Laptop Repairs: What Are the Options?

It is a reality that your laptop will fail at some point. When it does, it's essential to know what you, the consumer, can do to help yourself and reduce downtime. If you cannot turn it on, remove the battery and connect it directly to the main outlet via the adaptor. But the best way is to consult a professional at a computer shop. If it starts, it's a faulty battery, which is an easy fix. So many problems I have encountered dealing with the battery. Most of us keep the charger plugged in all the time, which is not a good idea. This will end up destroying the battery. As a rule, let the battery run flat to about 3-5%, then begin the charge cycle again. Once complete, disconnect it, and repeat the process. Your battery will last much longer. If the battery is not the problem, it could be the adaptor. Try running it without the adaptor attached. Replacing the adaptor can fix the problem. These are examples of easy fixes which most consumers can quickly deal with themselves. If both of the above suggestions don't work, it's time to check your receipt to see if your laptop is still under warranty.

Great if it is, not so good if it's not. So what now? A professional would be the best option here because laptops are complicated and complex to repair, and a great deal of skill, knowledge and patience is required to diagnose them properly. There are two types of repairers available. The first is the traditional shopfront computer and laptop repairs shop, or nowadays, the same-day mobile repair services that conveniently come to your house or place of work. They offer professional services just like the shop and have the skills to accurately diagnose on the spot and provide you with an estimate of the cost of repair. Choosing a repairer takes work. I would first speak to a friend or a work colleague and find out if they know someone they have used in the past and were happy with. Qualifications are essential in this industry. A Microsoft certification is always held in high esteem, as is a CompTIA, and even stuff in electronics is handy. These combined will be a good starting point when finding a good repairer. Ask as many questions as necessary. Questions like; Which brands do you service the most? Turnover rate? Qualifications attained? Written quote? Warranty of repair? How long has the repairer been in business? To name a few.

Another option would be to go back to the manufacturer and ask if they have a service centre near you. This type of repair usually is more expensive than a generic repair company, but at least with this option, you know that it will be repaired by the company that made the laptop.

In the end, it always comes down to cost. If a new motherboard or a combination of parts is required, it may not be financially feasible to repair the laptop. In such cases, a new replacement can be cheaper. Do your maths first because if you have to purchase new software licenses, coupled with the cost of a new laptop, the whole exercise becomes a giant money pit.

The outcome should be favourable whether you choose a traditional shop, mobile service, or manufacturer laptop repairs centre. They all want your business, and in this challenging economic climate, the ultimate aim is to keep you coming back.