So I have a laptop that I have been using for a little over 5 years. It’s a Toshiba Tecra R950.

Specs

  1. 4GB RAM
  2. 640 GB ROM
  3. Intel Core i5 3340M
  4. Radeon HD 7570M Graphics
  5. 15.6 inch 720p screen

I bought when I was starting my undergrad studies secondhand for roughly KES 27000 or close to 180 USD and it has definitely served me well all these years. Recently though, it sometimes switches itself off randomly despite the fact I keep it raised up for ventilation. The battery also has greatly deteriorated. I’m starting to think maybe I should start to consider replacing it. I’m thinking a gaming laptop would do for my needs. I’m want to start applying for grad school and I’d do a bit of gaming on the side plus I’m learning to code. I know it’ll take a while to save up cash for it since I’m currently unemployed. So is it the right time to replace it? I’d appreciate your opinions or advice.

https://preview.redd.it/jl3jw2crhw2c1.jpg?width=2972&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42b29bff78fb21dc8b89dab3a5f042c0339d0f2e

  • RandomTux1997@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    get a job, however hard it is, then you can get a half decent machine so you can get designwork that pays more than 25c/hr.
    even $30/day as waiter translates into $900 over a month, which becomes a laptop 10 times better than what you got.

  • NCResident5@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    I do think replacing would help. I am in the US. You could pick up a decent model refurbished Dell Latitude from Dell elsewhere. When you had more funds you could resell the Dell and pick up gaming laptops later.

    Dell Latitude with an Intel i5 version 8 for $350.00.

  • gaskolan@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    It is good, if you can get a new one mate.

    If the budget is an issue, just get the restarting problem fixed, upgrade the ram to 8gb (if it supports upgrading) and also get an ssd instead of the hdd(if you have a slot for an additional hard disk, you can keep the old one as well).

    • Frequent_Ad_853@alien.topOPB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      10 months ago

      The Ram can definitely be upgraded, not sure about the hdd though. I’ll check first though. Thanks.