How long does a laptop last?

Laptops have become part and parcel of our digital age over the past decade; it is as if we have evolved into a species with wrists permanently anchored under a keyboard. Buying a new laptop is a big decision that often requires a lot of thought. You look at price, features and how long the device will last. Price and features are often quick to judge, but the longevity of a laptop is another story.

In this blog, we will take you through all the ins and outs you need to consider when choosing a laptop, whether you want to buy a brand new one or give your old, faithful workhorse a second life.

• Factors affecting the life of your laptop
• Which parts wear out first and why
• Buying a new laptop or refurbishing the old one: which is best?

Factors affecting the life of your laptop

How long your laptop lasts depends on a mix of factors. First, the intensity of use plays a big role. If you use your laptop mainly for browsing and occasionally watching a movie, it will last much longer than if you run heavy programs nonstop for video editing or gaming. Leaving your laptop on continuously, even when it is not being actively used, also causes additional wear and tear.

Lack of maintenance is another major culprit. Dust buildup can lead to overheating, and without regular cleaning, this can greatly reduce your laptop’s performance and lifespan. And let’s face it, who wants their laptop to sound like a plane is taking off in their room? So make sure you have a clean working environment and a thorough cleaning from time to time.

Although it is difficult to say exactly how long a laptop will last, the average lifespan with normal use is around four to five years. After this period, you may find that your trusty laptop has seen its best days and starts protesting more and more frequently with slow startup and slower performance. Of course, this can be affected by hardware quality, software updates and how well you treat your device. In short, treat your laptop with some love and patience, and it will last longer.

Which parts wear out first and why?

Laptops do have a few components that are more likely to be retired than the other. The battery tops the list of complaining seniors. The more often you charge and discharge it, the shorter it lasts. Put it on the charger continuously and you can count on a battery that depletes faster. The fan is the unsung hero that keeps your laptop cool. But after years of running (and gathering dust), it gets tired and less effective. This can lead to overheating, which also wreaks havoc on the processor and motherboard, we often see this in our stores.

Hard drives (especially classic HDDs) also don’t like too much action. Those little moving parts wear out faster than your favorite sneakers. SSDs are a bit more robust, but they too have a limit on write operations.

In short, your laptop’s hardware is pretty fragile, and replacing parts yourself can be a challenge. But don’t panic! If you’re curious about clever tricks to slow down your laptop’s wear and tear, we’d like to refer you to this blog, which is full of useful tips. From maintenance tips to simple adjustments that extend its life, you’ll find everything you need to keep your laptop in tip-top shape from home.

Buying a new laptop or refurbishing the old one: which is best?

So, your laptop still feels slow after following these steps And you think it’s time for a brand new one? Wait a little longer with that purchase! Sometimes you can give your old laptop a second life with some simple upgrades and maintenance. Consider replacing the battery and fans, or just a thorough cleaning to remove dust buildup. This solution is not only better for your wallet, but also for the planet! Buying a new laptop is fun, but refurbishing your old one can be surprisingly beneficial. Stop by one of our stores and feel free to ask our specialists for free advice!