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Getting a new laptop that is perfect for your computing needs is an amazing experience. But over time, the feeling starts reducing because the laptop is becoming slow and cannot handle your computing needs anymore.
Unlike a desktop computer that you can always upgrade or replace its hardware, a laptop’s life is quite limited because of its complicated design.
When should you start looking for a new laptop?
Basically, a standard budget laptop should be able to serve you for at least three years. The high-end laptops are more durable, and you should be able to use them for up to five years without experiencing any major issue.
However, considering the fact that new software and hardware components are released almost every day, by the time your laptop is five years old, it will not be compatible with a lot of new programs anymore.
Besides, it will start finding it extremely difficult to run the latest Windows versions at a decent performance level. This is the main reason why you should start thinking about getting a new laptop before you reach the five years mark.
For budget laptop users, you will realize that your laptop will start struggling with the latest apps and programs once you start reaching the three years mark.
However, if you are still wondering when to start searching for a new laptop, I can assist you to understand the major signs of a dying laptop and tell you the perfect time to get a new one.
When Should You Replace Your Laptop?
Before your laptop stops working, there are numerous signs that it will start showing. When you start noticing these signs, you should know that your laptop is getting to the end of its lifespan. Some of the signs are:
- If you notice that your laptop is becoming extremely slow, stuttering, or experiencing frequent lags;
- If you notice that the OS takes much longer to boot up;
- If it takes a very long time before you can successfully transfer a file;
- If your laptop hangs whenever you try to navigate from one tab to another;
- If the laptop crashes anytime, you run a program that used to run smoothly;
- Frequent black screen and bright white flickers on the screen.
One of the major signs is when you realize that your laptop components cannot handle the new version of Windows. Even if you have been using your laptop for years, you should start thinking about getting a new machine once it can no longer meet the Windows upgrade requirements.
Upgrade your current laptop instead of buying a new one
If you are thinking about upgrading, in most cases you can only upgrade the RAM and SSD of your laptop: it is not advisable or economical to upgrade the CPU or the motherboard.
If you consider the price of upgrading the CPU or the motherboard, you will realize that it is better to get a new laptop. Let me also point out that your laptop’s battery will not last long as the other parts.
Basically, after using your laptop for two years, the battery will not be able to hold the same amount of charge as it did before. If you realize that the battery now drains quickly and it’s becoming impossible to use the laptop for hours without charging it, you should consider getting a new battery.
Although there are several ways of upgrading your laptop’s software and hardware components, eventually, you will still need to replace the laptop with a new one.
The next question that I know a lot of people will be asking is:
Should you wait to get a laptop?
When you realize that your laptop is exhibiting most of the signs mentioned above, to the point that the laptop cannot effectively handle your day-to-day computing tasks, you should start saving money for a new laptop.
Although getting a new laptop can be pretty expensive, it’s always more reasonable to start saving once you realize that the one you are using is having issues. You do not need to wait for your laptop to completely pack up before you get a new one.
Getting a new laptop before the one that you are currently using stops working will ensure that you won’t have to wait for a very long time and probably miss out on opportunities before the new one is delivered.
You cannot really predict the exact day and time your laptop will stop working, so ensure that you always backup your important files to the cloud or an external device.
What to look for in a new laptop
When you are finally ready to go for a new laptop, there are significant factors that you need to consider to ensure that you are getting a machine that will represent value for money.
One of these essential factors might be the optical drive, most new laptops are not equipped with an optical drive, so if you are still using discs to install most of your programs, you should consider this factor.
If you are on a tight budget, the best time to get a laptop is when there is a killer sale at Amazon. However, not everyone can wait for such an opportunity, especially if you are using your laptop for business and the one you are currently using has packed up.
Let me also point out that laptop brands always reduce their prices after a year of release. If you are not in a hurry, you will get the one you desire at a lower price.
Although, by the time that the price of your preferred model reduces, there will be new models with better components. If you have the money, it’s always better to buy early and get the perfect features that will be able to handle your computing needs.
Conclusion
I hope I have answered your question about the perfect time to get a new laptop. Always pay attention to the major signs that I’ve mentioned above – once you realize that your laptop is showing any of the signs, it’s time to start saving for a new one.
