At 4 years old, your child is probably adorable. But your 4-year-old PC – not so much. More than 300 million computers around the world are more than 4 years old, including one-third of American PCs, according to research by Intel. Sixty-five percent of those are bulky desktops that are so far behind in terms of technology, they might as well be wooden abacuses.
In just four short years, PCs have evolved to be faster, more powerful and lightweight, easier to use and more versatile. If you find you have plenty of time to brew coffee, prepare your cup, drink it down and start on the next while still waiting for your PC to boot up in the morning, it may be time for a new computer.
Not convinced you need to buy a new PC? Consider these warning signs:
* You spend minutes staring at the spinning hourglass while your PC struggles to download a movie.
* You lug your heavy charger brick everywhere because your PC’s battery won’t hold a charge for more than an hour
* The wires and weight of your bulky PC tie you down to using it in one place.
* Your PC freezes when running too many applications – a problem cited by 36 percent of people who owned older PCs in the Intel study.
* Your PC takes too long to boot up. Thirty-three percent complained of this problem, according to Intel.
Technology is no longer just a tool; for many Americans it’s become an integral part of their lifestyle. Mobile technology makes computing on the go easier than ever, but how do you know what device is right for you?
Technology advancements over the last four years have driven the development of thin, light and powerful PCs. New PCs have powerful processors that make them fast and responsive so things such as photo editing, HD video streaming, and gaming, run best on PCs.
In addition to new PCs, the latest generation of Ultrabook convertibles easily switches from laptop to tablet mode by flipping, folding or twisting the screen, and also have touch capabilities.
If you’re still suffering with an older, slower PC, here are some more reasons to upgrade:
* Today’s Intel-powered PCs are, on average, three times faster than PCs built just four years ago.
* An Intel-powered Ultrabook boots up in less than seven seconds. A 4-year-old PC can take more than a minute.
* Newer PCs weigh an average of about three pounds. Older ones? More than seven pounds.
* Many modern PCs are less than an inch thick.
* Battery life of newer PCs is double that of older models – up to eight hours on a single charge.
* The advent of touch-screen technology and sharper, clearer screen resolution make newer PCs more enjoyable to use.
Still not sure it’s time to buy a new PC? Consider costs. It may seem like everything these days, from gas to milk to cars, costs more. But today’s PCs cost, on average, $ 200 less than that 4-year-old dinosaur still sitting on your desk. For more advice on how to buy a computer that’s right for your needs, visit intel.ly/10P3O5M for a buyer’s guide.
