The Hidden Costs of Outdated Devices

A pile of old laptops

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it can be tempting to hold on to old devices for as long as possible. After all, if it still turns on and gets the job done, why bother spending money on a new one? Although this sounds completely logical, using an outdated laptop can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Here are a few reasons why. 

Slowing you down

If your laptop is more than a few years old, it’s likely running on outdated hardware and software. This can make it slower and less efficient, leading to longer load times and frustration on your part! It can be especially annoying if you’re trying to do something time-sensitive like meeting deadlines. In a school setting, this an be irritating for teachers and pupils alike.

Diminished security

Outdated technology can be insecure. As technology advances, so do the methods used by hackers and other malicious actors. For example, if your laptop is running on outdated software, it may not have the necessary security updates and patches to protect you from the latest threats. Much older devices might not be compatible with newer software, and this can leave you vulnerable to data breaches and other serious issues, and for schools and organisations, this creates a weakness within your network.

Unreliability

As laptops age, their components can wear out and become less reliable. This can lead to unexpected crashes, freezes, and other issues that can be frustrating and time consuming to deal with. In some cases, these issues can even result in the loss of important data such as coursework.

Investing in new devices

Upgrading IT equipment can help save money in the long run. Newer laptops are more efficient, which means they use less power, reducing monthly energy bills. They’re also less likely to experience costly repairs or failures, saving money on maintenance and downtime. Updating devices can provide you with faster performance, improved IT security, and greater reliability - ultimately saving on time, frustration, and money.

Children in school uniform looking at laptops

Alternatives to purchasing

If you’re unable to purchase new equipment at scale, have you considered leasing technology for your school? You can learn more about the benefits (including cost) of doing so, and how that could work for you in practice. 

Learn more about leasing laptops >

Can we help?

We provide school IT support and consultancy, as well as providing both purchased and leased equimpent. If you're looking for an IT provider to work with your school, please do get in touch here.

Posted on December 7th 2022

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