By Laura Moynihan
Simply put: Our clients love their Macs! Whether it be a desktop iMac in a favorite color, an ultra-portable MacBook Air, or a high-powered MacBook Pro, these computers have some of the longest lifespans out there.
Most experts estimate a PC’s lifespan to be three to five years, although it can vary based on the hardware and configuration it’s built with. By contrast, many of our clients are using Macs that is 5 years old with little or no problems. But how old is too old? What are the signs you should look for that tell you its time to send your favorite old digital friend out to pasture?
Your Mac can no longer upgrade Operating Systems.
According to MacMost, Mac users have between five and seven years before your computer can’t update operating systems any longer, and two years after that, Apple will stop pushing out security patches.
At this point, it’s really not safe to use your computer online at all, as cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities, which patches serve to eliminate. This is why a Mac that is nine or ten years old is essentially kaput, even if it’s still technically operational. In our eyes, it’s just not worth the risk.
Your Mac takes a very long time to start up or complete simple operations.
Does your computer take what seems like eons to start up from a complete shut down? If so, it may be time to consider getting a new one. Just like humans, older Macs move more slowly at even basic tasks such as launching apps, viewing simple websites, or loading email. This is because the aging hardware has been outpaced by the massive changes in software over the years, and it just can’t keep up.
Also, if you’re hoping to take advantage of the new Apple Intelligence (A.I.) features that are coming out this fall with Sequoia, note that you will only be able to do this on an M1 or newer Mac. This is due to the increased processing power that A.I. apps require.
While you may have a little time to shop, the bad news is that this problem is only going to get worse over time. In most cases, you will be much better off with a new computer at this point.
You hear your Mac’s internal fans running, especially when multitasking.
No, those little fans that cool down your computer’s CPU should not be running all the time. While it is normal for the fans to turn on and off when your computer is working especially hard, the fans should shut off after a matter of a few minutes. If they aren’t it usually means one of two things: 1) Your top and/or bottom vents are blocked by something (your lap?) and the computer can’t cool down; or 2) the CPU is working harder than it should be for too long.
Newer computers (like the newest MacBook Air) are so efficient, they often don’t even need fans! How’s that for a nice, quiet surprise?
You need expensive hardware repairs.
Not all repairs are equal. While a battery replacement may only cost you a couple of Benjamins, replacing a screen is going to cost you significantly more – sometimes, even more than the computer is worth. For older models, replacement parts may need to be scaveneged from used parts dealers, which makes their longevity uncertain.
Long story short: If you have been told that your repair is going to cost more than average, you may be better off investing your money into a new system than throwing good money after bad.
Your Mac seems to crash often, and for no good reason.
How often should your Mac crash? Our opinion is – it shouldn’t. Newer MacOSes are extremely stable, and in most cases should crash rarely, if at all. If you find that your screen is unexpectedly going black and shutting down, you should get it checked out by a Tech Tutor or other IT Professional as soon as possible. While this can happen to a new system for reasons as benign as a solar flare, most often crashes occur in older systems that are simply overwhelmed.
Could you upgrade your RAM, hard drive, or motherboard to compensate and get rid of the crashes? Maybe, depending on the model of your Mac. But even with newer components, all your remaining components are the same age as your computer, and will be prone to failure at some point. Instead of playing a game of “Whack A Mole” with your aging hardware, why not just invest in a newer system?
In conclusion:
We know it may seem like you just brought your sweet Mac home in its shiny box, but if it’s limping along, you may be better off grabbing a new one. Waiting for an old system to bite the dust completely often means gaps in security or a dead computer just when you need it most. Also, by upgrading before your computer is completely obsolete, you may get a trade-in value for it that will help pay for your new digital buddy! Apple also has financing options available that make it more affordable than ever to get yourself into some new technology.
Not sure which new computer is right for you? We love helping with purchase recommendations. Just reply to this email and we can help you get set up with a Tech Tutor before your next upgrade is nigh.
Article Written By:
Laura Moynihan
Tech Tutor & Founder
Digital Helpmates
360-712-0445
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