Home / Advanced Tech

Computer Repairs: How to Know When It’s Time to Repair Your PC or Mac

By on July 10th, 2023 in computer repair

Laptops have a lifespan of around three to five years. Desktop computers last five to eight years. The latter probably lasts longer than the former because you can often replace parts on a desktop.

However, you may not need to get a part replacement on your desktop. You may also not need to get a laptop computer replacement. In many situations, computer repairs are enough.

So when should you take your PC or MAC computer to the computer repair store? Read on to learn some of the common signs.

Compatibility Issues

It’s not always possible to replace parts on a PC or MAC desktop. Certain hardware pieces may not be compatible with each other.

For example, a new CPU or motherboard may not “get along” with your other computer components. You may need to replace several parts to get your computer to work properly. This may be out of your budget range at the moment.

Before you buy a new part, check to see if it’s compatible with your other parts. If not, consider getting a PC or MAC desktop repair instead. Your older parts should keep working for a longer time.

Computer Usage

What do you use your computer for? If you use your computer for work, you may need to get new parts that can improve your computer speed. The same situation can apply if you like PC gaming.

For example, you’ll need to constantly up your processing speeds if you edit videos for a living. If you play complex video games, you’ll need to update your graphics card often.

If you use your computer for internet browsing alone, a PC or MAC repair will probably be enough. Such activities don’t require fancy technology, so spending money on new parts would be a waste. You can keep getting MAC or PC repair after repair on old parts and they’ll stay reliable for years.

Solving Issues

You can find plenty of PC and MAC troubleshooting for laptops articles on the web. But these won’t always help you solve your laptop issues. You may end up believing that a part or computer replacement is the only way to fix your issue.

Before you do that, though, consider stopping by a computer repair store. The PC or MAC laptop repairs you get may be simpler than they seem. If so, you’ll end up spending a lot less on a repair than a replacement.

Yes, this is a bit of a gamble. The repair person may recommend that you get a replacement, too. But if so, they can help you get an accurate replacement and recommend secondhand shops if necessary.

Get Computer Repairs From Us

There’s no need to waste a lot of money. Computer repairs can be a lot cheaper than replacing a computer or many computer parts. For this reason, a replacement should be the last resort.

If you need a phone, laptop, or desktop repair, consider our services at Advanced Technology Solutions. Call us or send us a message today about your problem. We’ll respond as soon as possible.

When Should You Take In Your Electronic Device for Repairs?

By on April 20th, 2023 in general

Take a guess how long the average person keeps their cell phone. Believe it or not, most folks are not replacing their Android or iPhone on a yearly basis. Instead, most keep their phones between two and five years, and sometimes much longer.

With the entire world tightening its belt, most people are trying to hold onto every last electronic device for as long as possible. But at some point, those delicate circuits are going to give. The question is, how many technology problems should you deal with before you cave and take a device in for a repair service?

Bring your electronic device in for a repair near you if you notice issues with the following.

Your Electronic Device Does Not Turn On

All sorts of technology issues can occur that force you to shut down your device or restart it. This is a common diagnostic tactic that can solve most basic problems. But what if your electronic device does not turn on again?

First, make sure that you have done your due diligence. Plug your device into a power source, and allow it to charge if it has batteries. You may need to give it a full night to charge if it has batteries but still fails to respond.

If that doesn’t work, then hold down the power button for ten to twenty seconds. Look up your specific device on the Internet and see if there is a specific button combination to reset it when it has technology problems. Some older devices may have a reset pinhole that you can depress with a pin if you run into technology issues.

If none of this works, then it’s, unfortunately, time to take it to your local repair service. There’s a good chance that some component is malfunctioning, preventing your device from turning on again.

If the Screen Stops Working

If your screen suddenly stops working, don’t panic. This is not necessarily a sign of technology problems. Give it a few seconds or minutes, and see if it turns back on alone–such as after you press some buttons or click the mouse.

If you are using a desktop computer, check the HDMI and power cords. They may be loose, causing the screen to go black. Check the screen for any cracks or dents on the screen itself and the backside of the screen enclosure as well.

If it still isn’t turning on, hold down the power button to shut down your device. Wait about 10 seconds, then hit the power button again. There may be an issue with the graphics drivers, and your device may fix them when it boots up.

In some cases, you may see the BIOS screen but then nothing else when the OS boots. Try booting your device into safe mode and see if that fixes the problem. Sometimes, there may be a conflict between the different parts of your gaming PC, which requires you to do some troubleshooting.

If none of that works, you may simply have a dead screen, broken bus, or broken header component. Take your electronic device in for repair near you. Usually, the technician will be able to repair or replace that single component rather than the entire device.

Your Peripherals or Controls Are Not Working

Sometimes, technology issues will result in your device not responding to your input. This might be your computer’s mouse and keyboard not functioning or the touch screen on your iPhone not responding. These may be indicative of deeper technology problems, but do some troubleshooting first.

Just as before, perform a hard shut down and restart with the physical power buttons. You may need to hold them down for a long while until the device eventually forces a shutdown.

With computer peripherals, there may be technology issues with the wired or Bluetooth connection. Check the USB dongle, USB input, or wires that connect your peripherals to your computer. If it’s a laptop keyboard or trackpad, check for water stains or dust under the keys.

Try different peripherals if you can, rather than repair or replace your computer. It may just be a bad mouse or keyboard. If not, you may need to take it in for a technology repair.

Your Device Is Overheating All the Time

Your device may seem to function but is slow and takes forever to process basic things. For example, it takes a long time to load a browser or save a document. You also notice that the fans are running on full for long periods, and the device gets very, very hot.

Overheating can sometimes be indicative of technology problems with the software. But in many cases, this means that there is insufficient cooling inside the device. It can also mean that you are in need of electronic repairs to replace the thermal paste and dust off the internals.

Overheating is very bad for your device and can wear down the delicate transistors inside each component. If the overheating never stops, then you should probably take it out for a technology repair. The technician will need to repair or replace internal fans, thermal paste, or realign the heat sinks.

Come to Advanced Technology Solutions for All Your Electronic Repairs

If you have an electronic device that is on the fritz, it can be difficult to know at what point you should bring it in for a repair service. Generally speaking, if you experience critical errors such as failure to boot, problems with the screen, or difficulty controlling the device, then it’s time to get a repair near you.

Advanced Technology Solutions does repairs for everything from your motherboard to your PS5. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, we can help you. Drop by one of our addresses, and our technicians will gladly take a look at any faulty devices you have.

Is It Worth It to Repair a Gaming Console?

By on April 14th, 2023 in Game console

Times are getting tough, and inflation is at record levels. The days are gone when people would purchase a new phone every year. Around the globe, everyone is trying to make their electronics last longer, and that includes their gaming consoles.

Console problems are nothing new, from the red ring of death on Xbox to the blue line of death on PlayStation. You’d assume it would be cheaper to send your device in for gaming console repair than to purchase a new one. But in some select cases, console problems may require a repair that costs more than a new device.

The question becomes: is gaming console repair worth it? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of console repair vs. purchasing a new video game console.

Pros of Gaming Console Repair

So you are experiencing console issues. If you’re not tech-savvy, these technology problems might seem to be more trouble than they’re worth. You’d rather bite the bullet and purchase a new console than go through the slog of customer service and RMA.

However, in certain cases, technology repair can get your device up and running just as it was before–and for a good price. Let’s discuss some of the situations where gaming console repair is your best bet.

When It’s Cheaper to Fix it than Buy a New One

Before you consider replacing a console entirely, look at your pricing options for technology repair. Get a quote from a shop you trust. You may discover that the technology issues you’re having only require a quick and affordable fix.

Of course, this depends on the price of your console and how old it is. If it costs less than $100, then it’s probably a good idea in any case to fix it.

But suppose you have a newish console, one that you recently purchased for $400. Suppose a repair for it runs you about $350. In that case, it might just be worth a new purchase.

There may be other issues lurking beneath the surface that could rear their ugly heads later on. There is a good chance that a console showing technology issues early on will have more that are not yet apparent.

When It’s a Simple Fix

You’d be surprised how many fixes are as simple as a hot swap. A new video game console made in the past 5 to 10 years often has interchangeable components. All it requires is a bit of technical know-how to replace them.

For example, many PlayStation owners can easily swap the HDD for an SSD with a screwdriver. If a hard drive happens to go bad, it is a cheap and easy fix for your local technician. That said, we recommend that you do not crack open the case unless you know exactly what you were doing; it’s best to take it in for a repair instead.

Even issues with the motherboard or a heat sink are easier to fix than you might think. A broken connector or some dry thermal paste is fixable in a couple of hours at most.

If you can’t diagnose the issue by yourself or with the help of the Internet, have a technician take a look. There’s a good chance they can fix it right then and there.

Cons of Gaming Console Repair

Naturally, there are some situations where gaming console repair is not the best solution. In these cases, it’s best for you to head to a retailer and buy a new video game console. The console problems may cost an arm and a leg to fix, making it a waste of money to try and get them fixed.

When the Technology Problems Are too Expensive to Fix

Some console problems go much deeper than a bad hard drive or some old thermal paste. For example, when the APU on a PlayStation burns out. Sony does not make it easy for anyone–even a skilled technician–to exchange the APU for a replacement component.

Further, some game console manufacturers do not make it easy to obtain certain parts. You can purchase an SSD from any major consumer electronics distributor. But the custom APU found in a PlayStation is not something that Sony makes available on the market.

Sony may allow you to send in the console for an RMA. This technology repair will resolve any issues, but it will cost you a fortune to do so. Unless you have a special warranty, you will be paying out-of-pocket to get this fix taken care of.

In that case, it’s better for you to purchase a new video game console instead. You will likely get a new unit without any console issues like the previous one.

When It Is an Old Unit With Parts That Are Difficult to Find

Suppose you have an older console, such as the PlayStation 3. Production on these units stopped years ago, as did production of the parts they use.

It could be very difficult to find replacement parts to fix a PlayStation 3. The tech that it uses is outdated, and few companies may still have those replacement parts. If they do, they will come at a considerable markup since they are very hard to find.

Plus, an older console will be cheaper to purchase secondhand. You could find a used PlayStation 3 in working condition from Craigslist for less than $100. Meanwhile, a replacement motherboard for a PlayStation 3 on the Internet might cost much more than that.

Fix Your Console with Advanced Technology Solutions

When the price of eggs is as expensive as it is, many people would rather consider gaming console repair than buying a new device. In many cases, such as a small fix, it makes far more sense to send your unit to a skilled technician. But in a handful of specific situations, it may be better in the end to purchase a new video game console.

Advanced Technology Solutions is your one-stop shop for computer, console, and phone repair. Feel free to visit one of our locations to get an estimate on the repair cost for your device. If not, drop us a line, and we will respond to you as soon as we can.

4 Common iPhone Problems and Solutions

By on March 25th, 2023 in iphone repair

52% of people say they would spend anywhere from $200 to $599 on a smartphone. Meanwhile, nearly 42% of people say they would be willing to drop over $600 for a smartphone. That’s a pretty big investment!

With as much as we pay for phones these days, you’d think they’d be invincible. Unfortunately, we all know that is not the case.

So, when you start having iPhone problems, it is a much smarter decision to get your phone repaired than replaced.

At Advanced Technology Solutions, we’ve seen it all when it comes to the reasons people get their phones repaired. Yet, these four problems are the most common iPhone issues our customers experience.

1. Cracked Screens

As iPhones have advanced, Apple has started making them even less durable. Phones are sleeker, thinner, and more glass-riddled than plastic cellular devices of decades past. That’s why it’s so easy to end up with a broken iPhone screen.

But the addition of glass is not the only reason your smartphone screen shatters so easily. Newer iPhone models are bezel-less, meaning there is little buffer between the screen and the ground if you drop it.

2. Water Damage

iPhone 7 and beyond may be water-resistant, but that is not the same thing as being waterproof. Your smartphone can still get damaged or even stop working if you drop it in the ocean.

What’s more, “water resistant” does not mean your phone can withstand a soak in other liquids. Beverages, lotions, and even gasoline can cause serious damage to your phone.

3. Non-Functional Charging Ports

If your iPhone won’t turn on when you charge it, this could be a sign that your charging port needs repair. In most cases, this happens because the port is damaged or blocked.

A skilled iPhone repairman can identify whether your port needs cleaning, repair, or replacement. Replacing your charging port may be pricey, but it will cost much less than getting a new phone entirely.

4. Your Battery Drains Too Fast

Another one of the most common (and annoying) Apple problems is the quick-draining battery. Do a battery check to identify if an app is draining your battery’s juice or if a bigger issue is at hand.

In other cases, a battery that drains too fast has either failed or is swelling. You should bring your phone in for repair services ASAP. Avoid trying to repair or replace the battery yourself, as lithium-ion batteries can be toxic.

iPhone Problems? Call Advanced Technology Solutions in Cary, NC

Broken screens, water damage, and battery problems are the top reasons customers visit our iPhone repair shop. If these issues happen to you, you can save money by calling a local repair shop instead of buying a new phone.

Are you dealing with one or more of these iPhone problems? Whether your phone breaks or you keep getting a black iPhone screen, we can help. Find a location in the Triangle and stop by to get your phone back up and running.

Should You Repair a Broken iPhone or Get a New One?

By on March 15th, 2023 in iphone repair

Did you know that Americans drop their phones at least four times a week? It’s an unfortunate part of our reality that the things we use to connect to people around us are so easy to drop and break.

On top of this, iPhones are known for breaking due to progressive cracking. The cracked iPhone screen is a symbol of our times.

So what should you do with a broken iPhone? Should you try to get it fixed, or should you cut your losses and get a new one?

This article will walk you through the pros and cons of each option.

Replacing

The biggest advantage of replacing an old iPhone is convenience. You’re not going to need to wait for your old iPhone to get fixed, and can keep your life moving as smoothly as possible.

On top of this, Apple is a famously fast-moving company. New iPhone models come out almost every year, and if your phone is relatively old, you might be several models behind. This might seem like the perfect opportunity to finally catch up with your peers.

There are also some relatively cheap options for buying iPhones. Backmarket is a great resource for buying cheaper, re-furbished technology.

Of course, there’s also the excitement of buying something new and starting over. There’s always a certain lightness and freeness to this that can tempt you to take this option.

Repairing

The biggest advantage of iPhone repair is the cost. Even though buying a refurbished iPhone is a relatively cheap choice, it’s still nothing compared to some of the low prices that you can get on repairs if your iPhone isn’t totaled. Sometimes, it can get down to as low as a third or quarter as much as buying. a new iPhone.

Phone repairs are localized. Sometimes, a very simple malfunction in a small part of your phone can cause the whole phone to go haywire. You might think you need a full replacement when all you need is some very small adjustments.

One of the biggest disadvantages of getting your iPhone repaired is the time it takes to repair your phone. However, if the problem is small and localized, you can get the phone repaired in a matter of hours — sometimes within the visit to the repair store.

It’s also likely that all your data will be saved. This means you’re not going to lose precious photos, memories, texts, etc. This is something that’s usually not possible when you buy a new phone.

Repair a Broken iPhone If You Can

Everyone’s situation is different — but if you can, you should absolutely repair your broken iPhone. It might be tempting to buy a new iPhone, but this will save you your data, money, and time.

If you find the correct service, you can even learn a little about technology and the iPhone.

For more information on repairs for iPhones, contact us today.

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »
Video

×
Raleigh, Cary, Apex iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Mac, and PC Repair

×