Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
How long can I expect a MBA to last?
- Thread starter jojoba
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
in answer to your original query, I'd say until just before the extended warranty expires.
(or until you drop it, whichever comes first
)
(or until you drop it, whichever comes first
)in answer to your original query, I'd say until just before the extended warranty expires.
(or until you drop it, whichever comes first
Haha. Well, if it's just before, that's OK, but I remember a few years ago when the iPod first came and at least where I live they all seemed to go bonkers a few weeks after the warranty expired...
I've done my share of dropping laptops/spilling milky and sugary coffee on keyboards/ having my husband download viruses etc, and I'm going to watch this like a little baby, lol. I'm the same with my iPad. I DON'T want another disaster
I think that's all a bit of a scam, really. When I grew up, a washing machine would last ten or fifteen years. Now they last five or something.
actually its not that they don't last longer but hardware wise they tend to become outdated so you wouldn't be able to smoothly run programm a,b,c, so you would upgrade.
Well it depends on the machine and however they figure out that statistic. While working at an Apple repair shop I saw computers come in anywhere from 3 months to 8 years for their first repair. Applecare is 1 year standard or 3 years extended, so after three years if something goes wrong it will come out of your pocket.
Also most computers become outdated due to what is released 6 months to a year later. So if I buy a Mac Book Pro now it might not be as desirable when the Ivy Bridge comes out sometime next year. So people will want to upgrade and so on.
So 3 or more years after you buy your _________ computer and you have to spend ________ dollars to upgrade it, fix it or replace it, what will you do? Some people will more then likely just buy a new computer. So if I had a Powermac G5 today, and say something like the liquid cooling leaked. I may be out several hundred dollars to fix it. So would I a. fix it or b. get a newer Mac Pro?
Last edited:
30~Gb of music, 100Gb of RAW photos and HD video for my Photography Degree, then the usual things. MBA is my only device.
Since used Apple machines seem to hold such a high value it seems the smartest thing to do is to try and get the best price you can on a new machine and sell it 1-2 years later. If you get Applecare you can sell it at the 2 year mark and the new customer might pay a little more for that. The most depreciation is in year one but it is amazing to me how much people will even pay for Mac Book Air Caore Duo machines. Look at how much Apple gets for those refurbs even. They sell. It is possible that you list only 30-40% in 2 yrs time. By selling you get a new machine, fresh battery, new 1 yr warranty etc. Now SSDs will be dropping so thins might affect resales but they wont be getting drastically lower in the next yr because anything over 256 GB if off the charts pricewise.
Yes, that wiki-link was the kind of thing I was referring to, although I didn't mean to apply it to Apple products in particular.
I see the point about keeping it for 1-2 years and re-selling being smart, but my point of departure is that I'd rather hold on to it if it works well and doesn't have issues. But I guess I'll just see what I do when I get there. Obviously I'm not going to repair something if it's not worth the money.
I did get the three year Apple care plan. I haven't spent this much money on a single item in a really long time, so I felt forking out that additional money was worth it for peace of mind/ long term investment. It might end up being money out the window, but you just never know with these things until after the fact.
That's
I see the point about keeping it for 1-2 years and re-selling being smart, but my point of departure is that I'd rather hold on to it if it works well and doesn't have issues. But I guess I'll just see what I do when I get there. Obviously I'm not going to repair something if it's not worth the money.
I did get the three year Apple care plan. I haven't spent this much money on a single item in a really long time, so I felt forking out that additional money was worth it for peace of mind/ long term investment. It might end up being money out the window, but you just never know with these things until after the fact.
That's
How does the fan work if there's no moving parts?
How does the keyboard and trackpad work if there's no moving parts?
How do you open the screen if there's no moving parts?
Ok so i guess there are some moving parts,but a 13" Macbook Air should last in my mind quite a few yrs, meaning more than 3 or so, with good care of course.
But like other posters have said, the resale is very good on these machines, so I might keep my Air for 3yrs and sell it and get the latest etc, but we will see.
But like other posters have said, the resale is very good on these machines, so I might keep my Air for 3yrs and sell it and get the latest etc, but we will see.
My 2008 MBP still works, that has a HDD and DVD drive, 2 fans, hinge
Okay admittedly the DVD Drive is dead, the fans whir at 3000~rpm and the hinge isn't what it used to be, but it still works!AppleCare is a good idea. With reasonable care, you've just guaranteed that your new computer will last 3 years. Plus ... and something that is usually overlooked.... you get to call Apple for software issues for 3 years too (note: just Apple SW, not 3rd party). So, in 2.5 years, if you are having issues with the OS - you can call AppleCare and talk to someone.
Also, check the credit card you used to buy it...often you are covered for accidental damage by the CC (things not covered by the warranty) for a year or so.
My wife still uses her 1st gen MBA, and it's fine. The cat managed to drop it and we had to take it to an authorized repair centre to get the corner of the lid straightened (not covered by any warranty in our case - but still way cheaper than replacing the lid!)
See, thats what I mean, if you just want a small computer to couch surf, wouldn't an older mac something or other that has been either refurbed or seller says it works fine, be a good buy ?, for short money. You would still get the mac OS etc. I guess what I am saying, if Macs are better built, shouldn't they last a long time before the by the farm.
Not talking about technology and improvements, just working and doing what it is supposed to do.
Not talking about technology and improvements, just working and doing what it is supposed to do.
Yep, and it still totally works for that. It's getting pretty tired, though, and has no battery to speak of. It would be a lot cheaper to just buy a new battery. It also won't play Netflix. BUT! I have disposable income and a penchant for shiny apple products. The PowerBook G4 has served me well (I actually did buy it second hand on craigslist for about $250 over a year ago - which is also why I won't invest a lot of money in it) and soon it will be time to move on.
I bought a i7 13" 256g Air, I'm not what they call a 'measurebator' but wanted something to last me for my office needs and traveling, this computer will be perfect for me for the next 4ish years then I'll upgrade. I'm sure it will last 20 years if you want it to, my Apple IIe from the 80's still works but just not for my uses anymore.
I'm feeling good about my decision now, and the Apple care, too. I'm not very 'technical' and neither are any of my family members, so having the three year customer service is a good insurance for me. And then at least this thing should last me three years and maybe even a bit longer. I'll take good care of it. I'm happy now and hope it arrives soon