The modern hardware industry has reached a stage where even budget laptops can satisfy the basic needs of the average user. As a rule, many devices can last for years, and you won’t get the feeling that it’s time for you to buy a new one. But how often do you need to upgrade or change your laptop and why? Let’s find this out.
How Often Should You Replace Your Laptop?
First, let’s look at the objective reasons. As a rule, an average laptop can work for 3-5 years without any significant problems. The most problematic component of these portable devices is the battery. Its capacity can significantly decrease over time and as a result of intensive use. But, as a rule, 3-4 years is the average lifetime of any budget laptop. However, there are exceptions when a device can last you ten years or more.
Another semi-objective aspect is updates or a new version of the operating system. For example, let’s say Apple or Microsoft released a new revision that doesn’t support or significantly slows down your OS version, and you can’t do anything about it. So you have several options: stay on the previous version or upgrade/replace your laptop.
One of the partially subjective aspects is the release of an improved model with a beautiful design, additional ports, security scanner, and other options. Then replacing a laptop is an action motivated by a thirst for new technologies. But how do you choose the best option? Let’s look at the experiences of students who read the best essay writing service reviews before deciding on a particular writing service. Compare all the parameters that are important to you, and only then make a decision.
Should I Upgrade My Old Laptop Or Get A New One?
Many logical factors signal that your laptop can no longer cope with all the tasks as it did several years earlier. There are some obvious signs like frequent lag or stutters. Here are a few more key aspects:
- Lack of RAM for all your tasks.
- The processor is constantly loaded.
- Transferring files takes a very long time.
- The color quality or brightness has decreased.
- The ports do not work, and the sound from the speakers is unsatisfactory.
- You hear the crackling or noise of coolers.
- Dead pixels, or periodic black\blue screen.
In the case of current MacBook models, you should pick the configuration of your laptop in advance since most of the components are soldered on the motherboard. In the case of Windows devices, the situation is a little more positive. For example, you can replace the battery, RAM, or SSD.
Unfortunately, the current trend towards unification can lead to the fact that you will have no choice but to buy a new device. This means that you need to initially choose the optimal configuration that will allow you to hold out for at least 4-5 years without significant upgrades. Plus, this time frame will not completely depreciate your old laptop, so you can still sell it for at least 50% of its original value.
So Exactly When Should I Get A New Laptop?
Your device should perfectly cope with those tasks that are relevant to you. This means you don’t have to put up with a serious drop in performance. What if you’re a student and can’t even open 5-10 tabs in your browser? Then you will not be able to find the data for your papers in time. In the end, you have to look for a good writing service and ask questions like, “Is essaypro legit?” You need a new device if the old one can no longer cope with most tasks.
Typically, you should expect a four-year laptop cycle. If you are satisfied with the performance or you are ready to put up with certain restrictions, then the average life of your device can increase up to 6-8 years. A longer period will be inappropriate due to the degradation of the PCB of the motherboard, capacitors, and other components of your laptop.
What To Look For In A New Laptop?
First, you need to decide on the technical characteristics. Modern games, apps, and even browsers require more powerful hardware. Typically, you need at least 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a powerful 4-6 core processor, and a discrete graphics card with 6-8GB of memory. Such parameters are relevant for resource-intensive processes.
For example, if you use your laptop for content consumption, typing, and Internet surfing, you can choose models with an integrated graphics core. Such devices can work longer on a single battery charge, although they have less performance. Pay attention to the type of display, its diagonal, and the frame refresh rate. It is best to find a laptop with a good IPS or OLED matrix and 2-4 ms response time.
You should also pay attention to the design and quality of the speakers. One of the important aspects is the number of ports. Manufacturers like to add a couple of USB Type-C slots for users to buy card readers or adapters. Finally, pay attention to the combination of all these aspects and the quality of the cooling system to buy exactly the laptop that will satisfy all your needs. With all that said, the next question may be, “What do I do with my current laptop?” Well, if you are looking to sell dell XPS laptop computers, HP laptops, MacBooks, there are plenty of ways you can get some value for them. Go online to find local computer repair shops who may want to buy them or use them for parts. Or you can go back to the manufacturer to see if they would buy it back.