How long time does it usually take before you replace your computer?

[steve2112]

I generally keep stuff until it dies. I think my 2009 Mini is the newest machine I have right now. My gaming PC is about two years old. My old "gaming machine" is an old P4 beige box that I turned into an Ubuntu box. I actually don't know how old it is. I got it in 2007 after somebody brought it to me to fix, then decided to replace it and let me have it. All it needed was a new hard drive, which I replaced and it is still running. I figure I'll keep it going until a major component like the motherboard dies. I just want to see how long that thing can last.

My 5 year old Powerbook is probably next to die. The hard drive is grinding, and it randomly drops wireless. I know it's blasphemy around here, but I'm actually considering replacing it with a Windows notebook. Or actually, buying a Windows notebook and reloading it with Linux. I really can't afford or justify the $1000+ for the cheapest MBP.

 

[roadbloc]

Until the day it dies on me.

 

[slu]

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My iMac is from 2004 and my MacBook is from 2008. I'll probably get a new desktop in 2011. Perhaps an ipad 2 and I'll sell my MacBook if iPad is compelling enough.

 

[kellen]

I guess a desktop every 5-6 years, especially after buying a Mac Pro.

My laptops probably 2-3 years, right before applecare runs out for better return.

However it all depends on what is released. I almost ditched the early 08 MBP for a unibody just because they seem more durable. However since I can wait, I want to see where they go with the next round of updates.

 

[Dalton63841]

wwwwwccccssssssshhhhhhhhhh

great excuse for a new one!

I know it! She is hyper-excited about getting my MBP. It will be her first just like it was my first.

 

[daneoni]

My current laptop is the longest serving Mac I've owned at 18months. I'm likely gonna upgrade to sandy bridge and then stop there for two years at least.

 

[DoFoT9]

I would fill that 128GB overnight! I know it lacks CPU power but as you might know, my computing needs aren't very heavy. As long as MR works I'll be happy

yeh pretty easy to fill that - but store it on a networked drive or something lol MR-clan-addict

I would probably get dual 24"s I'm fine with TN panels since I don't do photo editing or stuff like that.

good call. eyeFinity!, make it 3 monitors

I know it! She is hyper-excited about getting my MBP. It will be her first just like it was my first.

oooohhhh exciting stuff! how far is that off?

 

[Schtumple]

3 years, as soon as the warranty is up, it's worthless to me, if it dies, I can't afford Apples ridiculously high service charges, easier to just get a new machine than risk being bitten by some £800 charge....

My iMac that I bought about 5 years ago when in college is now my mums machine, it's a shame that such a powerful machine has been degraded to simple email and internet use, but there we go, at least it's still running, although my mum has a terrible history of completely destroying any technology she comes into contact with, so I'm just waiting for the day she kills my machine for good... It's served me well though.

 

[63dot]

As for keeping the computer around as the main or secondary/backup machine, I would say the average is six years. But as for having it as my main computer, I have what averages out to a three year average which is longer than most.

I just can't afford a new machine every year or two years.

New iBook 1999, new restocked floor model PC laptop 1999, refurbished Mac mini 2007, new PC laptop 2010.

If I had it over to do, I would have bought an entry level Powerbook G3 in 1999 instead of getting an iBook and similarly priced PC laptop, then a bare bones $399 dollar Compaq tower two or three years later, then the Mac mini, and then the current PC laptop.

 

[DewGuy1999]

In the past I've replaced my Mac at about the 5-year mark. My 1993 Performa 600CD was replaced in 1998 with a Bondi Blue iMac that was replaced in 2003 by this iMac (listed in sig). Based on that replacement cycle I'm overdue for a new Mac, but there has hasn't been nor is there anything currently in Apple's lineup that I want to spend my money on...

 

[ravenvii]

Typically 2 years for me, but this iMac is more than 2 years old now and I have no intention to upgrade in the short-term future. I'm hoping this iMac will last me longer, 3-4 years maybe.

On the other hand, I almost caved when I saw the newer model iMacs with the 16:9 displays. But I held resilient, though I don't know if I could hold out if Apple decides to put Blu-Ray in one of those things (yeahhh like that's gonna happen )

 

[Dalton63841]

oooohhhh exciting stuff! how far is that off?

I will be getting the next generation MBP, but at the earliest March. That is unless the new MBP's do the "ram soldered to the board" crap. If that happens I will buy the 2010 model, as I like being able to upgrade.

 

[DoFoT9]

I will be getting the next generation MBP, but at the earliest March. That is unless the new MBP's do the "ram soldered to the board" crap. If that happens I will buy the 2010 model, as I like being able to upgrade.

fortunately, apple would not do that. i hope! that would be just silly imo.

 

[toolbox]

I have had my Macbook Pro for a couple of years, will get a couple more out of her until i decide to replace.

My iMac, i have had for 5 months so no change of replacement yet.

 

[Heilage]

fortunately, apple would not do that. i hope! that would be just silly imo.

I think they will keep upgradability on the Pros.

 

[0098386]

My current desktop is a 2006 iMac. Upgraded the RAM 2 years ago, and the HDD last year. The DVD drive works 50% of the time but other than that this machine is a freakin trooper!
Can't wait to buy a new one though, probably get one of those 27" monsters next year. But... till death do us part.

Used to get a new laptop every 2 years but my iPod touch has replaced the need for them.

Also running a 2006 iPod Shuffle and 2007 iPod 5.5G.

My oldest piece of hardware is a 6 year old HDD that I use for my iTunes library. 300gb and bought in late 2004. Still alive!

 

[noaccess]

I still use a 5 year old iBook... I think I'll get a new mac next year.

 

[Messy]

Well, I no longer use desktop PC's, I've not used them for 6/7 years or so.

I now exclusively use Laptops/MacBooks with the exception of a desktop PC at work.

I pretty much use Laptops etc till they die, or im forced to replace them.

My history with laptops/macbooks are as follows:

Toshiba Laptop -had it for a couple of years, then dropped it on it's corner, smashed the side of the screen, it died a slow death. Overall a decent laptop, and pretty tough too.

HP Laptop -had it just over a year before the screen started to die, the graphics card started to die too, before long I had a tonne of lines down the screen, the build quality was horrid, and it just died, was a total bag of crap.

Samsung Laptop -had it about 2 years or so, brilliant laptop, really good spec and was a great price, build quality was pretty decent. I was broken into unfortunately, and it was stolen -gutted.

Macbook -bought it for a cheap price, it was my introduction to Apple Macs, really impressed, overall it was decent but not powerful enough, I sold it a few months later, and made a nice little profit which financed my next purchase.

MacBook Pro 13" -my current laptop, great spec, runs well, looking to buy a SSD at some point.

Thats me!

 

[pjarvi]

Longest i've gone was 5 years with a desktop PC. Built a new system in the Spring of 2006 and bought a MacBook that summer, so just approaching the 5 year mark for both systems. Both are running beautifully though, so I don't feel any urge to replace them. I do need to replace the hard drive in the MacBook however, i've never gone this long on a hard drive without replacing it so i'm starting to get anxious about replacing it before it can fail. Everything is on an external drive at least, and backed up to a Time Capsule.

 

[iJohnHenry]

... I'm starting to get anxious about replacing it before it can fail..

hal: I've just picked up a fault in the ae35 unit. It's going to go 100% failure in 72 hours.

 

[Spock]

I try and upgrade my notebook every 2 years, and my desktop ever 4-5 years. I also replace my iPod Touch every other generation and will probably do the same with my iPad.

 

[vincenz]

About 4 years usually. I'm hoping my 2008 aluminum macbook will last a little longer than that though. I might just spring for an SSD within the next 2 years to make it last.

 

[wackymacky]

At home I have 3 desktop macs, which I replace on a rotating sechedule where one is replaced about once each year depending on timing of model releases.

 

[Mitchelino]

I bought my MacBook Pro Oct 2008 and have been using it since (wish I had waited, as the unibody refresh was only a few months later). It still works good, but it is due for replacement. I'm hoping to buy an iMac and keep it for 5 years.

 

[wordoflife]

I upgrade on a 3-4 year cycle. I need to keep my current MBP until the end of high school, and I am a freshman . I will upgrade when it comes time for college, but that is far away from now.

I'm in the same exact boat as him ^^

I got a Dell Dimension 8400 (3.2ghz pentium 4, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd, ati radeon x300) in November 2004.

Then I got a Dell inspiron E550 (core duo - 1.73ghz, 2gb ram, 120Gb hdd, ati radeon x1400) in February 2007

Then I built a PC (see my signature) in Jan 2010

And I got my MacBook pro in July 2010

The only reason I replaced the laptop is because I really wanted a Mac, and my laptop had a shot battery, broken keys, flimsy display, bogged down with programs and stuff like that.

I wasn't careful with it so it went quickly. I think If I'm good with my Mac, then i'll keep it for the next 3.5 years.