Notebook Repairs Cost Melbourne: Computers are complicated, and due to their compact size, laptops are even more complex and prone to developing problems. If your laptop has physical damage, shows error messages, makes strange noises, loads slowly, or shuts down unexpectedly, it may be time to take it to a computer repair technician.
While DIY laptop repair kits and plenty of online repair tutorials are available, hiring a qualified computer professional is best. Fixing a laptop computer is much like diagnosing and treating a medical issue: Before the problem can be addressed, you must know what’s causing it. Education, experience, and credentials can vary, so check any repair shop’s online reviews and make sure they have expertise in your laptop brand and model.
Repair costs can vary widely, depending on your laptop computer’s age, brand, model, and operating system. The type and severity of the problem, the cost of replacement parts, and the repair time all affect your bill. The average cost of common laptop repairs is $100–300.
The average labour cost for laptop computer repair is $80–110 per hour. Most typical computer repair services can be completed in an hour, though some issues require more time.
From a simple screen replacement to more complex software or hardware repairs, here are the costs of the most common laptop computer repair and replacement services, including parts and labour.
If one or two keys aren’t working, it may be possible to repair them—but in many cases, the technician will need to replace the entire keyboard, including the circuit board. Replacing the keyboard on a PC laptop will typically cost less than replacing one on an Apple model, as Mac keyboards require more labour to remove and replace. Average cost: $100–250.
Laptop fans can become clogged or otherwise malfunction, often resulting in overheating or a loud sound. While a new laptop fan is relatively inexpensive ($30–80), the labour requirements for cleaning or replacement are high—because technicians must take apart the entire laptop to access the fan. The average cost is $100–200.
Repairing a faulty hard drive is usuallyn’t recommended because the risk of it failing again is too high. Installing a new one doesn’t require much labour. The bulk of the cost will come from the new hard drive itself (depending on the type, quality, and storage size) and the extra work needed to recover and move data from the old one. Average cost: $100–300.
While repairs are sometimes possible, you’ll need a laptop screen replacement in most cases. This is usually straightforward, but some laptops have more expensive, specialized screens. Larger screens also tend to be more expensive. The average cost is $150–350 plus labour.
Replacement costs can vary widely because some laptops require nonstandard, model-specific batteries. The average cost for a new battery installed is $50–200. You may be able to find a refurbished laptop battery for $25–75 and have it installed for $50–70.
Liquid-damage repair.
Spilling a drink on a laptop is surprisingly common. The repair cost doesn’t necessarily depend on how much liquid was spilled but on how much damage was caused when it got inside. The average cost is $100–450.
These range from virus or malware removal to data recovery and factory reinstalls, which can take days and cost an average of $100–$300.
The motherboard—which holds vital components and allows them to work together—is one of the most expensive parts of a computer. Minor problems can sometimes be repaired for about $100–200, but significant or multiple problems require replacement. Depending on the laptop’s brand, model, and quality, installing a new motherboard will cost $100–600, plus $100–200 in labour.
A complete laptop diagnostic at a computer repair shop can provide an in-depth report on your computer’s health and any problems that need fixing. In some cases, this will be included in the repair cost. You’ll typically pay $80–150 if you have it done separately.
Did the hard drive fail? Find out about the cost of data recovery.
These elements affect the cost of fixing your laptop.
Here are some methods to reduce the cost of laptop repair.
If your laptop works well enough, follow your model’s instructions to install any software updates and remove unnecessary files. This can reduce the hours of labour a technician spends on your computer.
Laptop repair costs vary considerably, so contact a few qualified repair shops to ask about their rates before deciding where to go.
The warranty on a new laptop computer typically lasts one year and covers manufacturer errors such as faulty hardware or malfunctioning operating systems. Make sure the warranty provider accepts the repair shop you choose.
If the cost to repair your laptop is more than 50% of the computer’s original value and it isn’t covered by a warranty—or if it’s an older model that doesn’t function as well as you’d like—you should consider purchasing a new computer. Find a repair shop that offers free cost estimates before making your decision.
If your computer has plenty of hard drive space, sufficient RAM, and up-to-date software, slow operation can indicate a problem that requires professional repair. The average cost is $125–300.
A complete, professional laptop diagnostic test, which indicates any problems that need fixing, costs an average of $100–150.
