Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Wirecutter Show
Episode: What’s Wrong With Your Computer?
Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Kyra Blackwell, Rosie Guerin
Guest: Kimber Streams, Senior Staff Writer at Wirecutter

Overview

This episode of The Wirecutter Show centers on demystifying laptop troubleshooting and maintenance. With special guest Kimber Streams—a laptop expert and Wirecutter’s senior staff writer—the hosts dive into practical, actionable steps anyone can take to make their old computer feel new again, and how to know when it’s time to finally upgrade. The discussion spans common computer problems, myths about tech witchcraft, affordable laptop recommendations, and essential routines to keep your digital life in shape. The tone is approachable, humorous, encouraging, and practical throughout.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Expert Introduction and Origin Story

• Kimber Streams tests hundreds of laptops yearly and is “the laptop wizard” at Wirecutter. Their practical knowledge is rooted in lived experience, starting out as the go-to tech friend and later a broke college student forced to self-learn after buying a “complete garbage” laptop.
  • Quote: “If you’re looking for my villain origin story, it was… a radioactive laptop bit me.” (06:09, Kimber Streams)

2. How Wirecutter Tests Laptops

• Laptops are tested through real-world usage: browsing, work, streaming, and a Chrome extension battery test simulating daily tasks (07:26).
• Devices mostly go back to manufacturers, but some are kept for long-term use, or responsibly recycled (08:02).

3. Laptop Lifespan Expectations

• General Rule: A good laptop should last at least five years if you treat it well; cheaper laptops (under $500) usually don’t last as long and quickly feel sluggish.
  • Quote: “A great laptop is going to last at least five years or longer—if you’re lucky and don’t spill liquids on your keyboard.” (09:24, Kimber Streams)

4. Rethinking Computer Maintenance

• Analogy: Don’t treat your computer like a car only a mechanic can fix; think of it like your living space—regular cleaning is achievable and makes a huge difference.
  • Quote: “Cleaning up your files and tidying up unused apps isn’t like electrical or plumbing work… It’s more like vacuuming or picking up dirty socks.” (10:41, Kimber Streams)

5. Step-by-Step: Making Your Computer Feel New Again

The Big Three Steps (13:31)

1. Clean up files/free storage:

   • Full storage slows your computer and creates clutter.
   • On Windows: Settings > System > Storage; delete temp files and check the Downloads folder.
   • On Mac: System Settings > General > Storage (look for large unused files/apps).
   • Remember to empty the trash/recycle bin!
   • Quote: “That’s what happens when you throw things out. They’re gone.” (15:35, Kimber Streams)
   • Backups: Use cloud or external backups for important files.

2. Delete unused apps and browser extensions:

   • Extra software takes up space and runs in the background, slowing your system.
   • Cheap Windows laptops often come with “bloatware” (17:02) like junk games or trialware; Mac has less, mostly first-party stuff like GarageBand.

3. Keep your software updated:

   • System and app updates improve performance and keep your computer secure.
   • Quote: “If you take anything away from this entire podcast, please update your software. Please update your operating system, update your computer.” (00:40 and 20:48, Kimber Streams)
   • Updates can be annoying but are crucial for safety and smooth operation.

Other Tips:

• Periodically—ideally every 3 months—set aside time to tidy up. “If I were a perfect person, I would say probably every three months…with a cup of coffee.” (12:01, Kimber Streams)
• Limit apps launching at startup to speed up boot times (19:09).

6. Addressing Common Listener Apprehensions

• Fear of messing things up: Tasks are not “as scary as you think”—most issues can be fixed in 15-30 minutes. (12:41)
• Lost files: If deleted, recover only if they’re backed up elsewhere. Otherwise, “embrace the transience of life.” (16:01, Rosie Guerin)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On conspiracy theories:
  “Every single time my laptop like twitches, I’m like, Steve Jobs has something to do with this.” (02:52, Kyra Blackwell)

• On “bloatware”:

  • “It’s what I wear during a certain time of the month.” (17:03, Christine Cyr Clisset—unexpected moment of levity)
  • “Windows laptops also come with a lot of bloatware that you didn’t ask for.” (16:59, Kimber Streams)

• On saving deleted files:
  "But that's the scariest part. Like, haven't you guys ever thrown away something and then you put it out in a dumpster and you realize that you actually needed something in there?" (15:20, Kyra Blackwell)

• On laptop repair confidence:
  "You could totally do it. Fixing your computer is not as scary as you think it is." (12:41, Kimber Streams)

Detailed Troubleshooting: Common Laptop Problems

(Speed round starts at 31:33)

• Laptop is hot/loud:
  Dust the fans with compressed air, check for blockages, and don’t use the laptop on blankets/pillows. (31:39)
• Battery drains quickly:
  Lower screen brightness, close background apps, and enable low power/energy modes. (32:19)
• Laptop won’t power on:
  Plug in and charge for an hour or two, then hold power for 10 seconds for a hard reboot. (32:47)
• Keyboard/touchpad not working:
  Restart device, ensure OS and drivers are updated, use an external mouse if needed. (33:13)
• Spills:
  Power off immediately, turn device upside down, let it dry for at least a day.
  Myth-busting: “Do NOT put your tech in rice. What, not even your phone? No, not even your phone.” (33:58, Kimber Streams)

When It’s Time to Buy a New Laptop (24:23)

• After trying all cleaning/maintenance steps, continued slowness usually means it’s time to upgrade.

• Ask yourself:

  • What do you need to do on this laptop?
  • How much can you spend?

• Price Bracket Advice:

  • <$500 PCs: risky; often slow and won’t last long. (09:35, 27:14)
  • $800+: Generally more reliable, better components/build, and will likely last at least 5 years. (25:32)
  • Macs: Great resale/deal prices recently; e.g., the M4 MacBook Air usually ~$800, 2020 MacBook Air for ~$600. (27:45)

• Operating System Advice:

  • No “holy war”: Use what you’re comfortable with, and consider what other devices/support you have (phone, tech-savvy friends, nearby Apple Store, etc.). (28:30)

• Buying Refurbished/Used:

  • Prefer manufacturer/refurbished for warranty/condition.
  • When buying used from retailers, look for “excellent/like new” and longest possible warranty. (30:04)

Final Takeaways and Tips (From the Hosts)

• Rosie: More expensive laptops tend to deliver and last longer—a “hard pill to swallow.”
• Christine: Inspired to set aside regular time for maintenance using Kimber’s guide—“going to sit with Kimber’s article and go step by step.” (36:27)
• Kyra: “I need to get my digital house in order.” Will finally overcome fear and empty her trash, plus debunk the rice myth for tech spills.

Fun & Lighthearted Moments

• Kimber shares their whimsical favorites—custom frog-shaped crossbody bags from Chimera Bunny (34:37). “The bag is a frog. He’s very long and green, and he’s got big eyeballs. And when you unzip his mouth, it’s red on the inside.” (35:09)

Recommended Resources & Wirecutter Links

• Read: "How to Make Your Old Computer Feel New Again" by Kimber Streams (referenced repeatedly)
• See Show Notes: For Wirecutter’s in-depth guides, including proper spill cleanup methods

Useful Timestamps

• 05:19 – Guest introduction and Kimber’s laptop expertise
• 09:24 – Expected lifespan of modern laptops
• 10:41 – Treating your computer like your home, not your car
• 13:31 – The Three Essential Maintenance Steps
• 19:09 – Speeding up startup (apps at launch)
• 20:48 – Importance of software/OS updates
• 24:43 – When to “throw in the towel” and replace your laptop
• 27:14 – How much you should actually pay for a good laptop
• 31:33 – Diagnosing common laptop problems (speed round)
• 33:58 – Do NOT put your tech in rice

Closing Note

The episode dispels intimidation around computer upkeep and purchasing decisions, empowering listeners with clear, expert-backed, and maintainable actions. The lively chemistry, ongoing humor, and Kimber’s reassuring expertise make it both entertaining and practical—even for self-described “non-techies.”