Unless you are a recent entrant to the world of computers, this is
probably a question you've asked yourself before. After all, if your computer
doesn't work properly, you may have a strong instinct to throw it out and go
get another one but keep wondering if it is worth fixing. This article is
intended to help you decide which of these paths you should take to get a PC up
and running so you can go about your work or play.
You may be thinking that since this is a computer repair
technician writing this article, I'm going to tell you that in almost every
case, you should fix your computer rather than get a new one. Not so. Just as
there are a host of reasons to fix your computer, there are plenty of reasons
to buy a new one instead.
Although the costs of consumer computers are nowhere near the
costs of new cars, those of you who have had to decide whether to fix an older
automobile or buy a new one may find it helpful to think about that process
because it is similar. I would advise you to make two columns and write the
reason to buy or fix in the appropriate column.
If you think it through this way, you will find yourself coming to
a reasoned and reasonable conclusion. Also remember that if another person has
your same PC model and the same problem, what he or she decides does not make
their decision good for you. Keep in mind that there is not a right or wrong
answer, only the best answer for you. While this article and others can help
your decision process, the best answer for you is something only you can
decide. Be wary of people who are certain that they know what you need.
Let's look at some reasons to repair your current computer:
• Budget - Although the extra expense can be worth it, buying a
new PC is USUALLY more expensive than fixing your current computer. If you are
on a tight budget or are just a frugal person, fixing most problems may be best
for you.
• 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.
It is easier, though, if you are keeping your computer because if you get a new
PC, you will have to pay someone to transfer that information to a new PC. Many
of you can do this without problem but not everyone can. Also, if your PC won't
boot to Windows and the data has to be extracted from the computer, most of you
will need someone to get the data off the hard disk, which means you will be
paying both for a new computer plus a service fee to a computer technician.
• Applications - If you get a new computer, you will also have to
reinstall all of your applications. Some can be downloaded, like iTunes or
Adobe Acrobat Reader. Any that you paid for, such as Microsoft Office, however,
will likely 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 have a tendency to lose application CDs, particularly if
they have had their computer for several years. Before buying a new computer,
gather all your application installation CDs and make sure you have a disc for
all the applications you use. You may be able to avoid this process and have
all your applications as they were if you get your computer fixed. However, it
should be noted that if the proposed fix to your current PC is to reinstall
Windows, this issue is moot because all of your applications will have to be
installed on a new Windows installation, just as on a new PC.
• Upgrades - If your computer is just a little slow or can't do a
certain thing, you can usually upgrade the RAM or video card, or the
aforementioned USB 3.0 card much more cheaply than you can buy 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 on it. This is important because for all
its pros and cons (and I don't wish to engage those questions here) many, many
people find it hard to use and a significant departure from the interface of
Windows 7 and earlier versions. Like anything else, you would probably get used
to it, no matter how much you dislike it, but if it isn't intuitive to you, why
buy a machine that comes with it? Windows 7 can be put on new computers after
purchase by computer technicians if you buy a copy online. But again, you would
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.
• "Right Fit" - Buying something new is usually seen as
"sexier" than keeping or repairing something used. So, if none of the
reasons above grab you, think of this. If you were happy with your computer
before it needed to be fixed-happy with its speed, memory, accessories, capabilities
and performance, it is likely that that computer is the "Right Fit"
for you. Why get another computer when you can probably spend less and get to
keep something that fits you?
Now, let's take a look at some of the reasons to replace your
broken computer rather than fix it:
• Age - Although there is no specific age at which retirement and
replacement kicks in, most people know it when they see it. If your computer
was slow even when in tip top shape, that's probably a clue you need to go to
the computer store.