This is the question Darren gets asked most often — and the honest answer is always "it depends". Here's how to think through it properly.
Factors in favour of repair
- The computer is less than 6–7 years old
- The fault is a single, well-defined problem (screen, battery, keyboard, virus)
- The repair cost is less than 40–50% of the cost of an equivalent replacement
- The computer has been upgraded (SSD, more RAM) and performs well when working
- You have important data, programmes, or settings you don't want to migrate
Factors in favour of replacement
- The computer is over 8–10 years old
- Multiple things have failed or are about to fail
- The repair would cost more than half the price of a replacement
- The machine is too slow even after upgrades, with no further upgrade path
- Parts are no longer available or are disproportionately expensive
The honest assessment
Darren will always give you a frank opinion. If your machine isn't worth repairing, he'll tell you — even if that means losing the job. That's the value of dealing with an independent specialist rather than a chain store that has an incentive to sell you something new.
💡 Often overlookedEven if the computer itself isn't worth repairing, a data migration to a new machine ensures you don't lose your files, documents, photos, and settings. This is a service Darren provides alongside any new machine purchase advice.
Not sure whether to repair or replace?
Call Darren for an honest, no-pressure assessment. He serves Okehampton, Tavistock, Crediton and all of Devon.
📞 Call 07564 432851