Several factors have to be considered when the time comes that calls into question whether an old Mac should be fixed or not. This truly depends on the extent of the repairs that are needed, the age of the machine, and your needs for use. Below, we discuss several important points that need to be considered when trying to decide whether repairing your aging Mac is worth the money and time involved.
Assess the Age and Model of Your Mac
The first consideration is how old your Mac is. Apple stops issuing software updates and security patches about seven years from the time the model was released. If your Mac is approaching or has already surpassed that timeline, the newest software will not run that great on it, which can then affect performance and security. As a result, investing in repairs may be a bad solution in the long run.
However, if it’s a couple of years old and even has just a few minor hardware issues-such as a cracked screen, broken keyboard, or battery issue it might be worth it. Macs do tend to last longer than a lot of computers out there and provided you keep your laptop in great condition, it can keep serving your needs for years to come.
Repair Costs vs. Replacement Costs
The second consideration is how much the repair costs versus how much a new MacBook costs. It would be more economical to replace a single component than purchase another Mac. A battery replacement would range from R1,500 to R3,500, depending on the model series, while purchasing an entire new MacBook costs R20,000 to R40,000. On the other hand, if the logic board or a number of parts within are failing, the repair costs start adding up quickly.
Performance Needs and Usage
Equally important is how you are using your Mac. If it is only for surfing on the internet or for word processing, then it might be enough with an older machine and a few repairs. However, if the work is related to video editing, graphic design, or even programming, it would be worth getting a newer machine that allows you to get the job done with ease. If your Mac is slow but generally still works, an upgrade (such as a RAM upgrade or moving to an SSD) can prevent you from getting a full replacement.
Conclusion
Whether it is worth fixing your old Mac depends on the condition and the price of repairs, among other needs of usage. If the repairs are inexpensive and your Mac still performs in a manner sufficient for you, then that would be worth the investment. However, if it is past your budget and your machine is outdated, then upgrading to a new one might be in order.