Upgrade or buy new notebook?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=53235

That was the original thread which lead to my purchase of the Asus A8Jm from portableone.com. Thank you again for your assistance. Fyi, great notebook but lousy company, will not buy from them again.

I'm considering upgrading as the two main flaws with my Asus are

1)Slow HD (considering SSD)
2)poor craftsmanship - defect in keyboard and stress cracks on top near hinges

I could correct both issues with some $ and elbow grease as the notebook itself runs well, but I've done some research on new offerings so:

1) ~$350US to upgrade/fix parts ($~450 with Win7)

2)Buy a new notebook with SSD, Win7, dedicated graphics


Did this belong in another thread? Pardon then, I just need a nudge (and a few words) toward option 1 or 2 and I'll go from there. And I thank you again.

 

Well if your going to shell out $450 to fix it and install Win7, why not spend another $200 and get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114702

 

If you were going to spent $350 to $450 just to fix the Asus, I would say that it's probably better to save towards a new laptop... but since you're incorporating the cost of a new SSD into that figure, it's a little bit more complicated.

Assuming you're spending around $200 to $250 for a good SSD and $100 for 7, the true cost of fixing the Asus seems to be around $100 to $150. If the Asus fits your needs for the most part, I think that $100 to $150 repair could be worthwhile.

But if your bad parts are damaged due to a flaw in the design of the laptop itself, you may even want to consider the costs of fixing them again in the future.

 

don't forget that you could probably sell your old machine for a few hundred $$, either in whole or parted out.

Add that $$ to the $450- you're willing to spend for upgrades and you have more than enough to get a nice notebook with a three year warranty.

Other than as an enthusiast exercise, notebook upgrades are 'pound foolish'.

 

Another question is how much time you'll be using that upgrade vs how much time a new one and what would be the added productivity of new one.

If for example you use the old one for more 1,5 year and a new one for 3 years you can typically spend the double amount in new one. $900.

 

sell your asus and buy a new one.