Intro to MacBook and iMac Worth Repair?
When something goes wrong with your MacBook, iMac, iPad, or iPhone, the first question that often comes to mind is whether it’s worth repair or better to buy a new one. This decision typically hinges on two key factors: your budget and your needs. If your budget allows and you feel your device is a bit outdated, it might be a good idea to invest in a new one. On the other hand, for those with specific needs, such as professional users engaged in creative work, upgrading may be the best choice.
Let’s delve deeper into this topic, and drawing from our 15+ years of experience as Mac technicians, we’ll provide you with our honest insights and recommendations.
Step 1: Have your Mac checked or diagnosed
We’ve covered this before, but it’s worth emphasizing once again – choosing the right place for checking and repairing your Apple devices is crucial. Make sure you select a reliable service center; otherwise, inexperienced technicians could potentially cause more harm to your Mac.
Proven Real Life Examples: Non-Expert Technicians Repair Cause More Damage to Mac Logic Board
Unveiling the Reasons Behind Your Unrepairable MacBook: Expert Insights
Complete Guide to What to Expect When Sending Your Mac for Repair in Malaysia
MacBook Repair Service: Essential Factors to Keep in Mind
You have the choice to send your Mac to an official service centre for a thorough check or opt for a reliable and well-regarded third-party Mac repair service. If your Mac is still under Apple’s official warranty, you can get a free check. Some third-party repair services, like ours, also offer free checks, while others may charge a small service fee.
To assist you in making the best decision regarding where to have your Mac checked, please note that official service centres typically take 1 to 2 weeks to provide a diagnosis and a quotation. In contrast, third-party service centres can be quicker, offering an instant diagnosis or delivering a quotation within a few days. Therefore, choose the place to send your Mac for a check wisely.
News
Currently, Malaysia lacks an official Apple Store, with only Authorized Resellers and Distributors available. But the wait is coming to an end as the first official Apple Store is set to open at TRX KL in 2024.
Step 2: Check the Quotation to Determine Worth to Repair
A quotation from the official service centre typically consists of a list of items that need to be replaced. However, it often lacks clear explanations that are easily understood by the average person.
Questions you should ask include: What is ‘this’? Why replaced? How about repair? Does the replacement guarantee 100% functionality afterwards? Lastly, are there potentially cheaper alternatives available elsewhere?
For instance, let’s consider an example. If you own a luxury German car and it requires servicing or repairs after the warranty period, would you return to the dealership where you purchased the car or opt for a reputable third-party service provider recommended by your family and friends?
Pro Tip 1
All official service centres do not provide repair services; they only offer replacements. This is why it can be quite expensive. Let’s use another example involving cars because, on average, many Malaysians own their own cars. If your car has a problem, do you repair it or do you replace it?
Step 3: The cost is 50% or more higher than purchasing a new Mac?
At this point, repairing the Mac may not seem worth it. We would suggest that it could be a good idea to reclaim your Mac and seek a second opinion elsewhere. Some repair places lack the expertise needed for repairs and may recommend costly part replacements. So, always be prepared to get a second opinion.
Here’s a piece of advice: Sometimes, the cheapest and most promising places might not be the best choice. Use your judgment wisely. In the service industry, there’s no such thing as ‘fast, good and cheap’ – otherwise, they would have burned out and gone out of business already.
Step 4: Old Mac, Still Worth Repair?
How to determine if your MacBook, iMac, iPhone or iPad are old? We offer a solution to assess their age and whether they’re worth repairing.
When it comes to iPhones and iPads, it’s quite straightforward. If your device can still receive updates and support from Apple, it’s suitable for use and not old.
Note: If your iPhone isn’t using the latest iOS or your iPad isn’t on the latest iPadOS, you might miss out on the newest features and, more importantly, crucial security updates from Apple that protect your privacy and data. But it’s fine to be using one iOS version behind the current one because Apple usually continues to release critical security updates for them.
For example, as of October 2023, the current (latest) iOS and iPadOS is version 17. It’s perfectly okay for your device to be on version 16. You can check this by going to Settings > General > About.
For Mac computers, if they’re within the 5-year period from your initial purchase, we still consider them relatively new because they can be upgraded to run the latest Mac OS (Mac Operating System). Macs within a 10-year timeframe from the purchase date are still usable with the right hardware and software upgrades. Even Macs over 10 years old can serve for tasks like paperwork and internet browsing. Let’s provide some examples to help you grasp this better.
Less than 5-year-old Mac – Definitely Worth Repairing
For this group, including MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Minis and all Apple computers, we can certainly say that repairing them is a good idea. However, it also hinges on the problem and the repair cost. The repair cost should not exceed 70% of the price of a new Mac; otherwise, it doesn’t make financial (worth) sense. Minor repairs could include replacing the battery, keyboard or making minor logic repairs. To decide whether your MacBook and others are worth repair, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Mac 5 to 10 years old: Worth Repair for Light Use
Fixing a Mac that’s 5 to 10 years old for light tasks can be a smart choice, depending on how you use it. If it’s mainly for browsing, emailing, and word processing, the Mac can still perform well with some upgrades, like adding more RAM or switching to a solid-state drive. It’s also a good option if you’re new to the Mac world and want to explore things before investing in a new MacBook.
Pro Tip 2
A Mac that’s 5 to 10 years old can also fetch a good resale value if you no longer use it. You might recoup up to 50% of your initial investment if the Mac is in good condition when you sell it.
If your Mac has a minor issue and you’re thinking about whether it’s worth fixing and selling later, get in touch with us for more information.
Pro Tip 3
To maximize the value when selling your used Apple devices, don’t discard the packaging box. Make sure to keep it in good condition along with the included accessories like cables.
Macs over 10 years old. Still worth to repair? Why not?
You might be wondering if we’re joking, but we’re not! If you’re willing to do some charity and donate to a good cause, MacBooks over 10 years old can still serve well for simple tasks, especially in underprivileged schools or orphanages.
For instance, as of October 2023, a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro from 2012, which is now 11 years old, can still support Mac OS Version Catalina 10.15. This version can run older Adobe Suites, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without any issues. This makes the MacBook worth repair!
So, if you have old Macs lying around, gathering dust, why not consider donating them to charitable organizations? If you need assistance in checking and donating them, feel free to contact us. We’re committed to helping those in need and together, let’s show empathy toward those who require support.
Conclusion to MacBook and iMac Worth Repair
If your only need is for tasks like paperwork and you require portability, we recommend considering the iPad Pro as a potential replacement for your MacBook or iMac. With the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro can serve as an excellent tool for your documentation needs.
However, please be aware that, from a technician’s perspective like ours, the iPad Pro can be more expensive to repair. Also if you don’t have data backed up, there’s a high risk of data loss in case of any issues. So, always ensure you have iCloud for backing up your iPhone and iPad.
As we always mentioned, basic iCloud storage costs less than your coffee at those famous cafes. Here are the fees per month:
50GB RM3.90
200GB: RM11.90
2TB: RM44.90
6TB: RM129.90
12TB: RM269.90
Write a Positive Review to Support Us
We hope you enjoy the content and find the information helpful. If you would like to express your appreciation nonetheless please consider leaving us a positive review on Google Review by clicking here.
Contact us
As dedicated Mac users for over 15 years, we understand the frustration and helplessness that arise when your beloved Mac computer unexpectedly breaks down. But fear not! At YP Mac, we wholeheartedly focus on addressing and resolving precisely those distressing situations!
We offer hassle-free Mac repairs, as highlighted by our tagline: “Simplify Mac repairs with us.” Our commitment lies in providing convenient solutions for all your Mac-related needs.
Our skilled technicians streamline the repair process thus ensuring quick and efficient service. Trust us for a seamless experience and join our satisfied customers today.
Contact us now for any inquiries you might have or visit us at ypmac.com.my
Facebook Group
Join our dynamic Facebook group dedicated to all things Apple Mac! Connect with fellow enthusiasts, discuss the latest trends and share your insights about the world of Mac technology. Don’t miss out—become a part of our community today!
