Situation
Recommendation
Why
Screen cracked (no other damage)
✅Repair
Screen replacements typically cost $150–$300 vs. $800–$1,500 for a new device
Battery won't hold charge
✅Repair
Battery replacement costs $80–$150 and extends life 2–3 years
Slow performance (3–5 year old)
⚡Upgrade RAM/SSD
RAM upgrade ($80) or SSD replacement ($120) can make it feel new
Motherboard failure
🔄Replace
Motherboard replacement often costs more than a refurbished equivalent device
Device is 7+ years old
🔄Replace
Security patches and OS support end — risk outweighs cost of repair
Liquid damage (keyboard/ports)
🔍Assess first
Free diagnostic first — 60% of liquid damage is repairable if addressed quickly