Is your laptop already a few years old? Do you want to know how much longer your laptop can last before you need to replace it? In this guide, we’ll answer the question, “how long should a laptop last?”
In 2020, the demand for laptops and PCs increased in a matter of months. Now, around a year after this surge of laptop sales, you may feel concerned over the lifespan of your laptop. Keep reading to learn about the lifespan of a laptop and other digital devices used for work and play.
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Factors that Affect Laptop Lifespan
Because there are different types of laptops, the answer to the question is not so simple. Your laptop may last longer depending on its quality. Is it a mid-range, high-ranger, or low-range laptop?
More expensive laptops have excellent high-quality hardware. The hardware in low-budget laptops tends to be enough to keep it going for a few years. When you estimate how much longer you can use your laptop, recall its price range when it was brand new.
Your laptop’s lifespan also depends on the amount of time you used it. Do you often use it for demanding or resource-heavy tasks? Examples of such tasks are gaming, video editing, and graphic design.
If you use a laptop for demanding tasks like these, the less likely it’ll remain relevant. However, if you only use it for simple tasks, like browsing the web and checking emails, the laptop can last long.
In other words, the key factors that influence the longevity of a laptop are hardware and what you use it for.
How Long Should a Laptop Last?
Finally, let’s answer the big question: how long should a laptop last?
Based on the factors we mentioned above, a mid-range laptop lasts around 4 to 5 years. You can add or take away a year from its lifespan depending on how you use it. If you often use it for heavy gaming, remove a year from the estimate.
How about the longevity of laptops when it comes to pricing? A laptop you bought for under $700 may last 2 to 4 years, while a model you bought for over $1000 can stay relevant for 4 to 7 years. Laptops worth $700-$1000 are in the happy middle, which means they can last between 3 and 5 years.
With that said, gaming laptops don’t last in the same way regular laptops do. Gaming laptops under $700 can only last for 2 to 3 years. Those that are worth $700-$1500 can stay in shape for 3 to 4 years, while laptops worth over $1500 only last 4 to 6 years.
How to Care for Your Laptop So It Lasts Long
About 71% of American employees do their work from home all or most of the time. Even at work, it’s easy to get comfortable around your laptop when you’re working. You may often place a cup of coffee nearby, especially on those long nights/days at work.
Some of the laptop’s most common enemies are food and liquids. When liquids are nearby, you’re putting your laptop at risk of getting spilled on. If food is nearby, your laptop is at risk of getting food in its components, which shortens its lifespan.
One more thing that shortens a laptop’s lifespan is when you keep it plugged in, even after it’s done charging. Better yet, unplug your laptop before it reaches full charge and let it drain until 40% before you plug it in again. Most laptop batteries have parts that can stop overcharging, but it’s safer to unplug when needed.
It’s also important to keep your laptop from running at high temperatures. Overheating components can lead to issues and lead to a shortened lifespan. Invest in cooling fans or take a break when your laptop starts growing hot.
Clean it often and try to remove dust when you can. You can bring it to a professional to open it and clean the inside of the computer. Regular maintenance checks are also good for increasing the lifespan of a laptop.
What to Consider When Buying a Laptop
When you go shopping for a new laptop that you want to use for a long time, check its battery first. Look for laptops with batteries that have higher ratings. These ratings are often in milliamp-hours (mAh) or Watt-hours (Wh).
The higher the ratings, the longer your battery will last. The longer its battery lasts, the longer the laptop will last as well.
The next thing you need to consider is the laptop’s build quality. Depending on how you use your laptop, it will experience wear and tear from constant moving. If you often bring your laptop with you on trips to different places, the more it’ll wear down.
You may also consider buying a new type of device. If a laptop feels too clunky and large for you, you may want to consider getting a tablet. Consider getting an iPad pro or Macbook pro for tasks like drawing or editing.
The Lifespan of Other Devices
Are you considering buying other types of devices for work or play? Switching from laptop to tablet or computer is a common action.
Some laptop users may prefer a more powerful machine. Others may want a device that’s lighter and more compact.
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How Long Should a Tablet Last?
Compared to laptops, tablets have shorter lifespans on average. A tablet you bought for $300 may last only 2 years.
A high-end tablet worth $700 can last 5 years. However, when you care for it well, a tablet can last 4-6 years.
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How Long Should a Computer Last?
Unlike laptops and tablets, desktop computers can last much longer, up to 8-10 years. The minimum lifespan of a computer is 3 years.
However, you can customize and upgrade its components when needed. Thus, a well-cared computer can last 10 years or more.
Enjoy Your Laptop While Keeping It in Good Health
Now, you know the answer to the question, “how long should a laptop last?” We hope you enjoyed reading about the reasons behind these laptop lifespan averages.
Do you want to keep learning about how to tell if you should replace your laptop? Do you want to expand your knowledge on how you can customize your laptop? Check out our other guides now for more informative laptop guides like this one.
