How to know when to replace laptops and MacBooks

Apple, Asus and other tech companies have launched upgraded laptops faster than ever.

It seems these firms want you to replace laptops every six months!

Yet, you’ll need an upgrade sooner or later. Perhaps your portable PC will become slower, running out of battery charge quicker.

On the other hand, a quick update might fix these issues.

READ: How to maintain your laptop battery

That’s why you should know when to replace laptops and MacBooks.

See the signs to confirm whether or not it’s time to get the latest flagship products.

When should I replace laptops?

The US-based telecom company Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. says a laptop should last three to five years if you maintain it properly.

However, you should consider replacing your laptop if you encounter the following issues: 

1. Noisy fan and processor: If your computer sounds like a jet engine when booting up, it’s your cue to replace laptops. Alternatively, you may try cleaning the fan first to resolve the issue. If it persists, it’s time for a replacement.
2. Slow startup and shutdown: Your computer might be on its last legs if it takes minutes to boot.
3. Incompatibility with the latest OS: If your computer can’t run the latest operating system, it could prevent you from using essential work and school apps. 
4. Long app loading times: You should consider getting a new one if your old faithful takes too long to open programs like Microsoft Word. 
5. Multitasking issues: Think about ditching your old computer if it can’t run two or more programs simultaneously without lagging.
6. Expensive hardware repairs: If you’ve already repaired computer parts multiple times, then it might be ideal to get a new one instead. 
7. Insufficient storage: You may need a new computer if it can’t fit your new files and media. Alternatively, you could try storing unused ones in another storage device like an external hard drive.
8. Incompatible with upgrades: It might be time to replace laptops if you can’t fit your old one with more RAM and storage.

Before you replace laptops, consider proper maintenance, such as cleaning the fans or upgrading their firmware. Learn more about laptop care in this Inquirer Tech guide.

When should I replace MacBooks?

The laptop criteria also apply to MacBooks, but you should also consider a replacement if yours belongs to Apple’s official obsolete list. Here are the latest examples: 

• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
• Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• Pro (15-inch, 2016)
• Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015 and Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)

If your MacBook appears in the obsolete list, Apple will no longer service your device. Hence, it’s best to get a new one if it breaks.