Replacing Your Electronics The Smart Way

by AJ Pettersen · 12 comments

Woman working on computer

We live in an exciting era if you are a techie. New electronics with never-before-seen features are coming out all the time. My wife’s had the same computer for about four years, and it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear. It’s slowed down a lot and freezes occasionally. We’re nearing the time when she’ll need a new one, but how do we decide when? And where do we look?

These are a couple of things everyone should carefully consider before replacing their electronics.

Try to Fix Your Current Device

Sometimes, computers and other devices get clogged up with too many documents. They can even have viruses that are affecting their performance. If you’ve just begun to experience issues with your electronic device, you should try to clean it up or fix it before replacing it.

Many people jump to replace a device that can still function perfectly well. I’ve cleared viruses from my computer and deleted unnecessary documents to improve my computer’s functionality. Once a number of steps are taken to fix something and it still isn’t working, it may be time to find something new.

Avoid Quick Decisions

Companies are constantly bombarding the public with new technology and the latest and greatest advancements. Making rash decisions is common. Don’t get too excited over new items – staying reasonable with your electronics decisions is vital. When you’re nearing the time to get a new device, start doing your research. Getting the shiniest new device available isn’t always the best decision.

My wife and I recently began to look for a new computer to replace her current one. We’re looking at products from a wide range of companies and specifications. We’ve set a few guidelines and are narrowing down our options by comparison shopping online. By avoiding a rash decision, we’ll be able to get the best computer to fit her needs.

The best time to buy a new electronic device is after careful consideration and thought. After doing your research, you should be able to make an informed decision at the right time.

Do Your Research

How much are you willing to spend? For my wife and me, this is a vital question. We want to find a good deal on our electronics purchase. Computers with similar specifications have a huge range in prices. This can be attributed to the company selling them and to the quality of the product.

The same is true about any other device. Phones come in many different shapes and sizes, as do TVs. Careful research is quite important. Find other friends who’ve shopped for similar items and look for reviews on the internet. How long will it last? Is the brand name worth it?

After some research and cost-benefit analysis, you should be able to find the device that fits your needs.

Make the Change

Getting a new electronic device is an exciting, yet expensive, decision. By following a few steps, you’ll be able to get the right item to fit your needs.

What steps do you take when looking for new electronics?

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{ read the comments below or add one }

  • Alley Keosheyan says:

    I bought my current computer at a pawn shop and will probably buy my next computer “gently used.” I don’t feel the need to have the latest and greatest hardware and/or software. As long as my device can stream video, maintain spreadsheets, and has enough space for lots of photos, I’m good. The fact that I don’t play games probably helps, too.

  • Bucksprout says:

    I suggest software updates before buying new electronics. New electronics offer prettier hardware but the software is what runs electronics. My MacBook is almost six years old and runs like a new because I always update the software and clean out my the disk every so often. Buying an external hard drive (ranging from $50-$150) is a smart way to clear up some space on your computer and help it to run faster.

  • John S says:

    We always try and avoid making a snap decision and researching what’s available before we go out and buy. We try to spend time away from it so we can make a rational decision as opposed to one that’s led by emotion.

  • Christian L. says:

    I avoid electronics altogether. It might sound backwards for somebody who works in social media, but the devices are too expensive for somebody who also works in personal finance.

    Beyond that, I just loathe being connected all the time. So many people have their heads buried in screens and it just frustrates me.

  • Mario says:

    Buy only what you need, or things that add real, measurable value to your life. And once you’ve decided what those things are, hunt for deals, coupons, and rewards.

    Sell what you’ve already bought but no longer need.

    But last year’s model and buy it used or refurbished, if possible. As usual, let your purchases be subsidized by other people who absolutely have to have the latest thing out there.

  • Alex C says:

    Very true. One thing a lot of people may not know is there are companies out there that will buy your laptop or other technology device if it is not too old or broken. Even if there is some brokenness to it, companies will try to fix it and resell your computer. Also, you can get some cash from recycling it.

    There are companies that do it with cell phones too. A place like uSell, will buy cell phones, tablets, and game consoles. Not much money offered if it is broken, but a little cash is better than letting it go to waste

  • Billy says:

    You should also clean out the case every six months with some canned air.

  • Ate Berga says:

    Reading/crawling through advertisements is hardly research. Please “research” research and see that you are merely reading, gathering info or comparing pricing/features.

  • Thad says:

    Excellent suggestions. Impulse buying is really a bad habit to get in to. You might suggest a reformat and reinstall of the OS when a computer gets slow. Nothing makes it seem like new more than doing that. Be sure to have all documents, music and pictures backed up before you do.

  • Jenny says:

    “It’s slowed down a lot and freezes occasionally.” That’s not wear and tear. That may be malware, or you may just need to reinstall the operating system. 🙂 The very first thing you should try is defragmenting the hard drive, then go from there.

  • FMM says:

    My strategy is to wait until a new model comes out and buy the model that just became “old”. This will keep you near the cutting edge while allowing you to keep more dollars in your own account.

    • Anton Ivanov says:

      That’s some great advice! I do this all the time for myself, especially since these “new” models are released so frequently and often are barely different than their predecessors.

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