 Older Laptops - Fix or Replace?
Your old laptop has given you great service for years, but now it's acting up. Is it time to replace it, or does it just need a little TLC? It all depends on how old the system is, and what kind of problems you are experiencing. Here's a checklist for both Windows and Mac users.
Windows
Is it just too old? Look on the system for a
Certificate of Authenticity label. If it references Windows XP or Vista, you should probably just replace the system. Microsoft no longer supports either of those operating systems, which means they are no longer safe to use on the internet. If the COA references Windows 7, or if you have no COA (which might mean you have Windows 8 or 10) then it is worthwhile to investigate further.
Is the hardware damaged? If your old laptop has broken hinges, a cracked screen, or a touch pad that doesn't work any more, it's probably not worth fixing. If you know it had a liquid spill, it's definitely time to get a new one. However, a few missing keys on a keyboard, or a battery that no longer charges, are usually relatively inexpensive repairs. Check your model on Amazon and see if they sell
reasonably priced third party replacements.
Does the system start up? Even if you can't get Windows to work, a system in good physical shape that starts up and tries to load Windows is probably worth fixing. Your system might have a Windows issue, or a virus/malware problem, and a simple
flat rate servicing could bring it back to life. Or it could have a failed hard drive, the most common hardware failure I see.
Replacing the hard drive with a solid state drive will both make the computer usable again, and upgrade it so that it will actually be better than new.
Mac
Is it just too old? Click on the Apple menu in the upper left, and choose "About This Mac". The screen that pops up should tell you the model and year of your Mac, or give you a serial number you can use to
look it up here. If your model and year
cannot run MacOS Sierra, it's time to replace your Mac, as it will no longer receive security updates from Apple.
Is the hardware damaged? Macs are more expensive than PC's, so sometimes it's worthwhile to fix expensive cosmetic damage. Broken screens, keyboards, and batteries are all repairs which should be done by a Mac specialty shop, which I am not. I refer clients who need those types of repairs to
Computer Loft in Allston. As with PCs, if your system has had a liquid spill and is exhibiting problems, it's probably not worth fixing.
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