This is one of the most important things to consider. After all, thinking about a new computer is free, buying a new computer isn’t cheap. Even the cheapest options are going to run to a couple of hundred for the basic hardware alone. So, when is it really time to buy that new computer?
I used to joke that after 6 months, that lovely shiny, fast computer that you bought is obsolete. Technology is moving faster today so it’s still fairly true.
However, you should aim for your computer to last for approx. 5 years, ideally a lot longer.
Please don’t be too eager to replace it.
When you can’t run the programs that you need or want to.
This is the biggie.
If you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, you know exactly what I mean.
I had an iPhone 6 from brand new, until the point that Apple made it obsolete as it was no longer able to install updates from the OS (Operating System) and the apps.
That was when I upgraded. By the way, I bought an iPhone 12 (yes a big jump), however it was just after the iPhone 13 was announced and the 12 was reduced in price.
Consider what are your essential applications?
These are the ones that you can’t run your business without. No, not the ones that make your life easier, but the ones that physically stop you working and earning.
If it gets to the point that updates or upgrades can’t be handled by the hardware, then it’s time to look at a new device.
FYI: Consider security updates on your computer and especially the OS as an essential app.
When it takes too long to start it up or run any programs.
This boils down to the “time is money” equation.
If you can switch your computer on, leave it, make a hot drink or a meal and you come back to, and it’s almost ready to go. That’s a glaring sign that you need to replace it with a new model.
Remember that your new computer will start to feel slower within a few months. You get used to,
Promise it’s going to take a few years for the machine to actually slow down. Not a few months.
What are you prepared to accept?
Starting things up and walking away for a min is not a problem. When you can actually achieve other, longer tasks – that’s being or already become unacceptable.
It’s time to start looking and researching new computers.
You realise that you need something different
As we all know, tech is changing all the time.
Sadly this is going to mean that sooner or later you’ll need to use some new software. You’ll buy it, download it and it won’t install or run.
First things first, you need to know what your tech specs are:
Then for all new apps, check what their minimum requirements are, before you spend the money.
Things to consider when thinking about a new computer:
Have you got the right OS? Personally I think this is more for Mac than Windows. But it’s valid for everything.
What’s the RAM requirements?
(If you’re not sure what I’m talking about read my blog What Computer Hardware should you be Looking for in a New Device?
Depending on your device, changing this can be fairly easy (desktop computers and some laptops) or impossible (tablets and phones).
How much space will the software take up, and need to run?
I use Descript for my recording and transcription software. Every time I use it, there’s an upgrade available. I use a Windows Surface which has a finite amount of hard-drive space. (It’s not liking the external SD card that I’ve got.) Then when I run it, I get a message “Descript works best with 20Gb of free space”. Most often I have 15Gb, if I’m lucky.
Will I be upgrading my Surface? Nope. Descript works, and I don’t have any problems with anything else. So it’s not worth it for me – yet.
These are all things that you need to consider when it comes time for new applications, and even some new hardware.
You can’t install security updates
This is the biggest red flag of all.
In the top 5 (maybe 3), if not at the very top of your list needs to be security – both your personal security and your cyber security.
You have to be able to be on top of this.
True, it’s a balancing act between enough and too much.
After all, the only way to 100% ensure cyber security is not to connect to the internet. Something that today is completely impossible if you want to run your business.
If, for whatever reason, you cannot keep your device up to date with security updates – valid, real security updates – then no more thinking about a new computer, you need to buy a new device.
It’s really as simple as that.
Hardware failure
While we don’t want to think about this happening, it’s something that you really should plan for.
In the tech industry, it’s known as the Disaster Recovery (DR) plan.
If everything couldn’t be used – for whatever reason – what would you do?
Consider:
- Where are your files?
- How can you access files and information?
- Accessing passwords, they are often saved in the web-browser and if you can’t access it, they need to be in another location that you can access.
- What’s the first way to get in contact with clients? (Smartphone and social media?)
- How and what hardware, you need to replace?
Having a plan, means that if the unthinkable does happen, then you know what to do. And you can get your business restarted with the minimum of fuss.
Remember to include information about what device you’ll be looking for.
Note: This isn’t a “one and done” exercise. Add it to your annual tasks to review and update it at least once a year. I hope that you never have to put it into action, but you’ll be glad of this prep if you do.
Next Steps
Unless you’ve just bought a new computer, schedule in some time (soon) into your calendar to plan out things.
You want a:
- Disaster Recovery Plan
- Essential Applications List
- Minimum Specifications Requirements List
- Backup for important passwords
That’s a good starting point.
Remember, as your needs change, update the relevant information so that it’s correct for now.
When you’re thinking about a new computer there’s a number of different things to consider. Make a list (you don’t need to check it twice) so make sure that you’ve got everything covered.
Before you spend your hard earnt money, ask yourself do I really need a new computer, or can I upgrade parts of it, or even live with it a bit longer?
Other Computers 101 Posts
What computer hardware should you be looking for in a new device?
Choose the best operating systems software for you
What type of computer device suits you best?
You’re going to need some software with that new device
Do you want computer peripherals with that?
When should you think about buying a new computer? (current post)
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