The world of tech is incredibly fast paced. With new releases hitting the shelves all the time, it can be hard to know when the right time is to upgrade your laptop. Are you in need of an upgrade, or are you just being tempted by dizzying offers and the promise of more?
Read on for 7 warning signs that your tech is due a much-needed upgrade.
It’s Just Too Old
Most laptops have a lifespan of around 5 years. Some will last longer, some less so. If your laptop is much older than 5 years old, you may be due an upgrade. Of course, if everything is running smoothly and you’re not noticing any issues, you may want to continue using your old laptop to ensure you get as much value for money as possible. However, if your laptop is starting to slow down, the age of the hardware is causing issues, and general wear and tear are getting you down, then it could be time to say thank you and move on to the next.
You’re Not Able to Protect Yourself Online
If your tech is seriously outdated, you may put yourself at risk online. While cyber-attacks and cybercriminals are becoming more and more common in our tech-obsessed world, it’s important to keep yourself safe online. An easy way to do this is to check if the developer of your hardware or software has any security updates. Make sure you always have the most up-to-date security patches. If your laptop is no longer able to run the latest security updates, a laptop upgrade could save you money in the long run.
It’s Too Hot
Does your laptop start getting hot after you’ve been on it for a little while, even if you are not doing anything too taxing? Do your fans kick in, noisily spinning in a fruitless attempt to cool down your laptop? Does the chassis seem hot to the touch? If the answer is yes to any of the above, it may be time for an upgrade. Overheating is common in older laptops and can occur from general usage of the inner components of your laptop, and heat building up inside the case.
The Battery Won’t Last
While your laptop’s battery life may have once been great, over time that longevity gets lost. If this is the only issue you’re having, you may want to consider changing the battery to a more affordable option rather than replacing the whole laptop. However, if you find yourself reaching for the charger after being unplugged for only 5-10 minutes, it’s certainly time to consider an upgrade. The Lenovo Ideapad 1 Series offers incredible all-day battery life, meaning you can roam, work, and browse stress-free.
Your Keyboard Trips You Up
Everyone knows spelling errors look unprofessional and can have repercussions in the world of work. Unfortunately, this is a common side effort of having a keyboard that’s past its best. Keyboards are a component that can just stop working properly over time from ample usage. Certain keys that get heavier usage can stop working altogether. So, if you’ve started to notice your keyboard giving up, and giving way to spelling areas and miscommunications, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Your Internet Connection Is Unreliable
If your laptop keeps dropping your internet connection without warning, it might mean it’s time for an upgrade. Of course, check your router first to see if you can identify any problems there. However, if other devices in your home or workplace are running smoothly, the lack of connection could be down to issues with your laptop. If your internet is connecting without issue, but seems to be running slowly, this could be due to the limitations of your laptop. The newer your laptop, the more GPS it’ll be able to handle, meaning a smoother, speedier internet connection.
You Simply Need More Features
Lastly, you may simply need more. Your laptop might be running fine, with no major issues to report, but that doesn’t mean an upgrade isn’t on the cards for you. For example, perhaps you need a more lightweight option with better portability,or a higher resolution, anti-glare screen? More storage? More memory? Improved RAM? If you need more from your laptop, it’s time to upgrade.
Now you’ve decided to upgrade, what should you do with your old laptop? You have a few options here.
- Firstly, if your issue is a dead battery or damaged keyboard, as we’ve mentioned previously, you could consider getting it repaired. Once repaired, you can sell the laptop, and put the money towards your upgrade.If an upgrade is not an option, you can sell it for parts.
- If your laptop is in good working condition, but can’t keep up with your needs, you could consider donating it to someone in need. Some charities even offer a refurbishment service and will spend time and money repairing old laptops to pass them on to those who need them.
- Lastly, if there’s no life left in it, you can simply recycle it.
