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Published on: 21.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
Our lives have significantly become dependent on laptops, from watching TV shows for entertainment to studying online on YouTube and more. The influence of a laptop on our lives is truly overwhelming, which explains why it can be quite troublesome for users when their devices break. As an electronic gadget, laptops are prone to running into problems, and that is normal. But the decision to repair is not as straightforward when it comes to devices like the MacBook, some of the best and most expensive devices on the market. There are high costs that need to be thoughtfully considered before making a decision.
So what should you do? Repair at home and save costs but risk causing irreparable damage, or get professional repair service and pay a premium for peace of mind?
In this blog, we will weigh the advantages and the disadvantages of DIY repair and discuss the benefits of professional repair. We will also discuss the current MacBook market and what you should do if your MacBook breaks.
Deciding whether to repair your MacBook or buy a new one is a difficult decision that should only be made after doing a thorough analysis of your MacBook’s model and age, the type of damage it has sustained, and the cost of repair. For those with a device still under warranty or AppleCare, opting for professional repair is a no-brainer. However, for out-of-warranty devices, especially older models, the decision gets trickier. If the repair costs are high and the device's performance is lagging significantly behind newer models, investing in an upgrade might offer more value in the long run.
Here is what you need to know about DIY repair and professional MacBook repair services before making the final decision;
Listed below are some advantages of DIY Repair;
Attempting to repair your own MacBook can save you a lot of money compared to taking it to an Apple store. Rather than paying for the part and labor cost, you only have to pay for the part, not for the labor, as you’re repairing it yourself.
The DIY repair process also provides a satisfying, hands-on experience for those who enjoy fiddling with electronics and understanding how their devices work.
DIY repairs can be done more quickly by yourself at your convenience. That means you don’t have to be without your Mac for days.
Here are some disadvantages to consider before opting for DIY Repair;
Apple devices are notoriously tricky to disassemble and reassemble correctly. Attempting to repair your MacBook can be risky and confusing for amateur technicians to navigate past internal components and their placement.
Without expertise, you may easily cause accidental damage to delicate components and connectors inside the MacBook during the repair. Insufficient expertise can also lead to misdiagnosing problems and ordering the wrong replacement parts.
Professionals rely on industry-complaint tools to fix the device. They also have access to OEM replacement parts, which can be a little tricky for amateurs to get their hands on. Not having proper tools can damage internal components and do more harm than good.
While the cost savings from DIY MacBook repairs might seem appealing, there are significant benefits associated with turning to professional, Apple-certified repair technicians instead.
Authorized service providers employ specialists who have undergone extensive training to repair any kind of damage across all MacBook models. Not only does this level of expertise deliver higher quality, but repairs don’t jeopardize the warranty associated with the device.
Seeking professional repair also saves you time searching online to diagnose or troubleshoot problems.
Most importantly, skilled technicians have access to precision tools and high-grade equipment designed to repair MacBooks.
So, while you are evaluating the costs of DIY repair against authorized repair service, keep in mind that professional expertise and knowledge go a long way in ensuring a proper repair rather than cutting corners and further damaging your device.
The cost to fix your MacBook depends on various factors such as the model, the nature of the damage, and the type of repair service: Apple repair or local store repair service.
The DIY MacBook repair process is less costly than professional repair services. You can buy a part that you wish to replace, such as a screen, battery, or fan. These prices can vary depending on the quality of the parts. It’s recommended to buy only high-quality, industry-compliant parts so that your MacBook can function smoothly.
Other than part, you can invest in a repair toolkit if you don’t have one already. It’s important to perform the repair process only with professional tools to avoid any damage. A professional repair kit starts from $37 and has tools to repair any device, including a MacBook.
Professional MacBook repairs are costly, but they offer satisfaction and peace of mind that your device will be repaired by skilled technicians. Some repair stores like Simply Fixable also offer a 90-day warranty on repairs. On average, it costs $404.38 for a MacBook screen replacement and $140.72 for a battery replacement at Simply Fixable.
Getting your MacBook repaired is definitely a cost-saving option, especially if the damage is minor, like a cracked screen or damaged battery. However, if the damage is severe, such as a broken fan or damaged motherboard, the repair costs will be higher.
The decision to repair a MacBook or buy a new device depends on how old your current MacBook is. If you’re using an old Mac (6 to 7 years old), then repairing it will be a challenge as it may be hard to find the damaged part. If your MacBook repair costs get close to or equal to the new Mac’s price, it’s worth investing in a newer model. The price of a new model of MacBook with a 14-inch screen starts from $999.
But, if your current MacBook is new (MacBook Pro or MacBook Air), and the damage is minor, it’s recommended to get it repaired to restore its functionality and increase its lifespan.
Apple currently offers both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models spanning a range of recent releases aimed at different types of users.
The MacBook Air remains Apple’s most portable macOS laptop option, with thin and light bodies available in 13 and 15-inch screen sizes. The powerful M2 chipsets provide strong performance that is perfect for students, general home/office tasks, and users focused on portability.
Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro represents Apple’s highest performance tier for professionals, programmers, and other power users. Available in 14-inch or 16-inch displays, the latest Pro models come with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets, offering mind-blowing speeds and possibilities for multimedia projects, coding/compiling, data analysis, 3D rendering, and much more. You name it, and the pros can handle it. Moreover, the pro models also boast higher RAM, storage, and graphics.
Compared to aging MacBook models, newer Air and Pro models provide much higher speed, efficiency, and capability thanks to the latest Apple chipsets. However, an older device may still fulfill basic needs just fine in some cases. For instance, an older device would perform just fine for someone who only wishes to use their MacBook for entertainment or browsing the internet. But if someone wants to run high graphics or power-intensive software, a newer device will be much more suitable.
Determining whether to repair or upgrade depends on several factors;
Performance
Repair costs
Expected device life
Total budget
Condition of the device
One of the biggest reasons why people prefer MacBooks over other laptops is reliability. In short words, MacBooks age well. Even 3 to 4 years old MacBooks are durable enough to handle daily activities and tasks without lagging. But of course, as newer models are released, the difference in specifications, features, and speed starts becoming obvious. So, when considering repairing an old MacBook, it's also important to weigh its capabilities and performance against today’s newer MacBooks.
Devices only 3 or so years old can still deliver decent functionality for lightweight and moderate tasks like running software applications or simple creative projects, but MacBooks more than 5-7 years old have considerably become less powerful when it comes to computing power, RAM capacity, graphics, connectivity ports, and storage space compared to what's available now.
Moreover, attempting to run leading-edge applications or the latest macOS on older devices often results in a sluggish and frustrating user experience. Therefore, spending a lot on significantly old MacBook isn’t worth it, as the gap with modern MacBook standards is usually too wide by that age. It is smarter to just buy a new device at that point.
If your MacBook faces manufacturing defects and your device is under warranty, Apple will generally fix it for free. But if your device’s warranty has expired or the damage is use-related, then you would have to pay an upfront fee for a repair service. However, these services come at a cost, and what Apple charges to fix their MacBooks is not budget-friendly.
For damages such as accidental, which are not covered by warranty, Apple offers a great solution to avoiding expensive repair costs in the form of an extended protection plan called AppleCare. But before we get into that, let's first understand the difference between Apple warranty and AppleCare.
The standard Apple warranty that comes with all new MacBook devices typically only covers manufacturing defects and is only applicable for 1-year. However, accidental damage is not covered under this basic warranty.
AppleCare+, on the other hand, is an extended protection plan that can be purchased to supplement the 1-year standard warranty. AppleCare+ extends coverage for an additional 2 years and also offers technical support along with coverage for unlimited incidents of accidental damage with a small service fee.
If your MacBook is facing the issue and is still under Apple’s 1-year warranty, you should first determine if the damage is covered under the original warranty or not. If it isn’t, but you have purchased AppleCare, you can simply get your device repaired by paying a minor fee.
However, when it comes to older devices for whom the warranty and the AppleCare both have expired, it is wiser to consider investing in a new device rather than paying hundreds of dollars depending upon the damage.
Repairing a MacBook can have a substantial impact on the user experience, potentially enhancing or affecting it depending on the nature and quality of the repair. If done correctly, repairs can lead to significant improvements in performance. A quality repair can rejuvenate an older MacBook, making it feel like a new device.
However, the user experience may suffer if the repairs are performed poorly. Repairs done through unauthorized vendors or amateurs can lead to further damage and also void any remaining warranty, making it more difficult and expensive to fix future problems. Therefore, it’s important to choose repair stores that offer reliable services and, most importantly, offer a warranty on repairs.
When deciding whether to repair a MacBook, it's also essential to consider the broader context of your future plans related to the device;
For users whose current MacBook still meets their needs but has minor issues, repairing it can be a cost-effective way to extend its lifespan without compromising on performance.
If a user's needs have evolved or they seek the enhanced performance and features of newer models such as improved processors, better graphics capabilities, and longer battery life, it makes much more sense to either buy a new MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro rather than repair the old device.
Below are some of the common issues faced by MacBook users:
Your MacBook may refuse to turn on due to a damaged battery, broken or dirty charging port, or damage to internal components. Technicians at stores partnered with Simply Fixable will diagnose the issue and may repair the battery or charging port to restore its functionality.
A damaged charging cable or battery can cause charging issues. If the battery is aged or the cable is broken, consider replacing them from a reliable store for the smooth functioning of your device.
A damaged fan can cause your MacBook to overheat. It’s recommended to use your device on a hard surface. And consider getting the fan replaced if overheating doesn’t resolve on its own.
MacBook's black screen indicated an issue with the graphic card of the device or, in some cases, software bugs. Usually, a force restart may fix this issue. But if it persists, the repair technician might replace the screen.
Software glitches or overheating can cause booting issues in the MacBook. Software issues usually go away with a force restart. But in case of damage to the components, such as the fan, professional repair services are required.
A damaged screen or dust accumulation on it may disable the touch functionality on your MacBook. Clean the screen gently with a soft cloth, and if the issue persists, consider getting the screen replaced by a skilled technician.
If your MacBook’s battery has aged, it may not hold the charge and drain quickly. Power-intensive applications running in the background can also affect the charging. Close all the apps that are not in use and restart your Mac. If the issue still persists, a battery replacement might be needed.
Exposure to water can cause irreversible damage to your MacBook and its components. If your device has been in or around water, turn it off immediately, dry it out with a soft cloth, and put it in a well-ventilated area for about 48 hours. If, even after drying, your MacBook shows abnormal signs such as a flickering screen or not turning on, consider visiting a repair store in your area.
If you are running power-intensive tasks on your MacBook, such as graphic software or graphics-heavy games, the fan will run faster to provide proper airflow, resulting in a loud noise. However, if the issue is continuous, even after closing all the applications, it indicates damage to the fan or processor and needs an immediate fix by a skilled technician.
Deciding whether to repair your MacBook involves a careful consideration of several factors discussed throughout this article. With the global sphere of technology evolving so rapidly, more devices with higher processing powers and capabilities are being released each year. The current MacBook market offers a range of models that cater to different needs. This diversity means that the decision to repair or upgrade is also influenced by the evolving technology and your specific requirements, but the choice typically boils down to a cost-benefit analysis.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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