How Long Does a Laptop Last? A Comprehensive Guide

You click on an app, and your computer’s fan starts going a mile a minute. After a few seconds, the app freezes up on you and takes you back to your desktop. What gives?

You’ve only had this PC for a few years. How long does a laptop last, anyway? The answer can depend on quite a few factors. If you’re trying to run an advanced program on a small consumer computer, you’re going to wear it down before its time.

Speaking of laptop types, some are notorious for lasting longer than others. These are only a few things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to longevity. Keep reading to learn more.

How Long Does a Laptop Last on Average?

In general, most PCs will last anywhere between 4-5 years before replacing a laptop becomes necessary. Some people believe that the price you spend on the computer will determine how long it will last.

To a point, they are correct in this assumption. If you spend less than 700 dollars for a laptop, it’s only going to keep kicking for 2-3 years. A laptop that pushes the boundaries into the 1000 dollar mark can keep going for over 4 years.

A computer that costs 1,500 or over can push on to 6 years. Now, you can go get a laptop that costs you 5,000 dollars, but if you’re only getting the laptop for longevity purposes, you’re wasting your money. It’s not going to last any longer than the $1,500 model.

Types of Laptops

How much you spend on the computer is only one factor that plays into the lifespan of a laptop. The type of computer you get also has a huge impact on longevity.

Consumer Laptops

First up on the list is consumer laptops. This is your basic computer that anyone in your house can use. They offer great performance if all you want to do is some light typing, watch YouTube, and scroll through the internet.

Their hardware isn’t up for much else, though. These laptops are often the cheapest ones that you can grab. Most of them cost $700 and below.

A lot of consumer laptops only come with a 1-year warranty, but they can last for 3. You will have to be careful with them to get the most usage out of them. Don’t push them past their limits, and you should be good to go.

Gaming Laptops

Next up is gaming laptops. Most of these are created with playing AAA game titles in mind. As you can imagine, the hardware in these babies can’t be beat.

They come with a huge price tag attached, but if you’re willing to pay it, they’ll keep trucking for 5 years or more. Alternatively, you can get a mid-range cost gaming laptop and upgrade it in a few years.

Business Laptops

Business laptops work as the name suggests. They exist for you to fill out spreadsheets and get some work done. They are a little more reliable than consumer computers, but they don’t have the same laptop lifespan as the gaming ones.

Most of them come hand in hand with reinforced casing. This way, they can take a few bumps and bruises during your daily commute to the office.

A good number of business laptops come with a 3-year warranty, which is great because they can have a crazy price tag. The most expensive model will cost you $3,000 or more.

Other Factors That Play Into Lifespan

We’re not quite done with factors that can affect a computer’s lifespan. You also have to consider the laptop’s hardware and think about what you put the machine through.

Hardware

There’s a reason why the more expensive laptop models last longer. They’re packed full of top-of-the-line hardware. If your computer’s CPU was created when dinos were still roaming the earth, it’s not going to be able to keep up with what you want it to do.

It will struggle to run most apps until the computer eventually fizzles out and you have to buy a new one. On the other hand, Intel Evo laptops will last for a while because the CPU is pretty stellar.

The laptop’s processor is only one piece of hardware that goes into longevity. The computer’s RAM and GPU also have a huge role to play.

Now, just because a computer has amazing hardware, doesn’t mean that it’s made to last. You’ll still want to do your research on a company before you buy one of their laptops.

Care

If you’re the kind of person who puts their laptop through its paces, it’s not going to last for long. You’ve got to take care of the computer to get the most out of it.

Don’t leave it on your shelf to gather dust until you need it. Clean it out every now and again. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with sticky keys and other problems.

The more often you plug the laptop in, the worse the battery gets. Eventually, you won’t’ be able to use your laptop unless it’s attached to your outlet.

Usage

Take a moment to think about what you do with your computer. If you only use it to browse the web and watch the occasional video, you’re not putting too much strain on the laptop’s hardware.

If you’re using it to play games, do photo manipulation work, and edit videos, that’s another story. You’re putting more pressure on the computer’s processor. Even if the laptop is built to handle all these things, the more often you use it, the more you’re ticking away at its lifespan.

Lengthening Your Computer’s Lifespan

If you’re worried about your laptop taking a one-way trip out the door, don’t be. There are plenty of ways that you can increase the computer’s lifespan and get the most out of it.

Be Careful

First thing’s first. Your laptop is a powerful machine, but it’s not indestructible. It will break if you leave it out in your hot car for a long period of time.

If you drop it once a day or more, the computer is going to take a beating. Transport it in a sturdy case if you must carry it around. Clean out the keyboard and wipe down the screen when you can.

Again, don’t leave the computer plugged in at all hours of the day. You’ll put a serious strain on the battery if you do that. Lastly, if you need to go smoke, walk away from your laptop first.

Update the OS

Oftentimes you’ll get a little pop up in the corner of your screen telling you that it’s time to update the operating system. These notifications never come at a good time.

You’re always in the middle of something, but you should save your progress and go ahead and let your computer do what it needs to do.

Developers use these updates to patch holes in the security system and fix other problems that came with the previous OS. By ignoring that notification, you leave your computer vulnerable to viruses.

Keep It Clean

Cleaning your computer doesn’t end with the keyboard and screen. You also need to empty out your recycle bin when it gets full. Nothing you throw away is actually gone until you do.

Go through your apps on occasion and get rid of anything you don’t need. The more programs you have bogging down the computer, the more of a strain you’re putting on it.

Use It for the Correct Purposes

If your laptop’s main function is to allow you to browse the web and type on occasion, don’t start downloading games on it. If you do, you’ll be putting your computer through way more than it can handle.

It’s sort of like if your boss asked you to get 15 projects done by the end of the day. Unless those projects are tiny, you’ll hurt yourself trying to do them.

Is It Time to Trade In Your Laptop for a New Model?

So, how long does a laptop last? As you can see, it depends on a multitude of factors. Some computer models last longer than others, however, not even the most advanced machine will be able to hold up if you don’t take care of it.

Keep your laptop clean, use it for the right purposes, and update the OS when prompted. Do this, and you’ll be able to use your computer for the max number of years.

If you’re looking for more ways to keep your laptop kicking or you’re trying to buy a new one, visit the Technology section of our blog for all the latest info.