mostly it's folk who snort with derision at anything pre 2013.
I spent 6 months last year working for an Apple authorized service provider and this way of thinking was shared among staff and management, entirely handed down from Apple official through constant sales and “Genius” type training programs.
Staff must continually remain up to date with Apple sales training doing quizzes (and earning points) on how to push new hardware onto the next customer to walk through the door.
Apple have perfected the art of sales/manipulation. They have refined the language to “align with the customer” selling the advantages they will gain in replacing their old hardware for new.
Any customer presenting a 7 year plus Mac would be advised in Apple speak; “As it seems, your computer is no longer supported by Apple and is now considered vintage. The good news is we can offer you an out of warranty repair service. Would you like us to inspect the computer to quote for repair?”
Once the customer pays a non refundable $99 inspection fee and waits a few days (yes, days); “Yes sir, your computer is repairable. Our diagnosis reveals you will require a replacement logic board at a cost of $800 plus labour. Due to the cost of repair, it is our recommendation you purchase a new Mac.”
“The new MacBook Air starts at only $999, not much more than the cost of repairing your old Mac. And compared to your old Mac, there are major advancements in technology found in this new model. Just look at how thin and light it is! So much better for traveling than that bulky old Mac of yours. The battery life now allows up to 18 hours of operation. This new computer will change your life!”
Customers often had a laugh when they were told their Mac was “vintage” or “obsolete”, quickly followed by that look of self doubt (“Really? I fell that far behind?”). The psychology behind this drives a person to feel they need to PROVE they can “keep up” and stay relevant by buying (into) a new hardware purchase.
It is this old-world marketing tactic. The “Fear of missing out” that I hope to see come to a grinding halt someday soon...
Yes, I’ve become cynical and unlikely to buy new again. My inner Apple fan-boy remains conflicted!
My daily driver at work (a non-Apple serving job now) may be a 2018 MBP, but my everyday machines at home, which are still very capable of producing income are generally 2008 and older - My primary production Macs are a MacPro3,1, my old faithful MacBook5,1 a DC G5 and a PBG4 12-inch.
I then have a sea of other Macs that I tinker with for my own enjoyment dating from 1997 (PB1400) to 2011 (MBP).
