Falls Technology ServicesWhen a computer breaks or gets slow, it's worth a few minutes to decide whether to fix it or replace it. Here's how we think about it.
Usually worth repairing
- It's under about five years old and otherwise does what you need
- The fix is a common part: a battery, a screen, a keyboard, a charging port, a drive
- An SSD or memory upgrade would make it feel new
- It holds software or setups that would be a pain to recreate
Usually time to replace
- The repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new computer
- It can't run a supported version of Windows (Windows 11 needs newer hardware, including a TPM 2.0 chip)
- Several things are failing at once
- It's too slow for how you work now, even after a clean-up
If you replace it
- Get your files, e-mail and passwords moved across before the old one goes
- Wipe the old drive properly before selling, donating or recycling it
- Buy for the next few years, not just for today
Not sure which side yours is on? We'll look at it and tell you honestly, and if a replacement makes more sense, we can set the new one up with everything from the old one.
Need a hand?
More about our computer and laptop repair help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.