Should I fix my computer or buy a new one?

Unless you are a newcomer to the world of computers, this is probably a question that has been asked before. After all, if your computer isn’t working properly, you may have a strong instinct to throw it away and go find another one, but keep wondering if it’s worth fixing. This article is here to help you decide which of these paths you should take to get a PC up and running for him to work or play.

You may be thinking that since this is a computer repair technician writing this article, I am going to tell you that in almost all cases, you should repair your computer instead of getting a new one. Not so. Just as there are any number of reasons to repair your computer, there are also any number of reasons to buy a new one.

Although the costs of consumer computers don’t come close to the costs of new cars, those of you who have had to decide whether to repair an old car or buy a new one may find it helpful to think about that process because it is similar. I advise you to make two columns and write the reason for buying or fixing in the corresponding column.

If you think about it this way, you will come to a reasoned and reasonable conclusion. Also remember that if someone else has your same model of PC and the same problem, what he or she decides does not make his or her decision a good one for you. Please note that there is no right or wrong answer, only the best answer for you. While this article and others can help you in your decision process, the best answer for you is something that only you can decide. Beware of people who are sure they know what you need.

Let’s look at some reasons to repair your current computer:

• Budget – Although the extra expense may be worth it, buying a new PC is USUALLY more expensive than repairing your current computer. If you’re on a tight budget or just frugal, fixing most problems may be in your best interest.

• Data – This second reason is related to the budget item. Whichever route you decide to take, you can (usually) keep your pictures, documents, music, emails, business files, and important personal information. However, it’s easier if you keep your computer because if you get a new PC, you’ll have to pay someone to transfer that information to a new PC. Many of you can do this without a problem but not everyone can. Also, if your PC won’t boot into Windows and the data needs to be extracted from the computer, most of you will need someone to extract the data from the hard drive, which means you’ll be paying both for a new computer and a service fee to a computer technician.

• Applications – If you get a new computer, you will also have to reinstall all your applications. Some can be downloaded, such as iTunes or Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, any you’ve paid for, like Microsoft Office, will probably be on CD/DVD. They must be installed from this media, along with the product key that came with them. My experience has been that both organized and unorganized people tend to lose application CDs, especially if they’ve had their computer for several years. Before you buy a new computer, gather all your application installation CDs and make sure you have one disc for all the applications you use. You may be able to avoid this process and have all your applications back to the way they were by repairing your computer. However, it should be noted that if the proposed solution for your current PC is to reinstall Windows, this issue is moot because all your apps will need to be installed on a fresh Windows installation, just like on a new PC.

• Upgrades: If your computer is a little slow or can’t do a particular thing, you can usually upgrade your RAM or video card, or the aforementioned USB 3.0 card, much cheaper than buying a new PC.

• Windows 8 – Have you used or seen Windows 8 or 8.1? If you get a new computer, it will have Windows 8.1. This is important because for all its pros and cons (and I don’t want to get into those questions here), many, many people find it difficult to use and a significant departure from the interface of Windows 7 and earlier. Like anything else, you’d probably get used to it, no matter how much you disliked it, but if it’s not intuitive to you, why buy a machine that comes with it? Windows 7 can be installed on new computers after purchase by computer technicians if you buy a copy online. But again, you’d be paying more, this time for a new computer, plus a legitimate copy of Windows 7, plus the cost of a service technician to install Windows 7 on the computer.

• “Perfect Fit”: Buying something new is generally considered “sexier” than maintaining or repairing something used. So if none of the above reasons get you, think about this. If you were happy with your computer before it needed repair, happy with its speed, memory, accessories, capabilities, and performance, that computer is probably the “right” one for you. Why buy another computer when you can probably spend less and keep something that fits?

Now, let’s take a look at some of the reasons to replace your broken computer instead of repairing it:

• Age – Although there is no specific age at which retirement and replacement kick in, most people know it when they see it. If your computer was slow even when it was in top shape, that’s probably a clue that you need to hit the computer store.

• Outdated accessories – If your PC has a factory-installed floppy drive or has a CD drive but no DVD drive, it’s probably time to think about a new PC. Many people want fast peripherals through a USB 3.0 port. If you have a desktop, you can easily install a card, so I wouldn’t consider this on its own a reason to scrap the old PC, but if you’re keeping score, I’d check it off in the buy column.

• Major hardware damage: If you spilled a Coke or similar on the computer, ruining its motherboard, I wouldn’t invest in a repair.

• The laugh factor: although I have never laughed at my clients, I have occasionally laughed at a machine that they bring. Why? Because it’s so old, so dusty and smoky, so slow, it’s almost a joke that someone is paying me to fix this computer. If this is your computer, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, but if you don’t already know, deep down, that you need a new computer, take the message of this article. If you decide not to repair it or just keep your computers for a long time, make sure the interior is cleaned regularly, whether you do it yourself or bring it in for a cleaning. That residue of dust and smoke not only looks bad, it can overheat your computer and kill you.

The question of whether to fix or buy back can be confusing. I hope these questions and comments have helped you make a solid decision. If you decide you want your computer repaired, call Tom at (903) 650-9483.