Computers are certainly less expensive than they used to be. With the ease that it takes to build one, and the competition that exists between companies for the business of the consumer, it’s certainly a bargain these days. This makes the justification of buying a computer when technical, or software, problems arise a lot easier. However, one must consider the long term financial aspect of buying a new computer, over fixing an existing computer.
The first thing that a user must weigh when faced with the choice to buy a new computer, or to fix the existing computer is the length of time they have had their current computer. While it might not be a lot of money(relatively speaking) if the computer has only been used for a year or two, one has to factor in the cost to have operated it for a short amount of time. There is not enough value in buying a $500 computer and getting two years out of it, as opposed to five years.
If the value of it is below the standards that a person should expect, it might be worth it to get it fixed. The truth is that computers are not like cars, an accident or a repair doesn’t damage the way a computer will run after that. It’s possible to repair it and make it as good as new again. The truth is that most of the costs to repair a computer can be done for less than $100.
There are certainly advantages to getting a new computer, especially if the current computer is a problem and continues to breakdown. If the computer costs more to repair than is acceptable then it would be time to trade in and trade up, otherwise it might be wise to stay with the computer that could still have many years left on it. It makes sense at least to save a user the hassle of file transfer.