If you know the upper limit for performance (you mention it doesn't work on some of the latest browsers on your new laptop), then you can use the user agent information to get browser and OS information, turning off the feature for versions that are older than your upper limit. It's an overly cautious approximation, you can always use your judgement when setting the thresholds.
Also, see this related question: How can I test the user's computer's processing power using Javascript?