Often, if a device is more than three years old, it is cheaper to buy a new one.
Laptops are slightly different because they become less capable of running advanced applications as they age. With good care, you can get between three and five years out of your laptop. What you need to consider is whether, as your device ages, the cost of issue resolution and maintenance outweighs the cost of acquisition.
Often, if a device is more than three years old, it is cheaper to buy a new one.
A five-year-old PC could cost twice as much to run as a new one. A four-year-old PC suffers 55% more security incidents than in its first three years. When you look at it like this, the short-term savings disappear, and it can be an expensive mistake to continue to run an older device. So, how do you know when it’s time to bite the bullet and buy new devices?
Here are the top seven red flags to look out for:
Start-up and shut down are slow. We’ve all experienced this at some point. You could make a coffee and sit down and drink most of it before your PC is ready to go. It’s frustrating and wastes a lot of time, during which you could be working.
You’ve got multitasking issues. If your device simply can’t process several jobs at a time, it might be time for a new one. If you struggle to go back and forth between applications or tabs in a browser, the end is nigh.
You can’t update your operating software. Please, don’t neglect the basics. Updates are vital, especially when it comes to your operating software.
You’re unable to update your security. As stated above: please, don’t neglect the basics. Fail to update your security, and you’re leaving your business open to a data breach.
Your computer’s fans are noisy, which can be one of the first signs that your device is nearing its time in the computer graveyard.
Upgrading leads to compatibility issues. Upgrading certain elements of your hardware can be the first step in giving your device an increase in speed and power. However, upgrading some of the parts can lead to compatibility issues in an older machine.
The cost of upgrading or repair outweighs a replacement. You know what it means to throw good money after bad. Sometimes, it’s simply not worth the cost of a repair or replacement part. It may not fully rectify your issues. It may not last as long as you’d like it to, and it may be a case of fixing one thing and breaking another in the process.
As with anything regarding your business devices or infrastructure, always consult your IT support partner before making any big decisions. It can be costly to replace one device, let alone a fleet of them. Your IT support partner will discuss your requirements with you and make the best recommendations based on these and your budget. QCBN
By Theo Soumilas, QCBN
For additional information or to schedule an appointment to assist your business, call 928-719-7724 or visit northernazit.com.
Theo Soumilas is the owner of Northern Arizona IT servicing the Quad Cities, Phoenix and Northern Arizona.