Repair or Replace Your Computer?

We do computer repairs in Brisbane and this is the most frequently asked question that we get from our customers – should they repair or replace their computer?

This is a very valid question due to:-

1. The continued decline in the purchase price of new computers;
2. Hence the greater availability of affordable new machines.
3. And this needs to be balanced against the cost of repairing your computer.

We always answer this question honestly:-

1. We (nor you) want to be in the position whereby you pay for a costly hardware replacement on an older machine, and then in a few months, another part needs to be replaced.
2. Thus, whilst we are in the business of computer repairs, we are not in the business of repairing computers when it is not in your best interest.
3. The longevity of our business relies on honesty.  There are certain occasions in which we advise against repairing their computer.  For many, this can be unwelcoming news and ultimately it is your decision.  Listed below are all the pros and cons to help you decide whether to repair or replace your computer.

Diagnostic Fee

In order to help you make the decision to repair or replace your computer, we do offer an affordable diagnosis fee of $75.  For this fee, we will examine your computer in detail, determine the exact current problems and provide you with a fixed repair quote. This fee is only charged if you decide not to continue with the repair of your computer.

Pros of Buying a New Computer

Reasons why buying a new computer is probably the right choice for you

• How old is your computer? – Generally, if a machine is over five years old, it is time to consider whether to repair or replace it.
• With older machines, even if we fix your current problem, computers older than five years are likely to continue to need further repairs to be done.  As noted above, we would prefer not to undertake a fairly major repair job for you if there is a good chance that further down the track other major components may fail.  This could then mean a second (and possibly even more) rather major repairs.  Ultimately, should this be the case, the cost of repairing may exceed the cost of a new computer.
• If you have a basic computer and it requires a serious repair job (such as replacement of major components like the motherboard and CPU, which can be around the $500 to $600 mark) this cost can get close to (or even exceed in the case of laptops) the price of a new entry-level computer.  [Obviously the less serious the problem,  the greater the chance you have of a repair that is a more cost-effective solution.  An example would be if your repair involved the re-installation of the operating system and device drivers, which is usually around the $300 mark].
• For higher spec and therefore more valuable computers, the cost of repairs, even a serious repair job, are more likely to be warranted given the higher replacement price.
• Depending on the age of your computer, a new machine may be faster and perform better.
• With a new computer, you will get a new machine warranty.
• New computers can facilitate new software easier than older machines.
• If you have an older Mac it can be very hard to obtain parts, and they are likely to be refurbished parts coming with only a very short warranty.
• It is sometimes not possible to speed up an older machine due to hardware limitations.
• It may be that your older computer is not able to support the new software that you wish to use.
• If you are an adopter of new technology and keen to try new platforms and software, then a new computer is likely to be the right choice for you.
• If you want us to build you a new PC it will be tailored to your specifications and be exactly what you want and need.

Cons of Buying a New Computer

Reasons why buying a new computer may not be the right choice for you

• If you have a rather new machine and the repair cost is low due to a relatively simple repair, then repairing rather than replacing your computer would be the right choice.
• If you have a high spec computer and replacement cost is high, then obviously repairing may be the most cost-effective solution for you.
• With a new computer, you will most likely need to learn a new operating system for a new version of Microsoft or Apple. Is this something that you are prepared to do? With new Windows OS this is a pretty steep learning curve.
• If you are using older software (such as your favourite games) they may not be compatible with the new computer operating on your new computer.
• With a new computer, you will need to back up and transfer all your files.  You will probably have to reload programs, set up your printer and organise Outlook etc.  This is a tedious and time-consuming job.  If this is a job you want us to do for you, you need to take into account the cost of this service when looking at the price of a new replacement computer.
• With the proliferation of PCs, Notebooks and Laptops on the market, it can be a difficult decision to know which one would best meet your needs. If you are not particularly technically minded, choosing a new machine can be a bewildering job and you may even end up making a purchase that you regret.
• If you are happy with your current computer, are familiar with the setup, have all your favourites saved, have all your shortcuts set up and baulk at the idea of learning a new interface and software, then repairing the machine is likely to be the correct choice for you.

Repair or Replace – How We Can Help

Making the Decision

If you are not certain whether to repair or replace your computer, give us a call (3397 1215) and we can sometimes advise over the phone what we believe would be the best option for you.  Our advice will be based upon the description you give regarding the current problem with your computer and what we believe is required in order to repair your computer. This includes the cost of replacement parts if needed, amount of time required to undertake the repair, the age of your machine and the cost of a new similar performance machine.

Repairing

• If it is not a fairly straight forward decision as to whether to repair or replace your machine, we offer an affordable diagnosis fee of $75.  This fee is only charged if you decide not to continue with the repair of your machine.  For this fee, we will examine your computer in detail, determine the exact current problems and provide you with a fixed repair quote.
• Our service fees are very affordable and competitive at $150 per hour for fixing your computer (parts are extra if required).
• We never charge over 3 hours of labour, no matter how long it takes to repair your machine.  Please note this applies to repairs undertaken in our workshop in Coorparoo, not to mobile repairs at your home or business.
• There are no hidden costs – no ‘minimum one hour repair charge’ and no call-out fees for mobile repairs within our mobile repair service area.

Replacing

• We can build a new PC  for you to perfectly match your needs.  We get to know you on a one-on-one basis in which we examine your current computer usage, discuss your likely future requirements and can then provide you with a quality machine with all programs installed and data transferred.
• All parts used on PCs we build are chosen with longevity, stability and cost-effectiveness in mind. All components come with their own factory warranty.
• We can configure your new machine so it closely resembles your previous PC and is ready to use immediately if this is your preference.
• If you wish, we can install older versions of Windows should you feel the latest Windows operating system is not to your liking.
• We can advise you on the make and model of laptop or PC we believe provides the best value for money currently available in the market – and that best meets your needs.

Repair or Replace – Your Choice

Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer and the choice if yours.  We are happy to advise you based on our experience in repairing computers and on our knowledge of new computers on the market.

Contact Us for Help with your Decision

Give us a call today and we can discuss with you whether in our opinion it is better to replace your PC, Laptop or Mac.  Phone 397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and speak to a technician who is experienced and knowledgeable, and will give you an honest view as to what your best options are.  We provide an unbiased view as overall we are not keen on undertaking an expensive repair with the possibility thatanother component of an older machine fails shortly. Should this happen naturally, customers would not be happy and our overall business goal is to have only satisfied customers.