What can you do to extend the life of a laptop?
Do you want to get the best out of your laptop? You can extend the life of the device through proper use and maintenance. This way, the laptop will serve you for a very long time and you won't have to worry about unforeseen and costly breakdowns. Find out more in our article!
Why is it important to take care of the longevity and maintenance of a used laptop?
There are many factors why you should take care of your electronic devices, even if they have been used before. The first reason is simply to save money. By extending the life of your laptop, you can reduce the investment of buying a new one, and by keeping the device trouble-free, you can reduce operating costs.
Using a second-hand laptop also has a positive impact on the environment. The production of new devices is associated with the consumption of natural resources and the emission of carbon dioxide. When we use used devices over a longer period of time, we reduce electronic waste and its negative impact on the planet.
With a second-hand laptop, we have better control over our data. When buying a new device, the data must be transferred from the previous computer, which carries the risk of losing information. Regular maintenance and care of the laptop also has an impact on performance.
Cleaning the cooling system, updating the software and taking care of the battery keeps the device in good condition, which translates into smoother and more comfortable operation.
Common problems and defects with used laptops
Used laptops can be prone to various problems and defects that need to be considered. One of the main risks is the increasing wear and tear on the battery. The batteries of older laptops can lose their capacity, resulting in shorter operating times without a mains connection.
Used laptops may have worn keys or touchpads that no longer function properly. Often damaged components can be replaced or an external keyboard and mouse can be used. It is also advisable to maintain these components to prevent further degradation.
Rules and regulations for the safe use of laptops
To prolong the life of your laptop, you should avoid certain behaviors that can significantly affect its condition. These include, for example, excessive use of programs that overtax the laptop's computing power, inadequate cooling, overcharging the battery, not updating software or installing applications from suspicious sources, as well as improper storage and transportation
Prevention is always better than repair, so take a look at our guide and find out how to tackle the various problems:
Cleaning and caring for laptops
If you want to clean your laptop, make sure you use the right accessories. Wipe the screen with special cloths or a microfiber cloth and avoid chemicals that could damage the matrix coating.
For the touchpad and keyboard, use compressed air and a dust brush to remove dirt. For heavier soiling, use special cleaning products for these components.
The correct temperature and ventilation of the laptop
Used laptops are susceptible to overheating. Use them on hard and flat surfaces that do not block the ventilation openings.
Also clean the fans regularly with compressed air. This will remove excessive dust deposits.
A good solution is to use special cooling pads that blow outside air into the laptop to lower the temperature. This allows the components to work under better conditions.
Laptop battery and energy management
Avoid over-discharging or overcharging. The optimum range for the battery is around 20-80% charge. If you do not exceed these values, you can safely extend the life of the battery. It is also a good idea to use the energy-saving modes available in the laptop software. This will reduce consumption. If you are working on a device that is constantly plugged in, you should remove the battery from the device.
Replacing and upgrading components to extend the service life In some cases, even the ongoing care and maintenance of a laptop is not enough. However, this does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your device.
Replacing defective components can be a better and more economical solution.
In this case, first check the cost-benefit ratio.
In many cases, an upgrade can be simple and inexpensive. In the AMSO store you will find all the components and parts you need for an upgrade or repair at attractive prices. Be sure to take a look at our complete range!