Tech & Devices
When to repair, replace or upgrade the phones, laptops and gadgets you rely on — and how to get more life out of them first.
Is a robot vacuum worth it?
Worth it if you have mostly hard floors or low carpet and want daily maintenance cleaning — but it complements rather than replaces a regular vacuum, and clutter or thick rugs limit it.
AnswerShould I buy refurbished electronics?
Often yes — certified refurbished gear from a reputable seller with a real warranty gives you most of the value of new at a meaningful discount, as long as you check the grade and return policy.
AnswerShould I repair or replace my phone?
Repair it if the fault is a single common part like a screen or battery and the phone is otherwise recent — replace it only when repairs stack up or updates have stopped.
AnswerWhen should I replace my laptop instead of repairing it?
Replace it when a repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new machine, or when it can no longer run the software you rely on — otherwise a cheap upgrade often buys years.