Should I Repair or Replace My Computer? (How to Decide)
"Should I fix it or just get a new one?"
I get asked this almost every day. Someone brings in a slow laptop or a desktop that's acting up, and they're not sure if it's worth putting money into or if they should just start fresh.
Here's how I help people decide.
The Half-Price Rule
This is the simplest way to think about it:
If the repair costs more than half what a replacement would cost, it's usually time to replace. If it's under that, fixing it usually makes more sense.
So if a comparable new laptop would run you $800, and the repair is $300, fixing it is the smart move. If the repair is $500 or more, you're getting close to new territory and might want to think harder.
Age Matters, But Not As Much As People Think
A lot of people assume that if their computer is more than a few years old, it's done. That's not always true.
Over 7-8 years old, parts do get harder to find. The machine might struggle with newer software. At that point, replacement usually makes sense.
But a 5-6 year old computer? Often has plenty of life left in it. Especially if it was a decent machine when it was new.
Most "Slow" Computers Don't Need Replacing
This is the big one.
When someone tells me their computer is slow, my first thought isn't "you need a new one." It's "let's find out why."
Most of the time, a slow computer just needs a cleanup and maybe an SSD upgrade. An SSD alone can make an old computer feel brand new. Startup goes from two minutes to twenty seconds. Programs open instantly. Everything feels snappy again.
That's a $150-200 fix, not an $800 replacement.
Right Now, Fixing Is Smarter Than Usual
Here's something a lot of people don't realize: computer prices are going up. RAM and storage costs have doubled or tripled in the last few months, and the big manufacturers are warning about more increases coming.
That means the computer you already own is worth more than it was a year ago. Repairing and upgrading makes even more sense in this market.
If you were on the fence about fixing versus replacing, the math has shifted toward fixing.
When It Really Is Time to Replace
Sometimes repair doesn't make sense. Here's when I tell people it's time:
The computer won't run the software you need for work or daily life
Multiple major components are failing at once
The repair cost gets close to replacement cost
It's old enough that parts aren't available
When that happens, I usually point people toward refurbished business-class laptops. They're built better than consumer machines, they last longer, and they cost less than new. I sell them starting at $399 with a one-year warranty.
Not Sure Where Yours Stands?
Bring it in. I'll take a look and tell you straight: fix it, upgrade it, or time for something new.
No charge for the honest answer. That's how we do things.
Computer Wall - Stony Plain, AB
5019 47 Ave (dedicated shop on property)
780-994-6203
Walk in Mon-Fri 10-5. Or call, text, email - whatever works for you.
