What to Do When a Manufacturer Ends Hardware Support

When it comes to owning electronic equipment, it’s not unusual to feel comfortable with a piece of hardware that is doing exactly what you need it to and hang onto it for years. While it will probably get slower over time, and new updates will sometimes break small things and cause annoyances, the overall look, feel, and usability of the device is still something you’re willing to stick with instead of trying to find something else to get used to. 

The problem is that at some point, the manufacturer will likely announce that they no longer offer hardware support and that the device you’re attached to has reached its official end of life (EOL) date. If you’ve run into this situation, chances are high that you’re probably feeling frustrated and confused about why a device that is still working would no longer be supported by the company you bought it from.

When it comes to hardware though, there are more than a few good reasons why manufacturers will stick to an EOL date for their products. Aside from the range of new hardware they’ve created since then, they also have to provide continued support for old hardware until it reaches EOL, including updates, maintenance support, and troubleshooting. All these services  can get increasingly expensive over time as more and more products are supported.

All that information still doesn’t help you, the consumer, answer the question of how to deal with hardware that’s reached an EOL date. Because most electronic devices contain hazardous materials  and heavy metals inside, it’s never a good idea to just drop this equipment in a dumpster and call it a day. The good news is that there are a few options available for dealing with this equipment that can be helpful for your wallet and ease the load on the planet at the same time. As a well-known provider of computer repair and technical services in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area, our team here at Computer CPR decided to spend some time going over some of the best ways to deal with your EOL hardware devices.

Consider Donating

Even if the manufacturer considers your device to be a useless hunk of junk once it reaches the EOL date, it could still be a great piece of hardware for a school, library, or other local organization in your community! There are quite a few ways that old hardware can be put to use, including in a classroom setting for children, helping future technicians handle hardware, or even for underprivileged adults. The best part about choosing to donate your old hardware is that the decision can be tax-deductible for the year, which could be a great relief for you overall!

Sell Off the Equipment

Companies that provide computer repair  services, like our team here at Computer CPR in Southlake, TX are always looking to expand their hardware stock, especially  if they provide services on older hardware. Because the manufacturers no longer support this equipment, the only way to procure additional supplies is through purchases from private individuals. While you may not receive as much money as you did when you first purchased the device, you can still get a reward for your effort with the added knowledge that your hardware could be put to use down the road helping someone else.

Don’t Forget About Recycling

If you do some research to find a certified e-steward organization who accepts devices for disposal, you can be confident that your old hardware will be taken care of according to the proper BAN guidelines. BAN is an international watchdog focused on monitoring and enforcing the proper disposal and recycling of electronics to avoid causing lasting harm to the environment. If all else fails, you can bring your old equipment to Staples for recycling because they are a certified e-waste recycler!

Check With Computer CPR in Southlake, TX

At Computer CPR, our team of experienced technicians understands how important it is to treat your old computer hardware with the care and respect it deserves. Whether you choose to keep using it until it is dead as a doornail, dispose of it through an e-steward recycling service, donate it, or even sell it off, it is important to do what you feel most comfortable with. If you’re not sure what to do with your hardware, then your best option is to reach out to our team so that we can help you make an informed decision about your equipment and whether it can continue to function effectively even after reaching its EOL date.

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