Companies that choose to save on upgrading their IT systems by running old machines into the ground could be indulging in a false economy.

According to laptop manufacturer Lenovo, the productivity benefits of using faster computers can outweigh the cost of updating them.

The firm's UK mobile business development manager, Mike Walker, added that computers will begin to develop more problems as they age, such as data loss, which could seriously harm a company.

But the major problem caused by out-of-date equipment could be the effect it may have on staff, he suggested.

According to Mr Walker, slow machines and a lack of willingness from management to update them could lead to skilled employees feeling frustrated and unappreciated, which would likely affect their productivity and may mean they consider taking up a position elsewhere.

"Keeping IT up and running is the most important thing," he said.

But Mr Walker added that IT managers should "look at what a user does on a daily basis" and try to see where an IT update is most needed, as each job and employee will use the technology resources in different ways.