Before paying for laptop repairs, many people wonder if it's worth fixing an older machine. With new laptops starting from $600, the decision depends on the repair type, cost, and your laptop's age.
When laptop repair is worth it
Is it worth repairing a laptop screen?
Screen repairs typically cost $150-$400 depending on the laptop model. For laptops under 4 years old, screen replacement is usually worthwhile. The repair takes 1-2 hours and gives you a fully functional machine.
Is it worth replacing laptop battery?
Battery replacement costs $80-$200 and is almost always worth it for laptops under 5 years old. A new battery restores portable use and extends the laptop's useful life by 2-3 years.
RAM and storage upgrades
Adding RAM ($50-$150) or replacing a hard drive with an SSD ($100-$250 including data transfer) can dramatically improve performance on older laptops. These upgrades are cost-effective for machines 3-6 years old.
When is it not worth repairing a laptop?
Consider buying new instead of repairing when:
- Motherboard failure - Repairs cost $300-$600, often not justified for laptops over 3 years old
- Water damage - Unpredictable repair costs and risk of future issues
- Laptop is 6+ years old - Performance gap with new machines is too large
- Multiple issues - Combined repair costs approach new laptop prices
- Security concerns - Older laptops may no longer receive Windows security updates
True cost of buying new
The sticker price of a new laptop doesn't include setup time and additional software:
| Task | Time and cost |
|---|---|
| Windows updates | 30 minutes to hours |
| Microsoft 365 | $159/year subscription or transfer existing licence |
| Antivirus software | $40-$80/year |
| Transferring data from old laptop | 30 minutes to hours |
| Reinstalling business software (MYOB, AutoCAD) | May require new licences |
| Setting up email and accounts | 15-30 minutes |
Transferring data to new laptop
We can transfer your data and programs to a new computer. In some cases, we can clone your entire system so the new laptop works exactly like your old one - same programs, files, and settings.
2016 - 2026