They don’t make ‘em like they used to. Ever thought this about your work computer? There may be some truth behind this age-old complaint. Planned obsolescence is a rising trend in the tech world as some manufacturers purposefully design their products to break down.
The laptop, phone, or modem you need for work might not last as long as you think, and you may have to replace one or all of them sooner than later. Here are five tips to help you do that.
1. Save for the Inevitable
Each month, set aside a little bit of cash in a high-yield savings account for an inevitable repair. Once your small contributions grow into a sizeable fund, you can tap into these savings at the drop of a hat.
2. Research Same Day Cash Advances
While saving a little bit each month is easier on your budget, it does take time to amass a big enough pile to buy a new laptop. If your emergency happens before you have what you need, you can research how a same day cash advance can work as a stopgap for your savings.
A same day cash advance can help you take care of urgent repairs with minimal delay. Some online direct lenders release their loans on the same business day you get approved, so you can send in your tech for repairs and get back to work faster.
3. Take Advantage of Your Warranty
If you purchased your laptop or phone in the past one or two years, there might be no need to tap into your emergency fund or seek out a same day cash advance. You might still be covered by its warranty, which means your manufacturer will fix the problem at no cost.
The basic warranty that comes with most laptops will cover faulty electronics, but it won’t help if you spilled your coffee all over the keyboard and fried its hard drive.
4. Find a Local Computer Repair Service
Let’s assume you’re working on a five-year-old laptop with an expired warranty. Don’t take your tech to the manufacturer for repairs; they’ll charge you an arm and a leg for a simple fix.
You’ll find a better deal on maintenance and repairs from a repair shop in your neighborhood. Head online to compare the reviews to make sure you can get the best service.
5. Consider Refurbished as a Replacement
If your phone or laptop bricked itself, there may not be anything a professional can do to repair it. You might be stuck replacing it entirely.
In that case, you’ll want to reconsider buying a brand-new model from the store. Not only is new tech expensive, but it might also be hard to find. Chip shortages caused by the pandemic have reduced supply all over the world.
Buying refurbished is a cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality. A refurbished phone or laptop has gone through extensive testing to restore it to factory settings, and it comes with a warranty to back it up.
Check out this guide to ensure you’re getting a certified refurbished device and not just someone’s old Dell.
The Takeaway:
Even the best piece of technology has a shelf life. If yours has met its end today, don’t panic. Follow these tips to help you cover your tech breakdown with confidence.
