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How long do you plan on using your current MBA before upgrading?
- Thread starter HarryWarden
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I'm looking at keeping this for a good 5+ years.
This is my backup computer for on the road and it'll do more than enough! My 06 (white) Macbook would still be that road computer but battery life and issues with the fan finally forced me to replace it with this. That and the rMBP was still a tad bit to large for carrying around all day.
This is my backup computer for on the road and it'll do more than enough! My 06 (white) Macbook would still be that road computer but battery life and issues with the fan finally forced me to replace it with this. That and the rMBP was still a tad bit to large for carrying around all day.
Anywhere from 2-4 years. Sometimes you hit a good cycle when processing power outlasts the software. Some people call it future proofing. If you bought a 2011 MBA with 4gb of memory, you should be be fine for Mavericks and maybe one more.
When my MBA is too slow I'm upgrading, I like it when it's speedy.
When my MBA is too slow I'm upgrading, I like it when it's speedy.
I'm ready to replace my 2010 with a Haswell rMBP when they're available. I say that now, but that may change when the time comes and I actually need to cough up the $$$. Fact of the matter is I don't NEED to upgrade. The only thing I could use more performance in is when i'm running windows via parallels, but I do that like once a week or less and not for a long period of time either. Who knows, I may end up keeping it until it just quits or falls apart on me. Or if there's an OSX update that I really want that doesn't run well with these specs.
Well, considering that I still have the old LC475 that I got in the mid-90's ... 
(and yes, it still works, although TBH it's not useful for very much anymore. I still keep my old writing from that era stored on its HDD though.)
When I bought my near-base model 2012 MBA (128GB, i5, 8GB RAM) I was anticipating keeping it at least as long as I've had that ancient LC475. However, I'm already drooling over the 2013's (12hr battery life??), so I might be selling this one in a year or so (while it still has some AppleCare left) to help subsidize an upgrade to a 2014.
However, as a few other posters have already said, a lot depends on the $$$ situation. If I wait until I "need" a new computer, I'll probably be waiting a LOT longer than just another year, lol ... Since this one works just fine and will probably continue to do so for several years, a new computer is lower on the priority list than several other items I'm considering.
(and yes, it still works, although TBH it's not useful for very much anymore. I still keep my old writing from that era stored on its HDD though.)When I bought my near-base model 2012 MBA (128GB, i5, 8GB RAM) I was anticipating keeping it at least as long as I've had that ancient LC475. However, I'm already drooling over the 2013's (12hr battery life??), so I might be selling this one in a year or so (while it still has some AppleCare left) to help subsidize an upgrade to a 2014.
However, as a few other posters have already said, a lot depends on the $$$ situation. If I wait until I "need" a new computer, I'll probably be waiting a LOT longer than just another year, lol ... Since this one works just fine and will probably continue to do so for several years, a new computer is lower on the priority list than several other items I'm considering.
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
Uncle Jim? Is that you?!?
I was that way with my 12" G4 powerbooks... but then I really liked the black macbook and finally passed my powerbooks on to family and friends. Since then I have tried not to get too far behind the curve by being too fond of my oldies. So like lately I keep one MBA and one MBP.
My MBP (2010) definitely needs to head out the door, so I'll upgrade that. But then my current Air, which is a mid-2011 and gets used lightly, will need to take the joke here for a few more years. If something really amazing pops up in the MBA product line after I get a different MBP, I'll probably try to sit on my hands for at least that MBA's next gen.
I don't sell my old gear, it goes to family / friends, so there can be budget considerations for sure when Apple brings out something I really like. I have to think whether I can upgrade to that item or if some other kind of gear (say a phone or iPad) is going to call out to me in the near future too.
I'm trying to let other people be early adopters of the radically different stuff now. Sometimes I stick to the goal and sometimes I cave...
Until it dies and repairing is not convenient or until it stops providing me the power I need. (Of course If I have the money to buy a new one when that moment comes)
I upgraded from a 2012 11 because at that moment I bought as a second computer. After realizing how comfortable and powerful it was, it became my main and only computer. Replaced it last june because I needed more ssd. My MBA's 256 SSD + portable SeaGate 1TB USB 3 = more than enough.
I upgraded from a 2012 11 because at that moment I bought as a second computer. After realizing how comfortable and powerful it was, it became my main and only computer. Replaced it last june because I needed more ssd. My MBA's 256 SSD + portable SeaGate 1TB USB 3 = more than enough.
Usually every three years; this is because the cycle I pay closest heed to is the expiry of Applecare, rather than revolutionary updates. In any case, after three years, tech developments have usually what the new model has to offer quite noticeable.
Actually, sometimes, I find I skip a generation of development; my old 13" MBA was 2 GB of RAM, whereas I was able to buy a new 11" MBA with 8 GB; the difference was quite striking.
In general, as in common with the story posted by others, family tend to inherit my older machines.
Actually, sometimes, I find I skip a generation of development; my old 13" MBA was 2 GB of RAM, whereas I was able to buy a new 11" MBA with 8 GB; the difference was quite striking.
In general, as in common with the story posted by others, family tend to inherit my older machines.
I have used my current Macbook Pro for three years now. The only reason I purchased a Macbook Air to replace it is portability. I ordered an i7/8GB/250GB setup. My main tasks will be surfing, Xcode programming, and taking notes at work. I think I will keep it for at least 5 or so years before even thinking about upgrading. As always, plans can change.