The OneMinute Geek

When to fix or buy new

The Problem:

Computers get old just like the rest of us. And with the pricing of new PCs cheaper then ever, it often makes more fiscal sense to toss the old one when it breaks and replace it with a bright new shinny one. How do you know when to fix your old machine or skip the repair and just buy new?

The Solution:

Follow the money. What will ultimately make sense is what truly makes cents. Start by getting a clear snapshot of the real costs before deciding whether to toss or not to toss your sick computer.

If repairing an old machine costs $150 and buying a vastly more powerful newer computer with a one-year warranty and monitor costs $650, it may be tempting to buy new. But, if you’re like most people, you’ll want the data from your old machine transferred to the new one. No problem. But it does cost you some money. Also, you may want to donate the old machine to charity. Again, can do, but be sure you wipe that old drive with a special utility so you’re not unintentionally donating confidential information, too. Finally, there’s the time and effort of hunting for a new computer, installing all your favorite software and then making sure it’s properly configured on your home or office network. All of this will cost you time or money. And if you buy online or over the phone from a company like Dell—don’t forget shipping costs.

I am not suggesting you should spend endlessly on an older PC. However, I urge potential buyers to fully examine the costs first before making a decision to fix or not to fix.

Important note: Software issues are “in general” less expensive to fix in the older machines than hardware issues. If you have an older machine with spyware problems, just backup your files and then do a clean re-install of the operating system. Be sure you have the CDs for your applications because you will need to reinstall those, too. However, if you have a major hardware malfunction, for example a motherboard or hard drive, there is hardly any money saved by fixing the old computer. In fact, hardware problems in old computers tend to bring even more instability shortly thereafter, meaning your computer will be back in the shop for repair of something entirely different.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at help@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.