The Reliability of Laptop Computers

A laptop's reliability depends to a large extent on its manufacturer.

Users move laptop computers around, exposing them to more wear than a desktop computer is likely to see. Laptop computers are in general statistically more prone to hardware failure than desktop computers.

Significance

According to a 2010 study done by the Gartner IT research company, upwards of one-fifth of all laptops will fail in one way or another over their lifetime. Within their first year, SquareTrade reports that 15 percent fail due to hardware malfunction or accidental damage; 22 percent fail on average over a four-year period. Statistically, desktop computers fail less often, according to Gartner's study, with 5 percent failing within their first year, and 12 percent over four years.

Reasons for Unreliability

According to studies by both Gartner IT and SquareTrade, a variety of components can cause a laptop to become unreliable. Broken screens, failing hard drives and motherboards are common culprits. Hinges and clasps have historically been prone to breakage because of excessive strain placed on them by the constant opening and closing of laptop cases. The lack of space available in laptop cases often necessitates miniaturization or elimination of some hardware. Case fans, for instance, are often necessarily fewer in number than in desktops, resulting in some instances on overheating and subsequent heat-related damage to elements such as the hard drive. According to Gartner IT's study, structural improvements industry-wide are slowly alleviating strain put on these parts due to normal laptop usage.

Considerations

Normal wear on any device can cause unreliability over time. Though its objectivity has been questioned by TechWorld and others, SquareTrade's 2009 study illustrates just how fragile laptops can be. According to SquareTrade, netbooks, which are cheaper and smaller versions of laptop computers, are even more unreliable, suffering 20 percent higher failure rates than their more expensive counterparts. SquareTrade study also suggests that ASUS and Toshiba laptops are the most reliable.

References

• TechWorld: Laptop Reliability Called Into Question
• SquareTrade: 1 in 3 Laptops Fail Over Three Years
• Gartner: Gartner Says Annual Failure Rates of PCs are Improving, but Manufacturers Can Do Better