KUCHING: In today’s fast-paced world, laptops have become an essential part of our lives. From attending virtual meetings to online classes, laptops have become our go-to device for all our digital needs.
However, when your laptop starts to slow down or shows signs of wear and tear, you may start to wonder whether it’s time to repair it or buy a new one.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke with Patrick Chai, the technical supervisor at PC Image, a popular computer shop in Wisma Saberkas, to gather his insights on the matter.
According to Chai, when it comes to major hardware failures such as a faulty mainboard or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the cost of repair can be high.
A faulty motherboard can have a domino effect on other components in your computer, causing even more problems down the line.
“For instance, if the capacitors on your motherboard are malfunctioning, they might deliver excessive power to some components, leading to a shorter lifespan,” he explained.
He drew a comparison to car ownership, stating that if repair costs outweigh the cost of buying a new one, you should replace it.
“The same principle applies to laptops, as I can almost promise that there will be other flaws with the laptop once the motherboard is refitted,” he said.
“So your best bet is to buy a new one. The expense of replacing a motherboard isn’t worth it in the long run.”
However, if the laptop is a new model and the cost of repair is only 10 per cent of the laptop’s original price, then repairing it may be the preferred option for some customers.
“It depends on the model of the laptop and the customer’s budget eventually,” said Chai. “If the laptop is expensive, sometimes it’s more worth it to repair than to buy a new one.”
When asked about the benefits of repairing a laptop, he explained that it can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
“Repairing a laptop can extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run,” he said.
“Additionally, repairing a laptop can help reduce e-waste and is more environmentally friendly than buying a new one.”
With an impressive 13 years of experience in laptop repairs, Chai has established himself as a seasoned expert in the field.
He revealed that fixing broken screens and crashed hard drives were relatively simple tasks, but replacing motherboards was a different story. Not only was it a difficult task, but it could also be quite expensive.
“After three or four years, your warranty is likely invalid, and the labour cost for replacing a motherboard can be quite high – almost as much as the current value of your laptop, if not more,” he said.
Chai pointed out that if you opt for a new laptop, you’ll get the added benefit of a manufacturer’s warranty, which may not be the case if you go down the repair route.
That being said, if you’re dealing with an older laptop with minor damage such as software issues or storage problems, upgrading it may be the best option.
Repairing a water-damaged mainboard is often a risky gamble, with the success rate usually low. “If your laptop has taken a dip, it’s usually wiser to buy a new one,” he said with a chuckle.
His take on the durability of modern laptops was eye-opening. While today’s laptops boast more impressive technology than their predecessors a decade ago, he noted that they may not be as sturdy due to cost-cutting measures.
“Sure, batteries, hard drives, and memory storage are cheaper nowadays, but they’re not built to last,” he explained
Despite advancements in manufacturing processes, Chai pointed out that the mass and material composition of key components, including those mentioned, haven’t significantly changed.
As tech-savvy customers take matters into their own hands, Chai also observed a rising trend in which customers chose to purchase components and attempt Do-It-Yourself (DIY) repairs.
“Gone are the days of relying solely on professionals to fix our laptops,” Chai remarked.
“Many customers come to us to purchase components, and then turn to YouTube tutorials to learn the ins and outs of assembling and disassembling their laptops.”
While the DIY approach might have been a more cost-effective option, Chai warned that attempting complex repairs without the proper expertise could have resulted in disastrous consequences.
“If customers run into issues, we’re always here to help them out,” he added with a grin, knowing that even the most well-intentioned DIY-ers may need a little help from the experts.
He didn’t just offer his opinion on whether to repair or replace your laptop; he went above and beyond by providing some excellent tips to extend your laptop’s lifespan.
“You’d be surprised at how simple it is to maintain your laptop,” Chai shared.
“Just make sure you regularly clean your keyboard, screen, and ports to prevent any build-up of dust and debris that could cause damage. And don’t forget to update your laptop’s software and security patches to keep it safe from any nasty viruses or malware that could slow it down.”
Deciding whether to repair or replace a laptop could be a tough call, and he suggested that weighing the pros and cons was essential. “It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and practicality,” he concluded.
