The MacBook® is widely known as a lightweight, high-performance laptop with an elite display and aesthetic design. Once you've invested in one of these Apple® computers, you can expect it to last for around five to 10 years. You can maximize your laptop's life span to the longer end of this range simply by taking good care of it. Here's a look at some basic maintenance tips to follow. 

How to Make a MacBook Last Longer

1. Turn It Off When Not in Use

It's bad for a laptop to be constantly running, so it's wise not to let it sleep day in and day out. Shutting it down when you're not using it gives the drive time to cool down, preserves the battery life, and helps the computer reset. For the best results, turn the machine off completely every two to three days or when you don't plan to use it again for 36 hours or more.

2. Protect the Battery

The battery is often the part that wears out most quickly. You can help the battery last longer by actually using it. The more active you are, the more exercise the battery will get.

Most importantly, don't leave your device plugged in at all times. Charge it to 100%, then disconnect and wait until it's around 5% to 10% before charging it again. Avoid using the laptop in extremely hot temperatures by keeping the device out of direct sunlight. 

3. Use a Surge Protector

Whenever you're plugged into an outlet, whether in a public place or your own home, you're at risk of a power surge. These occasional surges through the power grid can instantly damage the hard drive. Always plug your device into a surge protector, which will shut off the supply to the laptop when it detects a surge. 

4. Apply Updates

Apple is constantly providing software updates, which remove bugs and improve performance. A state-of-the-art device with an outdated operating system (OS) will eventually begin to run sluggishly. 

Go to the Apple menu on your device and select Software Update. Update your third-party software as well, so you know you're always running the latest version. 

5. Upgrade the Hardware

Older models of MacBook laptops came with hard disk drives (HDD), but newer generations have solid-state drives (SSD). SSDs are far more efficient in the way they store and access data, which allows them to run cooler, use less energy, and be more durable. 

If your device has an HDD, you can have a professional replace it with an SSD. However, keep in mind that HDD MacBook laptops were manufactured prior to 2013, so a model from this era may be approaching the end of its working life. Upgrading to a more recent generation might be a wiser investment.

If your MacBook needs professional attention to get it working again or boost efficiency, trust it to the team at Experimax Haymarket in Prince William County, VA. These professionals specialize in working with Apple products, so there's no one who knows these devices better than they do. They offer affordable and quick repairs and have a wide selection of certified pre-owned MacBook laptops if it's time for an upgrade. Learn more about their inventory on their website or call (571) 342-3550 to speak to a team member.