The question is: How long should a laptop last?
There’s a lot of factors involved in how long your laptop will last. It can depend on the quality of your laptop, whether you use it for gaming, if you’re using an external monitor, etc. The best thing to do is find out from a reliable source what laptops typically last for before you buy one.
A laptop will last somewhere between 2 and 3 years depending on your usage. A laptop that is used for gaming or has an external monitor plugged in will likely not last as long.
If you’re purchasing a laptop that’s not for gaming (i.e. you just need it for basic tasks such as spreadsheets or word processing) and are only connecting it to an external monitor when you need to, then your laptop should last quite a while longer.
It depends on the price of the laptop also. If you buy a really cheap, low-quality laptop, it probably won’t last as long.
Another factor to consider is how hard you’re on your laptop. If you travel often and are constantly taking it in and out of various bags, or if you drop your laptop a lot then it’s likely that the quality of your computer will decrease faster than if you were more careful with it.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how long you want your laptop for and what kind of quality you’re looking for in a computer. Don’t buy something that is too cheap, but don’t spend as much money as you can afford just because it’s “convenient” to do so.
When Should You Consider a New Laptop?
It can be difficult to know when you should replace your laptop. The majority of variables occur on a case-by-case basis. There are various factors that make deciding how long your laptop will last just as challenging as the length of time it lasts in general.
I recommend replacing your laptop it if you notice significant performance issues, usually if you start noticing a reduction in the performance of your computer’s hard drive, memory, or screen.
If your laptop is for gaming or using an external monitor, I would replace it after a year, since these activities tend to short circuit and damage components more quickly.
It’s up to you though! Maybe you can keep yours going until that two-year warranty expiration date (it might help if you’re really gentle with it).
Think long and hard about what you plan to use your laptop for before deciding how long it should last.
Does using an external monitor affect the life of a laptop?
The answer to that question is yes, and it will shorten the life of your laptop significantly. Laptops are not meant to be used with external monitors, so keep that in mind. Different models will have different life spans depending on how you use them. Some last longer than others, and some don’t even make it a few months before they quit working. It all depends on the quality of your laptop as well.
I highly recommend not buying a laptop just to use as an external monitor. Your computer will be putting more stress on the hard drive, memory, and video card, which will ultimately shorten its lifespan. If you already have your own laptop that isn’t being used for anything else, then it can probably handle being an external monitor for another device like your cable box or another computer.
How to make sure my laptop lasts longer
If you’re anything like me, you have a laptop. And if you’re like most people in the world, your laptop is one of your most important possessions. With so many things we do on our laptops – work, school, socializing and more – it’s easy to get carried away with using them. But there are some ways to make sure that they last longer than the typical lifespan of 2-3 years.
Store it right:
Laptops are sensitive little gadgets and should be stored in an upright position as much as possible (even when plugged in). Putting them flat or upside down can cause heat buildup which will shorten their life span significantly!
Protect from harm:
Keep it off the floor or any rough surface.
Be gentle:
Laptops don’t heal like people do, so try to avoid dropping or otherwise mishandling your laptop.
External monitors and life expectancy:
If you’re using an external monitor for gaming purposes, it could really affect the life of your laptop – especially if it’s plugged in! It will draw more power and heat up quicker, shortening the actual lifespan of your laptop.
Listen to the experts:
If you’re buying a laptop or looking for replacement parts in order to fix yours, look it up on sites like Amazon, Newegg, Laptop Parts Pro and others before you buy! They’ll give you an idea of what kind of life you should expect from the item.
Keep it cool:
Clean out your fans and heat sinks! If they’re clogged with dust, dirt or hair (gross), then they won’t work as well and your laptop will run hotter than normal.
How Long Should A Laptop Last?
Ideally, your laptop should last at least 3 years before you need to buy a new one.
That said, it’s important to consider how the quality of your current machine compares with what is currently on the market and whether or not you plan to use it for gaming purposes in particular. If so, I recommend replacing your device after 1 year because those activities are more taxing on components than typical usage patterns. It would also be wise to clean out any dust from fans and heat sinks regularly as this will help keep temperatures down and extend its life span considerably. Ultimately though, replacement decisions depend largely upon personal preference – if you’re happy with using an external monitor then go ahead! Just make sure that whatever model you choose has the specs necessary, including a large enough hard drive, for your current and future needs.
