The computer might only cost $500, but the function it performs is worth more. Let's say you have a desktop computer, power supply goes out. $100 for the part,

The computer might only cost $500, but the function it performs is worth more. Let's say you have a desktop computer, power supply goes out. $100 for the part, and $100 for the tech to replace it, for a total of $200. You might think, "that computer is 3 years old, it's not even worth $200, just buy a new one". However, a new computer comes with more costs. You have to set up all your software. Configure your web browser, bookmarks, desktop icons, setup your printer, find that program you were using to do X, this might take a whole day to do. Some people just want it fixed so they can get back to work.