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With the speed of technology, even the most up-to-date tech devices can become outdated shortly after their initial releases. Knowing when to upgrade can be challenging, as keeping up with every new trend can take a huge toll on your budget. If you have a computer, television, smartphone, or tablet, explore the following advice explaining when you should and shouldn’t upgrade these devices.
Computers
Image via Flickr by Jamiesrabbits
Manufacturers are constantly releasing new computers with the latest processors and graphics cards. While these advancements may be tempting reasons to upgrade, the hardware isn’t that important unless you do much multitasking or gaming. If you use your computer only to check email, update Facebook, and store photos, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a new model.
Consider the fact that the average desktop PC has a lifespan of three to eight years before speed and functionality greatly decrease. This lifespan isn’t an exact time frame for replacement. Instead, consider your personal needs. Have you run out of space on your hard drive? While lack of space isn’t a reason to upgrade, you can easily invest in an external hard drive to store your files.
Is the motherboard completely nonfunctional? In many cases, an exhausted motherboard offers a valid reason to upgrade. Buying and installing a new motherboard can often be more than the cost of a new computer.
Televisions
Every few years, programmers introduce a new picture resolution that seems to force viewers to upgrade. The switch from standard definition to HD made many people trade in their box sets for a flat screen. The new resolution on the horizon is 4K, which will offer stunning picture quality crisper than HD. While most broadcasters aren’t using this format yet, indications suggest that they will begin to do so over the next few years.
Until 4K is more prevalent, you don’t need to upgrade to one of the various 4K TVs on the market. However, if you find that seeing what’s on the screen is difficult, you may want a bigger screen. Additionally, features such as internet streaming and apps are now standard on many TVs. You may not have this capability unless you chose a smart TV years ago.
Smartphones
With the advent of cheap smartphones, the days of flip phones are generally behind us. However, if you still have one of these phones and you use your phone for more than making phone calls, you’ll want to upgrade.
But knowing when to upgrade your phone can be difficult. Each new release from Apple or Samsung sounds tempting, especially with new features such as waterproof casing, dual-lens cameras, and more. Consider whether you need these features. If you’re fine with the way your phone works now, you don’t need to spend money for a new phone. However, if your phone lags with the simplest of tasks, you should find a new model with a better processor.
When you upgrade your smartphone, consider selecting one of the LG phones on the T-Mobile network. Not only will you get some of the latest and greatest features, but you’ll also get to experience the nation’s fastest growing 4G LTE network when you use your device for calling, texting, and snapping photos.
Tablets
Whether or not to upgrade your tablet depends on how often you use it. If you also have a smartphone and a laptop, chances are you tend to use these devices first. If your tablet isn’t your go-to device, you can wait before buying the latest version.
However, if you use your tablet for taking photos, getting a newer version could allow you to upgrade your camera. At the end of the day, take a tally of the features you use and decide whether improved versions of those features are available on newer models.
Knowing when to upgrade your device can be tricky. Savvy marketing can make us think that we need all of the latest models or we’ll become disconnected from the online world. However, this idea simply isn’t the case. Use your common sense and research skills to determine whether you need to upgrade your tech devices.
