What Happens When it Breaks? Replacing or Fixing Your Laptop, Computer, or Tablet

Guest Blog by Pam Holland, President of TechMoxie
 
It is troubling enough to need a repair when we aren’t in the middle of a quarantine. It is extra challenging to manage repairing, or even replacing, a device while trying to maintain social distance.
Here are some tips if you are trying to decide whether to repair or replace:

Computer/Laptops

• Make sure to try simple solutions first. I always joke that I will be out of business once all my clients learn to restart or unplug/plugin their devices. But seriously, there is often something ridiculously simple that will fix a computer problem. Before seeking a repair make sure you have tried restarting the device and check to see if all the necessary cords are plugged in. If the screen is dark, double-check to make sure the screen brightness isn’t turned all the way down. And if you are getting no audio, make sure you haven’t accidentally hit the mute button.
• As our computers age they sometimes slow down. Having a slow computer is not necessarily bad unless it is slow enough to bother you. I was once asked to check on a client’s older computer because a friend had told her that it was running slowly. While it might have taken a second or two longer to load a website or open an email, my client said that it didn’t bother her in the least. She had a more complex set up than typical with a large text keyboard and other software to enlarge her screen as needed due to macular degeneration. Rather than replacing it or sending it out for repair, my client happily opted to live with what was for her a very minor problem.

 

• When to replace an old computer:
  • If it is in need of repair. Similar to ‘dog years’ computer years are roughly 10 years for each year of the computer’s life. So an 8-year-old computer is equivalent to about 80 years in human terms. This is a somewhat harsh analogy, but it proves useful in determining whether to repair or replace an older computer. Generally speaking, it is not worthwhile to spend several hundred dollars repairing an 8-year-old computer that might last only an additional year or so.
  • If it is simply old. Deciding when to replace an old computer is a matter of rolling the dice. It isn’t a question of if your computer will die, but when. We typically ask these questions of our clients: How inconvenienced will you be if your computer konks out on you suddenly? Can you limp by for up to a week or two using email on your smartphone while you get the new computer up and running? Would it be less stressful if you purchased and set up the new computer on your timing rather than worrying each morning whether the computer will turn on?

• Purchasing a new computer/laptop or tablet while social distancing:
  • Apple Devices: If you need to purchase an Apple laptop, desktop, or tablet, I recommend going directly through Apple. You can browse on their website and purchase with a few clicks or follow up with a phone call to get assistance in determining which model to buy. I have found them to be very helpful in getting customers into the right device without over-selling. Keep in mind that your new computer may have different USB ports than the old. Therefore you may need an adapter to connect an external hard drive or printer (if not wireless).
  • PC (Microsoft Windows) devices: There are many options for purchasing including Best Buy, Amazon, and Staples. Best Buy is a good option for curbside delivery. They have fewer computer options for in-store than Amazon and therefore may be less overwhelming. Plus they have a straightforward two-week return window that begins to run from when you receive the device. Amazon is an ok choice as well but the return policies differ depending on who the actual seller is (Amazon sells only a portion of the products on their site). Finally, if you are up to the task of going into a retail store, either Best Buy or Staples are good options.

• No matter what, be sure to back-up your computer/laptop.  Again, it isn't a matter of if your computer will die but when. Back-up can be to an external hard-drive set to back-up at regular intervals. They are available with plenty of storage for under $100. You may also choose to back-up to the cloud. If you have very valuable documents, photos, or video on your computer (such as a book manuscript) it may be wise to have two back-up systems as extra insurance.

 
Pam Holland is the President of TechMoxie, which provides technology coaching and support - especially for the tech-challenged. Pam can be reached at [email protected], (202) 642-5520, or on the web: www.tech-moxie.com
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