As a law firm that runs on Apple products, you already know the importance of investing in high-quality technology to help your firm be most profitable, but knowing when to upgrade can at times be hard to nail down. Below, we offer a few situations that indicate when it might be time to get a new MacBook.
But First, Consider the Cost of Inaction
When debating between a new investment or staying the course with your current solutions, it’s important to weigh the cost of inaction into your financial equation. Failing to upgrade when it’s well past time could end up costing you a lot more by way of lost productivity, struggling systems, and weakened security. New technology saves you a significant amount of time and enables you and your paralegals to deliver superior client services.
Moreover, it’s also worth remembering that investing in computers is relatively cheap, especially when you spread that cost over hundreds of days, dozens of months, and numerous years of near-constant use.
Take, for example, a $2,000 computer that gets used 45 hours per week for 5 years. Per hour, that amounts to a whopping 17 cents! Yes – 17 cents. You owe it to yourself – and your assistant – to buy the biggest, fastest, and sleekest Mac so you can all efficiently do your jobs.
Situations That Might Warrant a New MacBook Investment
In terms of when specifically it might make sense for you or someone on your team to get a new MacBook, consider these situations:
- When the latest version of macOS is not available to download: Keeping your operating system up to date is important for the security of your device and your law firm. Once Apple devices reach a certain age, they are unable to run the latest OS. Over time, you won’t receive security patches and some software will stop working (or will start working very slowly).
- When you run out of free space: While there are tools you can use to clear up disk space, at some point, you won’t be able to purge any more files. Once too many “junk” files accumulate, they take over all your free disk space and slow down your CPU.
- When your MacBook can’t run the software you need: New software sucks up more RAM than older versions, and that makes it harder to run multiple apps at once (for example, Chrome with a bunch of browsers open, plus Powerpoint, Excel, and Word). When you need more processing power, there is no other option than to upgrade to a new device.
- When your MacBook’s battery doesn’t last anymore: Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charges in them. Once you cycle through the battery enough times, it simply won’t hold a charge (which is why we encourage our clients to run their MacBooks off AC power as much as possible). Apple’s website also offers tips for maximizing your battery life and lifespan.
While it’s impossible to say for sure how long your Mac will last, the best answer to when it’s time for an upgrade is when your current device no longer helps your firm on a daily basis – generally because it is running too slowly. Once MacBooks reach the point of slowing down your work, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
To learn more and get help with any of your law firm’s Apple product questions, get in touch with our team at Honeycrisp today.
