make your notebook last
Choosing the machine that best suits your profile and having basic care can help
With the popularization of its prices and the advent of obsolescence, the notebook became a coveted target for consumers who want to buy a computer. Mobility is the biggest attraction, but the difficulties of making a upgrade make the equipment unsustainable. Like most electronic devices, notebooks have lead, cadmium and mercury in their composition, metals that pollute the environment. Therefore, before buying a laptop computer, you need to make certain choices to prolong its life. Check out some tips for choosing the right model and how to make your notebook last and prolong its life.
- What is scheduled obsolescence?
- Function obsolescence: technological advances that stimulate consumption
Know your profile
According to the manager of the product line specialized in Dell notebooks, Carlos Augusto Buarque de Almeida, there are several machines for each user profile. "There are consumers who just want to access the internet, the office pack and have the mobility that a 14-inch notebook offers. Other customers, with the same usage profile, prefer a larger screen, but with less mobility. There's also the profile that needs more performance, with a powerful graphics card and more multimedia options like Blu-ray. In addition, there are lines for players, who need maximum performance”, said Almeida.
- Lead: applications, risks and prevention
Therefore, at the time of purchase, make sure the model meets your expectations. "It is possible to find on the market several products that will certainly become obsolete soon because they use chipsets older and do not allow memory expansion. For example, if today you need a computer with 4GB RAM and the motherboard of the notebook you are purchasing only supports up to 4GB RAM, you will be limited if, in the future, the programs you use need more memory", explained the consultant. In these cases, to make the notebook last, the guideline is to buy one that allows memory expansion up to 8GB.
- The risks of cadmium contamination
care
The life of a notebook varies greatly depending on the manufacturer, frequency of use and user care, but on average, according to the Dell consultant, a notebook can last from two to four years.
To make your notebook last and encourage conscious consumption, Almeida's tips are as follows: “You must be careful when handling the equipment (avoid shocks), be careful not to spill liquid (very common accident with notebooks) and respect the conditions of use of the equipment (temperature and humidity). For example, avoid leaving your notebook in hot places like car interiors. You should also always use notebooks on surfaces that do not obstruct their ventilation outlets – avoid using them on beds, sofas, pillows and other surfaces that make it difficult to exchange air. Setting the computer's power usage profile correctly helps not only to save battery power, but also to keep the notebook's temperature lower, prolonging its useful life,” he concluded.
If disposal is necessary, look for collection points or use our collection service at home. But remember, opt for conscientious disposal, respecting the environment.
