How often do you upgrade your Apple gear?

[ravenvii]

I am going to try and keep my 2008 20" iMac as long as I can. I had to replace the HDD about 6 months ago. When it does need replacing I will not be buying another Mac unless Apple allows the Graphics card to be upgraded. I'm not to happy about being stuck with an outdated, underpowered graphics card.

If you're a gamer that upgrades his graphic cards in an otherwise untouched machine every year, the iMac is absolutely the wrong machine for you. Why did you buy it?

 

[StruckANerve]

If you're a gamer that upgrades his graphic cards in an otherwise untouched machine every year, the iMac is absolutely the wrong machine for you. Why did you buy it?

I wasn't a computer Gamer when I bought it. I bought it because of how reliable my wifes G4 Powerbook was and I needed a good desktop machine and I got suckered into the hype of Apple products. I didn't know any better.

I figured that spending 1700 bucks on a computer would get me some top of the line hardware. What a joke that turned out to be.

 

[toolbox]

My macs i normally replace every two years. Normally give the ones that are being replaced to family.

My iPhone, i have only had one of these 3gs so i am not keen on upgrading until the signal issue is addressed

My iPad no doubt will upgrade it when the second gen is released

 

[tunerX]

When I bought my 24" iMac I said I would replace it when a quad core came out.

Got the 27" i7 and told myself that I will replace it when an 8 core comes out, or if it breaks.

I am waiting for a quad core MBP. Don't care how long I have to wait. I will wait steve jobs out.

I still haven't decided on when I am going to upgrade the iPad.

 

[rnelan7]

I got my MBP in the summer and I am selling it to my friend then buying a MBA. I just got a 27" iMac and have gone through two 24" Cinema displays. I guess it is more of trading to find the right combination for my preferences instead of upgrading.

 

[vincenz]

I still have a 3rd gen ipod from 2004 I'm using. iPhone I've been upgrading every year, but I'm planning to stop the cycle this year with that. Macs every 4-5 years or so.

 

[KeriJane]

Great question.

Answer: I don't know yet, all of my Apple stuff still works fantastically well.

I suppose I'll upgrade the Mac Pro when Apple comes out with an OS it won't run. Maybe a couple of years? Or maybe I'll just stick with it for awhile after that.

The 20 and 23" ACD monitors? Unless something goes seriously wrong, they'll be here awhile. "Seriously Wrong" means worse than failed LCD bulbs or capacitors. Maybe I'll get the 27"ACD or whatever replaces it someday but the old ones stay.

The iPad? Forget upgrade fever, I'm keeping this one till it's dead or obsolete.

Apple stuff is the best I've experienced.
Thanks Steve!

Have Fun,
Keri

 

[wirelessmacuser]

PowerBooks and now MacBook Pros I upgrade at each refresh, largely because I do resource intensive work and can use all the ram and speed they offer.

iPhones I also upgrade at each refresh.

As far as the rest, I used my first generation MBA until this new model was just released, then I bought the 11" and 13" due to the amount of travel I do both domestic and international.

I like to have choices and frankly could not decide between them. They each have very compelling advantages.

Cheers...

 

[steve2112]

I wasn't a computer Gamer when I bought it. I bought it because of how reliable my wifes G4 Powerbook was and I needed a good desktop machine and I got suckered into the hype of Apple products. I didn't know any better.

I figured that spending 1700 bucks on a computer would get me some top of the line hardware. What a joke that turned out to be.

HA! Boy, did you get suckered. Welcome to the wonderful world of Apple, home of outdated processors (Core 2) and video cards (pick one).

 

[MacNut]

I run it until it dies. As long as it keeps up with what I need it to do there is no reason to upgrade to the latest and greatest. Computers usually 4-6 years.

 

[molala]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (iPhone; Opera Mini/5.0.019802/22.387; U; en) Presto/2.5.25 Version/10.54)

Apple laptops -- roughly every 3 years. So far, I've sold the old ones (Pismo G3, iBookG4, PB G4 12") fully working for a good amount of cash, they were fine, just became too slow for me. Have the last gen black MacBook right now and I'm tempted by the new 13" Airs, but I will try to wait 1 more year.

Still using a 2006 gen 5 iPod and an iPhone 3G too. Will probably upgrade iPhone next year.

 

[chadvonnau]

PowerMac G4: 2002 (first mac)
Macbook Pro: 2007
New computer next year maybe.

I'm a video editor and compositor. I'm the slowest upgrader out of any of my peers, but f it. Use computers till they die.

 

[Brien]

Laptops: Every other year. iBook G4 in 2004, black MacBook in '06, 15" MBP in '08. This year will break the cycle, but I will likely upgrade in 2011 at the refresh (hoping for a redesign of the MBP).

Desktops: Never? I've only had 2: A Performa in '96 and a PowerMac G4 in '99.

iPhone: Every other year (when contract lets me). Skipping generations is the smart thing to do, as they don't add many new features each year.

 

[OutThere]

My original iMac DV lasted years until it was unbearably slow even with maxed out upgrades. Since then I've had laptops that have been on a two year cycle from being broken or stolen. I'm at two years on my current MBP, which i have no intention of replacing, though it has been exhibiting some concerning screen flickering graphics-failure-is-imminent type stuff lately, which I'm quietly ignoring.

 

[Huntn]

Although I have an approximately 7 year old G5 tower which I'll keep till it dies, I usually upgrade my lap top every 3-4 years. My primary upgrade motivator used to be playing games. But I'm not playing as many games as I used to so maybe I'll break that pattern.

 

[Hisdem]

I upgrade when I feel I need to. When my computer starts to get in my nerves, or, sometimes, when I can and the new gen is very appealing.