A man’s Acer Inc. laptop randomly crashed without any explanation, causing confusion as to why the computer died—the reason he thinks his laptop failed? His warranty ended three years prior. Like, to the day.
In a video with more than 90,000 views, TikTok user @black_pegasus_empire told his audience about his computer problems. Showing a receipt from three years prior, the man went on to explain how he was using the computer to work before it went “bang” and crashed.
Why did the Acer Inc. laptop crash?
There are a number of reasons why an Acer Inc. computer may randomly break.
Some websites have described Acer Inc. laptops as having “mediocre offerings.” The company has significant issues with performance and build quality despite being consumer friendly. The Taiwanese company makes both budget and mid-range laptops that generally have inconsistent review scores, possibly explaining why the computers may be prone to crash.
Some TikTok commenters, like @Yvette Tarot, claimed that these computers are made to crash.
“Things you buy have a tiny chip in it that knows when to malfunction.. So you buy another.. Many people thought I was crazy when I said this many years ago,” one said.
Others agreed with @Yvette Tarot, claiming that Acer Inc. computers, like other products, will only last until the warranty expires.
But not so fast.
Do tech companies program their laptops or other devices to crash?
Many people posit that tech companies program tech devices to fail after a certain period. There is evidence to conclude that companies sometimes design their products to fail after the warranty expires. Forbes reported that companies like Dell have short lifespans due to adapter or motherboard issues after a certain period, and many consumers agree that Apple products slow down after a certain period as a sales strategy.
The term is commonly referred to as “planned obsolescence” which Investopedia defines as “a strategy of deliberately ensuring that the current version of a given product will become out of date or useless within a known time period.”
Planned obsolescence may not always be a deliberate con on consumers, however. Most budget and midrange computers will need replacement after two years because the RAM (Random Access Memory) and processors degrade with time. Computers that come with a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) are also slower than those that come with a Solid Disk Drive (SDD) and eventually wear out.
Still, Apple reached a settlement for “software throttling,” which refers to the continuous stream of software upgrades the company put out that courts discovered deliberately slowed iPhone devices.
Is Acer Inc. guilty of planned obsolescence for its laptops?
The Acer Inc. blog has previously posted about planned obsolescence, discussing its environmental and social impact. However, online forums have openly discussed Acer Inc’s computer quality. Many Acer computer users have stated that the company is guilty of planned obsolescence.
Acer forums report broken hinges and parts for their laptops after using the company’s products for at least more than a year. Acer Swift 3 users report that parts of the laptop, like the microphone, stop working after some time.
On one forum post to Acer’s community page, user @dissapointed12 stated, “this is now the third time that I need a repair because all other times my problem has not been resolved. Now I can’t even reach the consumer service. Is that planned on your site? So that my warranty runs out and I have to pay for it myself?”
@black_pegasus_empire if only I did it yesterday probably still the same result #electrical #laptop #computer #warranty ♬ original sound – Black_Pegasus_Empire
One review leaving a comment on Acer Inc’s Better Business Bureau page said, “Acer has been a family favorite. (It’s been a) go-to for some products, but it feels like they love their planned obsolescence.”
The Daily Dot has reached out to @black_pegasus_empire via TikTok direct message and Acer Inc. for comment.
Update Dec. 10, 10:35am CT: In a statement, an Acer spokesperson says the company does not have any planned obsolescence. The company’s full statement is below.
“In response to your questions, Acer does not have any planned obsolescence and is committed to making high-quality products that address the needs of a wide variety of customers and providing excellent 24/7 service and support to sustain its products as long as possible. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, many consumers wonder how long they can expect their laptop to last. The average lifespan of a laptop ranges from three to five years. However, several factors can impact the longevity of a laptop, including usage patterns, maintenance, and technological advancements. While some individuals may find their devices lasting longer than five years with proper care, others may need to upgrade sooner due to changing needs or outdated hardware.
One of the key factors influencing a laptop’s lifespan is the intended usage. Laptops used for simple tasks such as web browsing and document editing are likely to have a longer lifespan than those used for intensive gaming or video editing. Heavy use of resource-intensive applications can put a strain on the hardware, potentially reducing the overall lifespan of the device.
Another important consideration is regular maintenance and upkeep. Proper care, such as regular cleaning, keeping the laptop in a cool and well-ventilated area, and avoiding accidental damage, can significantly extend its lifespan. Additionally, staying current with software updates and regularly backing up important data can help prevent software issues and data loss, further prolonging the laptop’s usability.
Technological advancements also play a role in determining when it may be time to upgrade. As new software and applications become more demanding, older laptops may struggle to keep up with performance requirements. Additionally, hardware advancements, such as faster processors and increased RAM, can provide significant improvements in overall speed and responsiveness. Upgrading to a new laptop with these features can greatly enhance the user experience, particularly for those who rely on their device for resource-intensive tasks.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to how long a laptop should last, as it depends on individual circumstances and preferences. However, by considering usage patterns, maintenance practices, and technological advancements, consumers can make informed decisions about when to upgrade their devices.
Also, Acer’s Service and Support team focuses on making it easy for our customers to find answers personalized to their needs. Support is offered via the web, top social platforms and our contact centers. A sample of the efforts follow.
Web Support:
- Consumers can call toll-free for technical support 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year.
- The System Information app provides Acer customers warranty type and duration for any Acer product. Warranty extensions that cover up to five years from the date of purchase are available for Acer laptops.
- Acer Answers is currently available in 15 languages with a recent focus on Windows 11 and Chrome self-service content. Hundreds of new knowledge articles have recently been added to our Acer knowledge base.
- Our YouTube support channel continues to grow with multiple new video tutorials added addressing our most popular support questions.
- Our Acer Community peer-to-peer support forums have experienced record growth over the past 12 months. Acer Community now has nearly half a million global members and hundreds of thousands of topics in five global languages. Acer Community is a leading choice for Acer support across the globe.
Customers who are out of warranty can purchase a premium support plan through our third-party partner, Answersby. Click here for payment plan options. We also have a convenient and affordable auto-renewing monthly subscription option for $19.99. Under this plan, a customer has no restrictions on the number times they can call for support, and no restriction of the number of devices to be supported. Simple questions and issues will not be charged.
Accidental damage protection is available as an extended service plan option on portable electronics including laptops, Chromebooks, tablets and projectors. It covers spills, drops and cracked screens that may occur during the service plan period. This plan also covers shipping to and from the Acer Repair Center.
Acer is committed to sustainability, including making products that are sustainable, like our Aspire Vero laptops that come with standard screws to simplify repairs or upgrades. Achievements include:
- Acer was listed in the Top 5% category of the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, which names only the 759 companies from more than 9,400 companies in 62 industries evaluated in the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Acer has been named in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for sustainable business practices for 4 consecutive years in 2024.
- Acer was named to TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2024 list for its participation in climate programs, CDP scores, and incorporation of sustainability into its business model.
- Acer received the Platinum medal from the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for the third year in a row in 2024, placing it in the top 1% of rated companies. EcoVadis, a global provider of business sustainability assessments, has a network of over 130,000 rated companies. It evaluates sustainability across global supply chains based on four key themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
- Acer Inc. has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Emerging Markets Index in 2023, marking the 10th consecutive year. Acer ranked among the top companies in the THQ (Computers & Peripherals and Office Electronics) industry, scoring in the 100th percentile with full marks across various components: Transparency & Reporting, Emissions, Resource Efficiency and Circularity, Waste, Water, and Customer Relationship Management.
In 2021, Acer joined the RE100 initiative and pledged to source 100% renewable energy by 2035 in response to the growing urgency of climate change. In addition, Acer declared its mission to help tackle environmental challenges with its “Earthion” platform that unites the strengths of its employees and supply chain partners, and expands the circle of impact of its sustainability efforts. These strengths and efforts are exemplified by the Acer Vero series of green products made with recycled materials, such as post-consumer recycled plastic, recyclable packaging, and ocean-bound plastic waste.”
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