Should You Fix Your Broken Gadget or Just Buy a New One?
Sometimes fixing a dying laptop, cracked screen, faulty motherboard, or a flashing game console is almost as expensive as buying a new one. When this happens, you have to make a pretty tough decision: stick with what you used and loved, or get something shiny and new? Here are some things to consider before making a choice.
It might seem like new tech is always preferable to repairing old gear, but this is only true if every upgrade is good. When we talked about how to make that decision when it comes to cars , we noted that there is much more to this picture, and there is more here. Let’s take a look at what you should be thinking about – depending on your situation, spending a little money buying a new one might be better than renovating what you have, and other times you might be better off fixing what you have.
See if buying a new one is really an upgrade
Remember that not everything “new” is an “upgrade”. It may seem like you are getting something better by nature, since you will apparently receive a new unused item instead of repairing the old one, but if the item you buy is new, it does not suit you as well as what you already is, this is not an upgrade. For example, the current generation Moto X is a great phone, but if you, like many people , prefer a smaller, thinner version over a newer, larger version, you might be unhappy with the update. Sure, it’s technically better by specs, but we all know that whether you like using something doesn’t just depend on the specs.
On the other hand, the money you spend on repairing an old device might go towards buying something new. Perhaps instead of fixing a cracked screen, you can spend a little more and get a new phone with a better camera, or instead of replacing your laptop motherboard, you can afford the latest model with more memory and storage than what you had. … Think about this before deciding to repair your old device or buy a replacement. If you are going to spend your money buying a new one instead of repairing what you use and love, you should make sure that you actually get what is better for you than what you have.
Try to recoup costs by selling broken technology
One thing to keep in mind when comparing the cost of repairing broken equipment to the cost of buying a new one is how much you would earn if you sold the broken item. Remember, people pay good money for broken appliances on eBay and elsewhere, so you can easily recoup the cost of an upgrade by selling the broken item. This means that if it cost you $ 500 to repair a broken laptop, and a few hundred more dollars could buy you a similar laptop, consider how you could soften the blow by selling your broken laptop for parts, or how much more could you get for your money after you sell it.
This is just an example, and there is no guarantee that your broken technology will sell enough to make a difference, but do a little research. Keep in mind that some people may need your broken model because of its work screen, battery, or other parts they might use to repair their own. The money you can make from a broken one can lower the value of the entire case. Just make sure to properly erase your phone or computer before you sell it .
Don’t Miss Out on Returns and Warranty Extensions
Before you decide to repair or replace, make sure you are not giving up future repair or customer service rights when making your decision. In some cases, getting a replacement from the company instead of repairing an old device means that you will receive a refurbished version or even a used one. Of course, “renovated” isn’t necessarily a bad thing . In many cases, hardware repair is better than new, and it comes with full warranties and other protections that you won’t get when repairing your old hardware. Just make sure you are buying from a reputable company . However, refurbishment offered in lieu of repair may not carry the same warranty or purchase protection as your original product. Be sure to ask.
If you buy a new one, you get the same warranty and purchase protection that any new product offers (plus everything your credit card has to offer you ). On the other hand, if you pay to have your phone or laptop repaired, problems can arise. a short warranty period for repairs, but if you run into problems in the future, you may be out of luck if you don’t sign up for an extended warranty. As we said, extended warranties are rarely worth it . When you make the decision to repair or replace, remember to factor potential future repairs into your mental math.
Consider the value of your time
Your time also has a value that is often overlooked when you decide to repair a well-used and loved technique rather than replace it right away. It makes sense to try to approach these things logically in terms of specs and dollars, but also keep these things in mind when deciding:
- Consider the repair time and how long you will be without devices . If you do decide to get your current devices repaired, be sure to find out how long you will be without tech. After all, if your primary laptop is in need of repair, you will be left without a computer for a while if you don’t have a backup. If this is your phone, it could be worse. You don’t want to be stuck in an endless hell of repairs, where your laptop sits in the bowels of a repair shop for months while you wait. If a little more money helps you get up and work for hours rather than weeks, it’s worth it.
- Consider the setup time and the time it takes to restore normal operation . If your renovation is something that can be done quickly, or even while you are waiting, it might not make sense to upgrade. You will probably spend hours trying to get your laptop or phone up and running with all your settings . Even then, it will take you even longer to get back to that “productive” normal state, when you are not trying to do something and realize that you do not have the necessary files or applications. Some people are interested in learning new technologies, while others prefer to just plug them in and get started. Before choosing, make sure you know which one you are.
Years ago, I had so many problems with my old computer that it spent more time in the repair shop than under my desk. Despite all the money I wasted on this, I could probably just demand a replacement, but I spent so much time and energy trying to get it set up exactly the way I wanted it to be that I kept thinking what else a few days in the store won’t help. it will be a big deal. After a few months, I realized my mistake. Your time is important – sometimes it’s worth considering which route will simply save you more time and get you back to work (or play) as soon as possible.
Sentimental value actually has value
Finally, keep in mind that the value of your technology matters to you . Of course, it depends on everyone. Some people don’t get attached to their gear at all and treat it like cogs in a car. Others will cling to an old laptop or smartphone for years because it is familiar, works, and does what they need to do. Whichever camp you find yourself in, it is very important that you should be repaired or replaced. If you are madly in love with your laptop covered with stickers and prefer to fix it and use it for a few more years, this is important and worth keeping in mind, even if your logical self (or friends) tells you otherwise.
At the same time, you must keep this mood in check so that it doesn’t overwhelm everything else. This should be a factor in making a decision, but not the only one. Sentimental value can often motivate us to preserve what we really need to get rid of , or to repair items that would be much better replaced with something new. So remember, if this is a tough decision and everything else is the same, perhaps the sentimental value tells you to repair rather than replace, but if the chasm is large, stickers can be moved and old technologies repurposed. Plus, you’re likely to be just as attached to your replacement as you are to what you have now.
Of course, the actual decision is yours – there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Sometimes it makes sense to renovate old, reliable and reliable hardware so you can enjoy it longer than spending the same amount on a new device that can be repaired or is problematic on its own. Other times, if you can pick up an upgrade or get the same no-wear item that you put on the one you have, that’s the better way to go. Weigh your options – including the value of your time and how much the subject means to you – and make a carefully considered decision.