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March 29, 2024

You might be surprised to learn that the most reliable Chromebooks have an honest expiration date. Once that date is reached, it’s garbage. Chromebooks won’t get any more patches or updates.

Tap or click for a list of 17 Chromebook makes and models to avoid buying.

If you google, “Do I need a new laptop?” or “Should I upgrade or replace my laptop?” the answer is probably yes. Tap or click here to see my picks for the best Chromebooks and Windows and Mac laptops for every budget.

Typing on laptop, document photo.
(iStock)

Let’s look at the clear signs of buying a new laptop in the near future.

Sign 1: Your laptop is slow

I’m not just talking about pages taking longer to load. I’m talking about your laptop taking 10 minutes to turn on. Maybe you run two programs at the same time and everything slows down.

Laptops slowing down are mostly a sign of age. Of course, this could also mean malware or hackers on your device. Here’s how to tell if your computer has been hacked.

Laptops slow down when memory fills up and multiple apps are running at the same time. Sometimes you can speed up your computer by upgrading the CPU and RAM. You can save yourself a lot of money by upgrading your hardware.

My rule of thumb: When the cost of upgrading or repairing an old laptop is 30% of the price of a new laptop, buy a new laptop.

related: Want to keep your computer running smoothly for a long time? Click or click here for 7 essential maintenance tips to keep your laptop happy.

Sign 2: It’s hot

Laptops have built-in fans to keep them cool. You may have heard the whirring of the fan when your machine has been running for a long time. It tries to get the toaster to drop a few degrees on your lap.

Over time, these fans can get full of dust and debris — or they’re just worn out. When this happens, your laptop will still heat up, but now it won’t be able to cool itself.

HP Chromebook 13 G1

HP Chromebook 13 G1
(HP)

Ultimately, this warming means you should replace your laptop. If your computer gets hot enough, it will stop functioning. Continued overheating can even lead to breakage or even melting.

Tap or click 10 reasons why your computer is overheating and how to fix them.

Sign 3: Risky use

If your laptop is more than four to five years old, count your blessings. One downside: In general, using older machines presents a considerable cybersecurity risk.

Software updates are critical to your digital wellbeing. OS updates have new features that make life easier, but they also patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

For example, if you’re still using Windows 7, you’re at risk. Microsoft is no longer updating the operating system. Windows 10 or 11 get frequent updates, which means they have better cybersecurity protections.

Dig into your settings to see what operating system you’re running. Research the latest update to see if your device can run it. If not, take it for what it is: one of the most obvious signs that you need a new laptop.

Sign 4: Your screen or keyboard is broken

Laptops are built to last and last. But even if you are careful, accidents can happen. Your screen may be missing a few pixels. It may also start flickering for no reason.

Your laptop keyboard may be missing letters and numbers. Or some keys may no longer work at all. The trackpad can also lose sensitivity over time.

Instead of replacing your laptop screen, you can save some money and connect an external monitor to it. You can also do the same thing with the keyboard.

Unless your laptop is less than three years old, servicing the screen or keyboard is usually not the best decision. Sell ​​it and use the money to buy a new laptop.

Cropped image of businessman using laptop at desk in office

Cropped image of businessman using laptop at desk in office

Have a parent or grandparent who needs a little computer help? Tap or click here for five tips for setting up a PC for seniors.

Sign 5: Your battery won’t charge

Laptop batteries (like cell phone batteries) lose their charge when you use them. Over time, your laptop will eventually need to be charged more often.

This can escalate to the point where you have to always have it plugged in for it to work. For many people, especially those with only a laptop, keeping it powered up isn’t that difficult. Laptops are supposed to be portable, though.

Not sure how your battery is performing? Tap or click here to check your laptop’s battery health.

Try my new daily podcast for more tech stuff

My popular podcast is called “Kim Comando today.” It’s a complete 30-minute collection of tech news, tips, and callers from around the country with tech questions. No matter where you get your podcast, you can search for it. For your convenience, click the link below to see the most recent one episode.

Podcast Picks: Online FBI employment quiz, holiday smart speaker tips, and no more Chrome

If you can solve the mystery, you belong to the FBI. Maybe. Plus, holiday smart speaker tricks, Amazon now lets you pay with Venmo, and Chrome will no longer use Windows 7 and browser extensions to take over your searches.

Get my podcast “Kim Komando Today” apple, Google Podcasts, Spotifyor your favorite podcast player.

Click for the Fox News app

Listen to the podcast here Or anywhere you get podcasts. Just search for my last name “Komando”.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have?Call Kim’s national radio program and Click or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch The Kim Comando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or click or click here to view Kim’s free podcast.

Copyright 2023, West Star Multimedia Entertainment. all rights reserved. By clicking the shopping link, you support my research. As an Amazon employee, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I believe in.

Learn about all the latest technology on The The Kim Comando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and advises on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For her daily tips, free newsletter, and more, visit her website: Komando.com.



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