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G4 iBook 1.2 Ghz - bought last November - will be my main machine for about 3 years probably. Runs Toger like a dream and does everything I want to do, and more.
 
Until something irreplaceable fries, so... another 3 - 4 years?

Won't be my main machine for that long though; when a Powerbook form factor revision comes along I'll pick it up.
 
I'm keeping my rev C powerbook until something significant gets updated. Already saving the money for a new one. If the next upgrade isn't great then i might get an iMac.

I like the portability of the powerbooks though.
 
I bought my PC 3 1/2 years ago and it still games pretty well, I just got my ibook 2 weeks ago and it should last 3-4 years but I will probably upgrade the HD soon.
 
I'm not a heavy graphics user, just basic computer needs so my iBook I purchase last August will last another several years. Unless, of course, I happen upon some cash and buy a 15" PB and give the iBook to my daughter! The PB just has some other features that I would like to have.
 
i don't have all that much money at the moment, i want to get a new powerbook, like a g5 when they're released. i don't think my current PB will last me much longer, i have a ton of wear and tear on it, and i don't know how much more it can take :eek:
 
my current laptop will last me a good while but I really want to get a PB when they're updated, so whenever that happens will be when I get rid of my laptop
 
I'm not really sure to be honest...

I wanted to say I'd have it 3/4 years, but I'm already seeing the Powerbook choke on high res WMV vids, or H.264 HD videos.

It does everything else fine, but I don't like having to watch lower res videos, have to re-encode some just to even watch them, or not be able to watch some videos at all... :(

I get the feeling we'll see Dual-Core Powerbooks soon, which I'm dreading, as that would instantly sort all the issues I've got with mine, and provide a big speed jump.
 
My RevA 20" iMac G5 will last me until Apple get a dual core PM out the door, and I just can't take it anymore! ...best start saving...:eek:
 
iBunny said:
I have an iBook G4 1.33Ghz computer. Fairly new. I was wondering how many of you have a similar 'Lower performance' (iBook, Powerbook, 1stGen iMac, Mini) and how long it is going to last you as your main machine?

I've encountered my fair share of problems with my Performa 578 (sound disappeared after 3 weeks), iMac G3 (extra 256 of memory no longer recognized) and Laserwriter 4/600 printer (died suddenly after 2 1/2 years of light usage ... did not bother with an autopsy), yet I still maintain a certain level of optimism about my upcoming laptop purchase.

If the computer gods look kindly upon me this time, I would be thrilled to receive 4 trouble free years. Hopefully, I'll catch a break.
 
My PowerBook will remain my main machine probably through college (thats the next 4 years) and possibly grad school. If anything, I will upgrade around it (iPod, Apple Cinema Display, iSight, etc).

The only other computer in the near future would be a powerhouse PC I will build for heavy gaming and LAN parties, but I still haven't decided if I will do that for sure or just save my cash for something else.

My next main machine will most likely be a laptop though because I like the freedom of mobility, and it will hopefully be something like a Dual-G5 PowerBook 12" Rev J lol :p
 
Well, my main system is a PowerBook G3 (Wallstreet) which was released in September 1998. I originally bought it in 2001 to run Rhapsody on and to replace my IBM ThinkPad (also running Rhapsody) as my main mobile system. In September of 2002 I put 10.2 on it and it became my main system (and my ThinkPad was pushed back into service as my main mobile system). In early 2003 I installed a G4/500 upgrade and I haven't been able to justify getting a new system ever since.

This system works as good today as when I put the G4/500 in it, so I'm just as productive. Until I need something that only runs on a newer system (in other words, I need to replace software that is already working perfectly for me) I have no compelling reason to replace this system.

I don't like monkeying with a system that is running perfectly, so I haven't felt any need to go chasing after the latest and greatest of anything. I see, and troubleshoot, that type of stuff everyday. When I get home and need to do work on my system, I expect it to be absolutely trouble-free... and it is.

The most processor intensive tasks I do are in Photoshop and I almost never find myself waiting on Photoshop to finish anything, so, again, I have no compelling reason to replace this system.

:rolleyes:

Of course if someone else was paying for it, I'd get a new system right now. :D But it isn't worth my time and money as things currently stand.
 
i've been running my rev.a 12" pb since july '03. i added 512mb ram for a total of 640mb. it's my main machine and i have no problems with speed or power aside from the thing choking on pdf's and iphoto. think a 1gb stick would help?
 
I've had my 12" PB for 10 months now. I plan on using it as my primary machine for at least 3 more years. This will serve me for my years in college. After college I want to buy a new PowerMac and still use my PB as a mobile machine.
 
I finally decided I couldn't wait for the G5 Powerbook. But I'm still waiting for the G5 PB to come out. When it does, I will be replacing this PB for that one. My Dell gave me a good 18 months and it'll be going on e-bay next month.
 
Both my eMac and my iBook are good to serve for another 2 or so years.

I would like a nice flat iMac though - but it's just one of those things where you can say "It's like 800MHz faster!" but in reality it doesn't do anything I cant do already...except for the ripple effect in Tiger. *grr*
 
My PM should last me at least 3-4 years, especially if I bump the RAM. If it lasts as long as my old iMac - 5 years and counting- I'll be happy.
 
Bought my PMG5 in October 04 and plan on having it last me for 4 years of college and then some maybe. My 2 year old iBook is also working great, although I may be upgrading to a 12" Powerbook this summer.
 
G3 350, Imac Indigo 8GB, 576MB RAM (Ithink), os x 10.1.5.

Still going strong. Works for everything I need it for. Will definitely keep it as main computer for a couple years to come. Am looking at perhaps an ibook(if updated soon!) or a pb that I'll use alongside it.
 
Well, I just picked up a 1.5ghz 15" powerbook last week, so I plan on using this as my main machine for another 3-4 years. Of course, I thought the exact same thing of my 800mhz iBook, and that only lasted me 1.5 years :p
 
I'm wondering myself. My wife keeps after me. We have a iBook G3 purchased in July 2001 as a backup, that my wife insists that we need. My main computer is a Power Mac G4 dual 450 Graphite purchased in September of 2000. Both running Panther with no problems at the moment. Have them running 24/7 for over a year now folding, in that category they are deficient.
 
I hope my PowerBook will last me for 1 or 2 more years as my mobile machine. The next revision iMac or PowerMac will be my first desktop Mac. I'm expecting for it to last at least 2 years. Probably 3-4 years.

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I have been saving since June of last year and I expect to have around $2600 by July of this year. I hope the new iMacs and PowerMacs come in November/December.
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