Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Our laptops must return to the great assembly line in the sky. (Or, if responsible, recycle it). But this week, the oscarandmutley reader is trying to keep his machine running.
The reader wrote that after using your machine for 10 minutes, it turns off. So the question is: after seven years, do you need a new laptop?
Probably. Seven years is a lot of time for a laptop, and there is a newer and better technology. The screens are better, the CPUs are more powerful, and, hell, you probably have some outdated operating systems.
But it's okay, you like your current version, so let's take it to its logical extreme. In theory, you may be able to replace the battery, especially on a laptop that is 7 years old. As more and more laptops providers make it increasingly difficult to replace parts, older and larger machines often facilitate the exchange of parts.
Oscarandmutley did not tell us which laptop he currently owns, so we can not tell you if his battery is replaceable. While third-party companies can sell batteries, I recommend that you look for one from the laptop company, if you can. Some suppliers sell parts online: both HP and Dell have battery stores, for example. If you can not find yours online, you can also try to call the company to see if they sell it.
MORE: Laptops with the longest battery life
Some machines also come with maintenance manuals, and if they do, be sure to follow it to the letter. Although you probably do not have a warranty 7 years later, you still do not want to break anything (or hurt yourself). Most likely you need a pair of screwdrivers to access your laptop, but it's cheaper and less wasteful than having a new computer.
But if you can not replace the battery, well, you've run well.
Seven years is a long time. Oscarandmutley also asked if a desktop computer would be more suitable for them. But without knowing what they use the machine for, I'd say it's just the case if they never want to take their computer with them anywhere.
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