How long can I expect a MBA to last?

[vitzr]

My 15" 2002 PowerBook looks like new, runs like new, has it's original hard drive & all components, & has only had the battery replaced as needed.

Software doesn't fail, so I'd say that's a pretty good record.

It still does what I bought it to do when it was new. No longer my primary Mac laptop, it served me well then, and after loads of use is still fun to use for writing, surfing, etc.

This model was know for it's less than durable hinges, yet mine are just fine because I'm careful with my computers. It's not been babied, just taken care of. Theres not a scratch on it, my friends are amazed.

Value today? Priceless. I have no intention of selling it for any price

 

[jmpnop]

Sorry, I'm very computer illiterate - what's the difference between SSD and 128/256 flash storage? Because earlier when I spoke to the Apple people here locally, they said I couldn't buy a 128 and then later upgrade to 256 They both have 4GB ram.

SSD and flash are the same. You're right, RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later on the MBA.

 

[Roman2K~]

SSD and flash are the same. You're right, RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later on the MBA.

In a MBA, the SSD isn't soldered onto the motherboard, as opposed to RAM chips. So it can be upgraded.

 

[ecib]

Thanks, everyone. Yes, the reason why I'm asking is partially because I don't want to sign up for disposable society, so if this thing lasts a while I'd rather get the bigger version and treat it as a long term investment. I generally take good care of my electronics so that shouldn't be an issue. While I haven't fully decided, I'm likely to get the three year protection plan.

I guess I'm leaning towards the 256 now.

I got the 256 with the maxed out processor. I purchased it a year ago with the expectation of keeping it for 5 years. It's plenty of storage since a)I have over a TB of media that needs to be stored externally anyway, and b)with all the cloud services out there, you can easily add another 35-50 GB of storage free.

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30 years +/- 30 years

I still have my Apple IIc from 1984...2 years away from 30

 

[jojoba]

SSD and flash are the same. You're right, RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later on the MBA.

Thanks

In a MBA, the SSD isn't soldered onto the motherboard, as opposed to RAM chips. So it can be upgraded.

But Apple wouldn't do it for you - is that right? If so, how is it done? (Sorry, but I'm clueless about these things...)

I still have my Apple IIc from 1984...2 years away from 30

Wow - that's