How Long do Laptops Last? Things to know about the gadget…

While it’s possible to purchase an inexpensive laptop under $1000 or even $500, portable PCs are typically more expensive than desktops with similar performance. It’s important to know how long these things last so you can make decisions about price versus longevity.

Experts estimate you should get at least four years from a laptop though its life can be extended up to 10 to 12 years if maintained properly.

How long to Laptops Last?

No matter how much you care, electronics are bound to get worked up as time takes its toll. “The typical laptop will become unusable in about four to five years with the main problem being its battery that tends to drain out”, says Corey Donovan, president of Alta Technologies, an IT firm with extensive experience in refurbishing computers for corporate clients. He added, “the exception to the rule is Apple, whose laptops are built in such a way that they last at least seven to ten years on average.”

Some laptops allow the battery to be replaced, especially resettling the clock, but many laptops make battery replacement difficult or even do not give the provision to do that.

The next common part of the laptops that get issues is its display, though incidental and routine screen damage can shorten a laptop’s life expectancy even more. Donnovan says, “Dead pixels start to proliferate after five years of use and screen yellow out within eight to ten hours.” 

Yellowing is a common term among computer technicians for various display issues that come up as the display becomes old. The term comes from older laptop display technologies that used to yellow as it got old.

Even if the existing laptop gets past those issues, a laptop ten to twelve years old would no longer be supported by modern operating systems. Therefore you need to replace the system to keep updated with security upgrades and compatible with modern software versions.