When should you not repair a computer?

And just buy new? To figure it out, that is the question today folks!

We try to find out the age of the computer and how many problems you have had in the past before telling you to repair your computer or just replace it. These factors are very important when considering either option.

Let’s start with reasons you may have to make this replace or repair decision:

Virus-probably worth removing, prices are usually affordable (for sure if you call us!)
Motherboard is capped (starting to show signs of aging) or not functioning, Replace
Power– probably worth replacing the power supply (should be affordable)
Screen goes out (laptop), that will cost you around $225. Should probably replace laptop if over 5 years old
Screen goes out for desktop, replace the old monitor and buy a new one, if you plan on always using desktop computers
Laptop touch pad goes out for mouse–try plugging in a regular mouse and see if that works, affordable replacement!
Just starts going wonky!–probably the software or operating system, needs a reload, very affordable on an older unit and can be done for under $150
Your computer just shuts off randomly or gets really hot, Replace probably. Those are internal issues and it’s rare we can repair hot. Hot is usually a sign of deeper issues inside laptops.

Our recommendations

• Desktop computer

5-7 years, if the value of the repair is under $150 and you have not had many issues, then we recommend repairing. If over $150, start thinking about how much you paid for the computer and how relatively inexpensive a new one may be. Computers are getting cheaper everyday.

• Laptop computer 3-5 years, replace if the repair is over $150 and you use it heavily. Laptops just start to fail much sooner than desktops units. The parts are smaller and for the most part, only live past 5 years if you are not a heavy user. But that’s not saying it’s the truth! It’s just what we notice….so if you have a 7 year old laptop running fine, you’re lucky! My tech Richard called it the other day, plan on spending $100 for every year you want a computer to last. I tend to say a bit more as the higher end laptops are not $700, but sometimes over $1000, so $150 for every year is my recommendation.

No matter what, it’s always up to you, the customer to decide on a repair and it’s value to your pocketbook. Whether you come to our shop for a diagnosis or another shop, it’s sometimes best to have a second evaluation done, especially if the repair will be costly. We are known to be very affordable and our diagnostic is $25 or free if we can tell you right away what is going on (without having to spend time on it).

Did you also know that we are about half the cost of the big box guys? Yep, compare prices today and you will see the difference of pricing.

Tags: computer repair minneapolis, Computer Repair St. Paul MN, Computer support St. Paul Minnesota, Saint Paul Computer repair

Category: General