As a frequent-flying, heavy user of laptops, I've always wondered whether it's better to replace laptop batteries when their battery life declines (they're not cheap, let me tell you) or just bite the bullet and buy a new laptop. Finally, I've constructed AN EXPERIMENT to figure that out.
9:19 AM * PERMALINK * 3 comments
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Comments:
zhnoeMike,
There is another MAJOR factor in this decision. Switching laptops is PAINFUL to most people. It takes hours and hours to find and load up all of the applications. In some cases some applications may not work because you might be going from say XP to Vista. Then you have to transfer all of your file and reconfigure your email accounts. Yes, for an IT guy or a techie like you, it might not be so daunting, but for many people this is a 8-hour+ project. Given what my time is worth, that's a bigger deal to me than just the cost of the laptop. I buy new batteries once a year and hold off on the new laptop until I really need or want the new technology.
If I used a laptop are hard as you did, I would seriously consider leasing it as most businesses do for their depreciating equipment. Might be hard to do if you are a freelancer and can't swing it through a larger corporate purchase, but I'm sure it's possible, the question is will the price be right.
Why not spend $500 or $750/year on leasing fees for a new laptop every 2 years. Presuming the battery will die at the 2 year mark anyway and the technology constantly changes... I think it would be a great move for someone in your shoes.
Totally agree with "phill" ... my time has value ($) too and would need to factored into the decision. If the batteries were the only thing truly wrong with the old machine, I'd just replace the batteries.
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