Lifespan of a Macbook Pro?

[floydsolo]

Always had iMacs & the last one I've had for just over 5 years has never missed a beat & is still going strong.

I'm very interested in the new Macbook Pro retina as the potability is very appealing, but also will be using as a desktop setup connected to external monitor for photo studio work. My main reservation is the cost & the lifespan of a laptop compared to a desktop. I'm aware of the fact that it will be dependent on the amount of use, but how many years should I expect out of one of these machines?

I can justify 4-5 years based on the cost.

cheers

 

[GGJstudios]

Always had iMacs & the last one I've had for just over 5 years has never missed a beat & is still going strong.

I'm very interested in the new Macbook Pro retina as the potability is very appealing, but also will be using as a desktop setup connected to external monitor for photo studio work. My main reservation is the cost & the lifespan of a laptop compared to a desktop. I'm aware of the fact that it will be dependent on the amount of use, but how many years should I expect out of one of these machines?

I can justify 4-5 years based on the cost.

cheers

My primary Mac is an almost 5 year old MBP that still looks and runs like new. It all depends on how you care for it.

 

[biggd]

It also depends on the tasks you'll use on it. I use my Mac for general stuff, but the laptop for work. I transitioned the iMac into a new role

 

[floydsolo]

It also depends on the tasks you'll use on it. I use my Mac for general stuff, but the laptop for work. I transitioned the iMac into a new role

I will still be using my 24" iMac at home as my main desktop, photo editing mainly. The Macbook would be tethered in the studio to display images taken & also basic lightroom edits in studio. I will also be using as a portable solution if on location also but used in the same fashion as in studio.

 

[MCAsan]

Two aspects to life span. First is hardware....everything works...even if it is slow. Perhaps a more important thing is OS and apps. At what point will your hardware no longer run the OS and apps you want/need.

 

[entropi]

my main mac - a MBP 17" - will be 4 years old in march this coming spring. the PowerBook 17" it replaced still works fine (bought in november 2005)...
<3

 

[floydsolo]

my main mac - a MBP 17" - will be 4 years old in march this coming spring. the PowerBook 17" it replaced still works fine (bought in november 2005)...
<3

That's encouraging to know. Anything over 4 years would be justifiable to purchase at the current prices. I would be purchasing the 3 year apple care also but would prob not be worth trying to fix after this point if something like the motherboard packed up.

 

[GermanyChris]

I have an 09 17", and 03 12" PowerBook until the 17 took a little spill a couple weeks back both look new and perform as new.

 

[Badrottie]

Still have old 2007 MBP and it runs very strong.

 

[bobcan]

I bought a 1st gen MBP in Apr-06, and used it until late 2008 when I upgraded.. That original worked just fine and looked great still, so I sold it to a friend.. He used it for 2yrs+ before someone stole it..

My 2008 got upgraded 3 yrs later (I had THE flawed Nvidia 8600M issue with this one, TWICE, and it was Replaced the 2nd time right before I sold it ~ and it still works fine for another friend's Mother) and I will likely keep this latest mid-2011 MBP for about 3 years too!!

 

[mckey]

Still using my late 2008 MBP 15-inch still running great.