storage, and maybe replacing the battery. Eventually, it’s better to just replace the laptop in its entirety.

Horne & Benik is here to help guide your upgrade and decision-making process. To learn more about what we can do for your business, contact us at (603) 499-4400.