How long should business laptops and PCs last, and is leasing or buying better?

How long devices usually last

A business laptop typically gives around three to five years of reliable use. Desktops, which are not carried around and are easier to cool, often last a little longer. Devices doing heavier work, such as design, large spreadsheets or many browser tabs and applications at once, tend to feel slow sooner. These are typical ranges rather than hard limits: the right time to replace a device depends on what it is used for, not just its age.

Signs it is time to replace a device

• It can no longer receive security updates for its operating system, or cannot run the current version
• Staff lose time to slow start-up, freezing or crashes
• The battery no longer lasts through normal use away from a desk
• Repairs are becoming frequent or cost a meaningful share of a new device
• The manufacturer’s warranty has ended and the device is critical to someone’s work
• It cannot run the software or security tools the business now needs

Security matters as much as speed

A device that still works but no longer receives security updates is a risk to the whole business, not just to the person using it. Operating systems have published support end dates, and newer versions can have hardware requirements that older devices do not meet. Planning replacements around these dates avoids having to rush when support ends.

Buying devices outright

Buying means the business owns the device from day one and can keep it for as long as it remains useful. It suits businesses with cash available and a preference for ownership. The trade-offs are a larger upfront cost and the temptation to keep devices past the point where they are slowing people down or are no longer secure.

Leasing devices

Leasing spreads the cost of devices over a fixed term with regular payments, instead of one large upfront purchase. That can make budgeting easier and keeps cash free for other priorities. It also builds in a natural replacement point at the end of each term, so devices are less likely to be kept past the point where they are slow or no longer secure. The trade-offs are that the business may not own the device at the end of the term, and the total paid over the term can be more than buying outright. How lease payments are treated for tax depends on the arrangement, so check with your accountant before deciding.

Leasing through InfinityIT

Through our partnership with eLeasing, InfinityIT can offer leasing on the equipment we supply, so the devices, their setup and the finance can be arranged together. It is not limited to laptops and desktops: servers, networking gear, phone systems and printers can be included too.

• Spread the cost of new devices over a term that suits your business, from 12 to 60 months
• Keep cash available for other priorities instead of tying it up in hardware
• Line up the end of each term with your planned replacement cycle
• Approval is handled directly by eLeasing, and is usually quick

Find out about finance and leasing with InfinityIT

Plan a refresh cycle

Whichever option you choose, a simple plan helps. Keep a list of devices with their purchase dates and warranty end dates, replace a share of devices each year rather than all at once, and make sure old devices are securely wiped before they are sold, recycled or returned.

When to get help

InfinityIT can review your current devices, flag those that are out of support or due for replacement, and help you plan a refresh cycle that fits your budget. If leasing suits you better than buying, we can arrange it through eLeasing as part of supplying and setting up the new devices.