Expensive Laptop Repair: Is It Worth It or Should You Replace It?

When your laptop starts acting up and the repair quote hits £300 or more, you’re left asking: expensive laptop repair—is this a smart move or just throwing money away? A laptop isn’t just a machine; it’s your work, your photos, your deadlines. But when the cost to fix it rivals the price of a new one, the decision gets messy. laptop repair, the process of diagnosing and fixing hardware or software issues in a portable computer. Also known as laptop servicing, it’s not always the answer—even if the technician says it’s fixable. Many people assume all laptops can be saved, but that’s not true. Some repairs cost more than the device is worth, especially if it’s older than five years or has a damaged motherboard.

laptop replacement, choosing to buy a new device instead of repairing the old one. Also known as upgrading your laptop, it’s often the smarter choice when the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new model. In Taunton, we’ve seen laptops with cracked screens, failing batteries, and broken keyboards get fixed for under £100—but when the logic board goes? That’s where things get ugly. A motherboard repair can cost £250+, and even then, there’s no guarantee it won’t fail again in six months. Meanwhile, a new mid-range laptop with a warranty runs £400-£600. Think about this: if your laptop is five years old, it’s already past its peak performance. Newer models are faster, lighter, and use less power. Repairing an old one might save you cash now, but you’ll pay more later in frustration and lost time.

laptop repair technician, a professional who diagnoses and fixes computer hardware and software issues. Also known as computer repair specialist, they’re not magic workers—they work with real parts, real limits, and real costs. A good technician will tell you straight: "This isn’t worth fixing." They’ve seen the same broken logic boards a hundred times. They know which parts are still made, which are obsolete, and which repairs are just temporary fixes. If your repair quote includes "we’ll try to source the part" and the price is over £200, that’s a red flag. Most laptops under five years old are worth repairing if it’s a simple fix—like a battery or screen. But anything deeper? You’re gambling.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s what actually matters: if your laptop is older than five years, the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, or it’s had three or more fixes in the last year—walk away. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t think you’re wasting it. You’re saving yourself from more headaches, slower performance, and future breakdowns. The real cost of a broken laptop isn’t just the repair bill—it’s the missed work, the lost files, the stress. Sometimes, replacing it isn’t giving up. It’s being smart.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Taunton homeowners who faced the same choice. Some saved money by fixing their laptops. Others saved even more by walking away. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just what actually happened when the repair bill came in.