It’s always tempting to hold back on purchasing new IT equipment. Yet it can sometimes cost you more if you hang onto equipment for too long.
Good maintenance and monitoring should have the effect of an anti-aging cream on your work device. Look after it well and it will do the same for you.
However… sometimes, it just makes good business sense to invest in new PCs or laptops rather than trying to get another year out of them. Knowing when that time is, can be the tricky part.
Older PCs and laptops cost more to maintain. The cost of ownership increases as they age – a little like cars. And of course, performance decreases over time.
The optimal refresh cycle for your devices is around 3 years.
Of course, you can get more out of your devices, but that can come down to a few factors, including the hardware itself. Regular maintenance is key. Upgrade components and software, and make sure to keep it clear of dust and debris and you could push 5 to 8 years out of a PC.
A laptop is slightly different because they become less capable of running advanced applications as they age. With good care, you can get between 3 to 5 years out of your laptop.
What you really need to consider is whether, as your device ages, the cost of issue resolution and maintenance outweighs the cost of acquisition.
Often, if a device is more than 3 years old it is cheaper to buy a new one.
- A 5-year-old PC could cost twice as much to run as a new one
- A 4-year-old PC suffers 55% more security incidents than in its first 3 years
When you look at it like this, the short-term savings disappear. And it can be an expensive mistake to continue to run an older device.
It’s all about getting the balance right. Between equipment that can be repaired and will happily last another couple of years – versus slow, unproductive equipment that really needs to be replaced.
So how do you know when it’s time to bite the bullet and buy new devices? Read our brand new guide now. And you’ll learn 7 signs that will tell you whether you need new computers. View and Download the guide!
As with anything regarding your business devices or infrastructure, always consult your IT support partner before making any big decisions. It can be costly to replace one device, let alone a fleet of them. Your IT support partner will be able to discuss your requirements with you and make the best recommendations based on these and your budget.
If you don’t have an IT support partner that you can trust to give you the right support and advice, we’d love to help. Give us a call and let’s talk.
