Let's walk you through the basics and help decide if it's time for an upgrade!

Should I Upgrade My Computer?

The age of your equipment is an important factor in deciding on replacement or repair. The lifespan of a computer ranges between 3 and 5 years, varying based on the quality of your computer and its original purchase date. A higher price and the choice of a "business grade" computer over "consumer grade" often translates to more consistent performance and a longer lifespan. 

Here are some important points to consider when trying to define when it's time for an upgrade:

• Processing Power – As websites become more complex, more powerful hardware may be required for them to work properly.
• Outdated & Incompatible Software – Unfortunately, manufacturers can't support their entire hardware fleet forever. When a manufacturer moves on, you may be left with an outdated operating system that leaves it incompatible with certain websites and newer software programs.
• Frequent Breakdowns – Older computers are more prone to breaking down with each year exponentially increasing the risk of breakdowns.
• Security Risks - when hardware enters End of Life (EOL) status, it will no longer receive crucial security updates that provide a line of defense against viruses and malware, leaving you vulnerable online.

What are the Soft Costs?

While it's important to consider the cost of repair or replacement of your equipment, it's just as important to consider the costs involved with getting a new machine up and running. Here are a few of the "soft costs" to consider:

• Software – If you're transferring software from one computer to another, you'll need your software's license keys. If you aren't sure you'll be able to locate your license keys, you may have to factor in the cost of new software licenses if you choose to replace the computer.
• Data – For users that don't use cloud based backups, their personal files reside on the hard drive of their current computer. Transferring your personal data into the cloud should be a top priority for those in the market for an upgrade, helping to make the switch to a new machine seamless.
• Learning Curve – Getting used to the software of a newer computer can take time. There may be unexpected downtime for users that are still getting the hang of things.

What's the Nature of the Issue?

Sometimes, the deciding factor between repair and replacement may not be crystal clear. Let's say that you drop your laptop and the screen cracks completely - your computer remains functional, but its screen is completely destroyed. The options would be to either replace the screen or replace the entire laptop - it's important to compare the cost to repair cost to its current market value. If the cracked screen would cost $200 to fix and the current market value of the laptop is $250, it would be best to buy a new laptop - especially if it is a consumer grade laptop that is more than 2.5 years old.

The choice of a repair or replacement also varies depending on the machine's use; is it for personal or business use?

It's recommended that businesses valuing uptime and productivity get their computers fixed or replaced, however some issues in personal computers can be worked around. For example, a personal laptop with a cracked screen may be connected to an external monitor display for continued use at home. In a business setting, laptops offer mobility and would need to be fixed or replaced in order to continue using them in offsite meetings where a monitor is not available.  

Should I Repair or Buy New?

When looking at price points for computers, the total cost of ownership balances out to a similar "per year" cost. For example, an $800 computer can be expected to last 2.5 - 3.5 years, which averages out to about $250 per year. In the same respect, a $1,200 computer can be expected to last 3.5 - 4.5 years which averages out to about $225 per year. The important difference is that the more expensive computer will operate better and more reliably during the time of ownership.

At SeedSpark, our mission is to reduce risk and cut overhead costs while providing the right mix of technology to help prepare our clients for whatever their business journey has in store. Planning for the optimal life cycle management is just one example that can have significant impacts on your bottom line performance.

To learn more about proactive lifecycle management, connect with us today at (704) 246-5052 or shoot us an email at support@seedspark.com.