Tech support
From coffee cups to last year's smartphone, there's no escaping the fact we live in a throwaway society, and while low prices make it tempting to buy new rather than repair broken items, sometimes you can – and probably should – do the latter…
Get your gadgets repaired
Q My TV has broken – given how cheap they are now, is it worth getting it fixed?
if your tv is more than eight years old it’s probably not worth repairing, but if it’s more modern, call the manufacturer or a repair shop for a quote. you may also be able to see what the fault is via the service/fault menu screen.
Q What if something breaks when it’s new?
you can ask the retailer for a repair or refund within 30 days. if it breaks within the first six months and the retailer can’t prove that it wasn’t faulty at the point of sale, you’re entitled to a free repair or replacement. if they refuse, contact trading Standards.
Q Is there any way I can guarantee my stuff won’t break in the first place?
it’s impossible to know whether something will last for decades or not, but investing in a highquality item usually ensures it’ll give you many years of service. one example is dualit’s classic toaster which, while expensive, can be repaired and should last for decades. For more investment buys, check out buymeonce.com.
Q I’ve smashed yet another smartphone screen, what’s the best way to fix it?
accidental damage is not covered by standard warranties, but there are lots of high street and online repair shops that specialise in screen repairs (try geek Squad for official repairs). Stay clear of unofficial third-party repair shops – however temptingly cheap – to avoid invalidating your warranty, just in case your phone develops a technical fault down the line. if you’re clumsy it might be worth taking out insurance to cover drops.
Q What about DIY appliance or gadget repairs?
that depends on whether or not you’re handy with a toolkit and don’t mind potentially invalidating your warranty. you’ll find hundreds of youtube videos and unofficial repair guides online, such as ifixit. com, for mending most faults.
Q Is gadget insurance worth it?
if you’re prone to losing things it may be worth it, especially for larger items. while you can insure a bundle of small gadgets from just £40 to £60 per year, remember that the cost of the insurance plus any excess may work out similar to buying a replacement. check your household insurance, too, as many policies offer gadget cover as standard, while many banks offer mobile phone insurance as a freebie.