That is, how many years do you expect your current MBA to last you before you upgrade? Mine is a 2012 base model (i5, 4 GB RAM) and the earliest I will upgrade will be next refresh but if I could get to the 2015 refresh that would be ideal.
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How long do you plan on using your current MBA before upgrading?
- Thread starter HarryWarden
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Hopefully 2016 (when AppleCare runs out). I've had sh***y Windows laptops that have lasted me as long, should be no problem for the Air, this thing is awesome. 
(i7/8/256)
(i7/8/256)
At least 5 years (hopefully 7).
Won't upgrade any sooner than that.
Bought a 2013 Haswell for the 12 hour battery life. It should last a long time and even if over the years it starts to drop down into the 4 hour range I have no issue paying for a new battery replacement if it's needed.
I just replaced my 2011 13" i5/4gb/256gb MBA with a 2013 11" i7/8gb/512gb. I would have waited at least another year, but took the opportunity to upgrade by selling the old machine to a friend at a discount price to replace her POS Windows Netbook.
The only reason I would upgrade in the immediate future would be if a consulting job materializes that requires a lot of video work. Would want something more powerful for that, but would probably keep the MBA as a travel machine.
The only reason I would upgrade in the immediate future would be if a consulting job materializes that requires a lot of video work. Would want something more powerful for that, but would probably keep the MBA as a travel machine.
Mid 2011 13" maxed out. Minimum of 3 more years. But that's as my Main machine. Will still be used around. Will probably get a desktop then.
I'm on a 2011 i7 11" and I'm sort of tempted by the 2013 models, but not quite enough to upgrade.
I replace my MBA every year. However, I always pass my one year old machine to a family member. So... I typically buy them with a 5-6 year expected lifespan for each computer. I just personally get a new one every year (since I pay).
It is a great way to rationalize a technology addiction. It applies to iPhones, iPads, and iMacs too!
/Jim
It is a great way to rationalize a technology addiction. It applies to iPhones, iPads, and iMacs too!
/Jim
I replace my MBA every year. However, I always pass my one year old machine to a family member. So... I typically buy them with a 5-6 year expected lifespan for each computer. I just personally get a new one every year (since I pay).
It is a great way to rationalize a technology addiction. It applies to iPhones, iPads, and iMacs too!
/Jim
Which MBA spec do you typically pick up? I need to join your family.
Which MBA spec do you typically pick up? I need to join your family.
I always buy them fully loaded... i7, max memory, max SSD. I want the machine to remain usable over its intended 5-6 year life. I also tend to switch a fair amount between 11" and 13". There are clear advantages of both, and I am often torn on that decision.
My MBA purchases have been:
2009: 13"
2010: 11"
2011: 11"
2012: 13"
2013: 11" & 13"
The reason I bought two this year is because my daughter (college student) accidentally dropped and smashed her 2010 MBA. This happened after I bought my 13" 2013... and water-falled my 2012 MBA. Hence... she got a new one out of cycle. Now I just have to make sure the family doesn't "learn" this behavior as a method for an early upgrade.
/Jim
Exactly the same here, thats why I spec'd a higher end system so that it will last me as long as possible.
at least 3-4 years, that being said all the macs that i have are fully functioning still and are being used on a daily basis by me and other family members so....
the thing is you dont really upgrade because you have to with macs (unless you are a power user) you upgrade often because you want to...
the thing is you dont really upgrade because you have to with macs (unless you are a power user) you upgrade often because you want to...
I just grabbed a 13" 256gb 2013 model. I think I will keep it until AppleCare runs out. I typically don't upgrade often.
I don't have a desktop at the moment, so I left room for myself to get a rMBP in about 2 years if I need some processing power.
I don't have a desktop at the moment, so I left room for myself to get a rMBP in about 2 years if I need some processing power.
I always buy them fully loaded... i7, max memory, max SSD. I want the machine to remain usable over its intended 5-6 year life. I also tend to switch a fair amount between 11" and 13". There are clear advantages of both, and I am often torn on that decision.
My MBA purchases have been:
2009: 13"
2010: 11"
2011: 11"
2012: 13"
2013: 11" & 13"
The reason I bought two this year is because my daughter (college student) accidentally dropped and smashed her 2010 MBA. This happened after I bought my 13" 2013... and water-falled my 2012 MBA. Hence... she got a new one out of cycle. Now I just have to make sure the family doesn't "learn" this behavior as a method for an early upgrade.
/Jim
I really like your approach on your MBA purchases. I think I'll follow your lead when I can build up a family like that. Yeah, hopefully the rest does not "learn" from this. I surely have. =)