Issue 28.12
Often when people have to face the cost of repairing their computer, the question is asked, “Should I fix it, upgrade it or just buy a new one?”
There are a number of things to consider while making this decision. First is the age of the existing computer and the cost of the repair. The average life expectancy of a new computer is around 6-8 years, but because of the rapid increases in technology, many people replace their computers about every 4 or 5 years. Businesses usually plan to replace their computers on a 4 year rotating plan and some lease them for 2 years and then return them for a new system on a new lease.
A good rule of thumb is to consider the purchase price of a new computer and then consider 15% of that price per year that the old computer has been used as a depreciation when considering how much to spend to keep it running. For example, if a new computer you would like to have is $800 and your old computer is 5 years old, but otherwise meets your needs, you can consider that the depreciation is $600 (15% of $800 equals $120 times 5 years equals $600) and so it is probably worth spending up to $200 to keep it running for another year or so.
I think for the average home user, you can usually plan on your computer being reliable for around 6 years during which time you may have a couple of repair events having to do with hardware. Where software is concerned, it is a good idea to have the computer “tuned up” by a good tech about every year – more often if you are a power user that installs and uninstalls programs often or goes to large numbers of websites where you may encounter viruses and other malware.
One thing that you have to remember is that, when you replace a computer or even when you replace the hard drive or upgrade the Operating System (such as moving from Windows XP to Windows 7), you will likely have to reinstall most programs and transfer your files, pictures, music, etc. Those things can be time consuming and, if you don’t have a lot of experience, you may need professional help. Because of this, it is often not a bad idea to hang on to the old computer until you are pretty sure you need a new one, even if the old one isn’t the newest or fastest one around. Upgrading the memory or hard drive will sometimes give you the storage or speed increase you need to buy some time. When you have to transfer files and reload programs, you will often spend an additional $100-$150 for the time it takes a technician to do that for you in addition to any other costs which makes keeping your old computer more cost effective unless it doesn’t meet your needs any more.
Please also remember that, as the computer gets older, the likelihood that the hard drive may fail increases and so it is especially important to make sure you have a back up of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.