Technology advances at such a rapid pace that it can be hard to keep up with the most recent developments. But the modern world relies on technology. Businesses, in particular, depend on up-to-date computers and computer software. This means you could be left behind if you don’t have the right software or laptop to keep up.
No matter what kind of business you run or what its size is, at some point, you’ll have to update your computer systems. For many, that can be the perfect time for a laptop trade-in. But is it really necessary to trade in your laptop, and what is the process like?
Laptop Trade-In: Why It Can Be Vital for Your Small Business
Although laptops tend to be hardy, they do have a finite lifespan. You can expect to get a good four or five years out of them, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t become difficult to use before then. They may even become obsolete if they can’t handle new software.
A computer that isn’t performing at its best can be sluggish and have hardware faults, including random shutdowns, overheating, and failing components. You may not be able to update the programs that you need or install those that could make your business easier to run.
One of the biggest issues that not having the latest computer models can cause is a struggle with storage space. You likely depend on your laptop to store documents and receipts related to your business, so semi-regularly getting a newer model makes this easier.
The older the laptop, the more difficult it can be to use the latest software and applications. Installing some of these, let alone running them, might be impossible. This could limit productivity and even hinder collaboration between team members.
Reparability is another concern. The older a laptop is, the more difficult it can be to find the right parts to repair it. Generally, Windows PCs are better options than Apple, but some models are more challenging than others. For example, part availability for Chromebooks tends to be limited.
You want to consider security. New threats appear daily, and having an outdated laptop puts your whole business at risk. The latest laptop models offer enhanced protection, including biometric identification, improved encryption, and hardware-based security features.
What to Consider When Planning a Laptop Trade-In
If you’ve decided you need a newer laptop model, trading it in can be the right choice.
Assess Your Options
Many people would prefer to trade their laptops in through the company that sells them, but that’s not always possible. Unless you were thinking about a future upgrade when you made the purchase, it’s likely that you didn’t pay attention to which company would offer laptop trade-in deals.
If you don’t have upgrade deals with a particular company, third-party businesses can often be a much more viable option. With third parties, you can get some of the funds you need to purchase a newer laptop.
But what about your information? That’s a common concern people have, especially when dealing with third-party businesses that focus on laptop trade-ins. These businesses or sites perform disc wiping to ensure no one gets access to your business or private information.
Think Ahead
When you do a laptop trade-in, make sure to think ahead to what your business might need. Some laptops are better for small businesses than others, especially if you require particularly challenging software. And perhaps the most important thing you want to remember is to look for upgrade deals.
Just as you needed to upgrade now, it’s almost certain you’ll have to do so again in a few years. Think about what your old laptop lacked and what software you’d need to add to your new one.
However, unless you’re tech-savvy, you may not be up-to-date on all of the latest features. Turning to computer experts for recommendations can help you make the best decisions.
Many locations offering laptop trade-ins can guide what similar businesses are using or what you’d need for specific goals.
Prepare for the Trade-In
If you’re bringing your laptop to a store like us at California Computer, you’ll have to provide information about your laptop’s features. This can include:
- Manufacturer’s name
- Operating system
- RAM
- Screen size
- Model number
If you have trouble with any of this, you can usually reach out for help. You’ll also have to delete all your apps, email accounts, and services from the computer. It’s almost impossible for anyone to gain access to your information once it’s gone through a disc wiping, but it’s still a good strategy to follow.
It can help to make a list of all of the software and apps you have to help you determine what you want to transfer to your new computer. You’ll want to deactivate all of the apps.
You also want to make the exterior and interior of the laptop aesthetically attractive. Turn off your computer and gently shake it to remove any dirt or dust. You can also use a duster.
If you’re unsure of the procedure, contacting the store or site through which you plan to make the laptop trade-in is a good option.
Get a Fair Deal for Your Old Business Laptop
If you’ve spotted the signs of an aging business laptop, the best thing you can do is consider trading it in. At California Computer, we make this process a breeze.
We will offer guidance on how to prepare your laptop for the trade-in, and for a small fee, we will transfer all of your important files, including music, documents, and pictures, to your new computer. When you choose our trade-in program, we’ll delete your personal information from the hard drive.
Our team is also ready to help you choose a new business laptop. This allows you to walk out of the store with the tools you need to help your business grow. Contact us at California Computer today.
