Laptop Comparison Calculator
Compare two laptops on true cost of ownership — price, lifespan, resale value, accessories and repairs — not just the sticker price.
Enter Your Values
Using shared profile · 3,500/mo · EUR — edit on Dashboard
Results update automatically as you change values.
What-If Scenarios
Results update instantlyCost Breakdown
Cost per Year
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Total over 6 Years
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Side-by-Side Comparison
Bars show relative size · ✓ marks the better option- Purchase Price
- €1,400
- Accessories
- €100
- Expected Lifespan
- 6 years
- Resale Value
- €350
- Net Capital Cost
- €1,150
- Cost per Year
- €232
- Total over 6yr
- €1,390
- Purchase Price
- €800
- Accessories
- €80
- Expected Lifespan
- 3 years
- Resale Value
- €120
- Net Capital Cost
- €760
- Cost per Year
- €383
- Total over 6yr
- €2,300
| Factor | Laptop A Best Value | Recommended Laptop B |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | €1,400 | €800 |
| Accessories | €100 | €80 |
| Expected Lifespan | 6 years | 3 years |
| Resale Value | €350 | €120 |
| Net Capital Cost | €1,150 | €760 |
| Cost per Year | €232 | €383 |
| Total over 6yr | €1,390 | €2,300 |
Laptop A €232/year vs Laptop B €383/year. Laptop A is cheaper by €152/year.
Scenario Analysis
How the outcome shifts if your assumptions turn out better or worse than expected.
+2 years each
At stated values
1 year shorter each
Compare Scenarios
Pin up to 3 and see them side by sideSet your inputs, then Pin current to save this scenario. Pin a few variations to compare their scores and outcomes here.
What Moves the Needle Most
How much each factor changes your Laptop A: Cost/Year across its full range. Laptop A Lifespan has the biggest impact.
Focus your attention on Laptop A Lifespan — getting it right matters most. Factors lower down move the result less, so rough estimates there are fine.
Confidence & Assumptions
The outcome shifts meaningfully with your assumptions. Sensible, but revisit the key inputs.
A: Cost/Year: €270 (worst) → €232 (expected) → €184 (best)
These are the estimates the result depends on. Adjust them (and the Advanced inputs) to match your real situation — the closer they are to reality, the more reliable your decision.
These estimates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual results may vary based on factors not captured in this calculator.
How This Calculator Works
What this calculator does
This calculator compares two laptops by their true cost of ownership — factoring in price, expected lifespan, resale value, accessories and repairs — so you can see which is actually cheaper, not just which has the lower price tag.
How the calculation works
For each laptop we compute net capital cost (price + accessories − resale), divide by its lifespan to get an annual cost, and add expected annual repairs. We then project the total across your comparison period, accounting for replacements when a laptop wears out sooner.
Formula
Net Capital = Price + Accessories − Resale Cost per Year = Net Capital / Lifespan + Repairs/Year Total over Horizon = Net Capital × (Horizon / Lifespan) + Repairs × Horizon
Example
Laptop A €1,400, lasts 6 years, resells for €350: ~€215/year. Laptop B €800, lasts 3 years, resells for €120: ~€300/year once you replace it. The pricier laptop is cheaper to own over time.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your numbers
Fill in the inputs for Laptop Comparison Calculator. Defaults are realistic starting points — replace them with your actual figures.
- 2Understand the calculation
For each laptop we compute net capital cost (price + accessories − resale), divide by its lifespan to get an annual cost, and add expected annual repairs. We then project the total across your comparison period, accounting for replacements when a laptop wears out sooner.
- 3Review results and scenarios
Check metrics, cost breakdown, comparison tables, and best / expected / worst scenarios. Use sliders to stress-test assumptions.
- 4Decide with the verdict
Read the decision engine recommendation and FAQ. Example: Laptop A €1,400, lasts 6 years, resells for €350: ~€215/year. Laptop B €800, lasts 3 years, resells for €120: ~€300/year once you replace it. The pricier laptop is cheaper to own over time.
Factors to Consider
- Lifespan and build quality matter more than raw specs
- Resale value varies a lot between brands
- Repairability affects long-term cost
- Accessories (dock, charger, case) add up
- A faster machine can save time worth real money
Common Mistakes
- Comparing only the purchase price
- Ignoring how long each laptop will realistically last
- Forgetting resale value at the end of life
- Overlooking accessories and repair costs
- Buying too little power and replacing sooner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a more expensive laptop cheaper in the long run?+
Often yes. A premium laptop that lasts 6 years with strong resale can cost less per year than a budget model you replace every 2-3 years. This tool shows the real per-year cost.
How long should a laptop last?+
A well-built laptop lasts 5-7 years; budget models often 2-4. Longevity depends on build quality, battery, repairability and how long the OS is supported.
Does resale value really matter?+
Yes. Some brands retain 25-40% of value after a few years while others retain almost nothing. Resale meaningfully lowers the true cost of ownership.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important financial decisions.
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