We’ve all felt it: the allure of fresh tech, even when our current devices are perfectly serviceable. Those faster processors, sharper cameras, and spiffy designs can be hard to resist. But when it comes down to it, deciding whether to stick with your trusty gadget, trade it in for something newer, or sell it altogether requires a bit of planning. After all, the real goal is to maximise what you already have while keeping up with technology in a manner that really works for you.
Assessing Your Current Device Performance
First, let’s take a good hard look at how your device is performing right now. Does it stay responsive and spry, or has it begun to lag, making you stiffen in impatience over every little app loading? If your gadget can no longer handle the basics—whether it’s booting up in a reasonable time, loading up essential apps, or handling regular updates—it’s likely time for one. But if it’s still ticking along well, there’s little need to rush out the door for the latest model either. Less than elegant nudges such as cleaning out the cobwebs on your hard drive, updating your software, and adjusting settings here and there often do wonders for an ageing device.
When to Keep
Sometimes, it is not just the performance that makes us cling on to our gadgets. If the phone, laptop, or tablet serves its purpose and you’re comfortable with it, why let it go? Things that we use every day become an extension of us; so, really, if they continue to hold sentimental value to you, then you shouldn’t feel like you need to let those things go. This can also be a very good backup option: if something happens with your newer device, you will have one to fall back on without needing to rush to make a replacement purchase.
Trading Up, When It’s Worth the Upgrade
Sometimes, trading in is an easy way to cut the cost of upgrading but also to ensure that the old device will not simply end up gathering dust. That works especially well when you try to stay within the same ecosystem, say going from one version of a smartphone device to another. Many companies offer incentives for trading in an older device as a smart way to offset the price of a newer model the customer wants. This could be a seamless upgrade experience that is also environmentally friendly, considering your current gadget is well-kept and has a trade-in value.
Selling Your Gadgets
There is always the option to sell. Selling is one of the best options for those who enjoy a little more flexibility with upgrades, where you can indeed get the best value for your gadget.
Websites and applications have made it very easy to sell, where you can easily connect with buyers in the market for used devices. If you’re holding onto an older iPhone and perhaps think, Maybe it’s time to sell my iPhone for funding the next one, now could be a perfect opportunity.
Just be sure to back up your data, wipe your device, and make sure it’s unlocked before passing it along to the new owner.