Please help! I want to keep my rMBP for minimum 8 yrs, will the i7, 16gb be enough?

[disasterdrone]

Hi,

I need your opinions please.

I'm about to purchase a Haswell based 13' rMBP and I want to keep it an absolute minimum of 8 years.

Do you guys think getting the i7 and 16gb of ram will be enough to keep this machine running flawlessly for 8 years time?

Thank you for any opinions and advice

I'm interested in why you need to keep it for a minimum of 8 years. I'm assuming it has to do with budget issues, and while you may have a tight budget now, I don't think you can possible estimate your cash-flow 8 years out.
I would max it out now, and expect to keep it 4-5 years - you really can't be making this kind of cash-flow decision 8 years out.
If you get more than four years out of it, that's great, if it lasts 8 years (which it might plausibly) then that's great, but budget to replace it in four years.

 

[Orr]

While it's quite possible that the current 13" rMBP will continue to operate for 8 years, there's no guarantee. Consumer electronics are intended to be disposable items, never more so than nowadays. There are so many parts that could breakdown long before then. The i7 upgrade will be utterly meaningless in 8 years as it's still just a lowly dual core processor. The upgrade to 16GB RAM is well worth it if you plan to keep it through the next decade.

The much smarter and logical financial decision would be to get a base model rMBP now and in 3-4 years (if not sooner to get an even better return) sell it and buy the new base model which will be exponentially better than any decked out one currently. The $ you will recoup from the sale coupled with the $ you will have saved by not spending hundreds more on unnecessary upgrades now, will likely cover a substantial amount of your then new laptop.

 

[Swampus]

My parents still have an 11 year old windows XP Dell desktop thats still running. They haven't replaced a thing on it.

Sure. And I'd guess if someone did a study about the percentage of computers by brand that are still in service after ten years, Apple would rank among the best. But that doesn't mean that there is no risk in making decisions based on the assumption that a new laptop will last 8+ years. Industry-wide, I think only about 85% make it to the three year mark?

I'm interested in why you need to keep it for a minimum of 8 years...

OP said it was about anxiety. It happens. I get that way when it's time to buy a car.

While it's quite possible that the current 13" rMBP will continue to operate for 8 years, there's no guarantee. Consumer electronics are intended to be disposable items, never more so than nowadays. There are so many parts that could breakdown long before then. The i7 upgrade will be utterly meaningless in 8 years as it's still just a lowly dual core processor. The upgrade to 16GB RAM is well worth it if you plan to keep it through the next decade.

The much smarter and logical financial decision would be to get a base model rMBP now and in 3-4 years (if not sooner to get an even better return) sell it and buy the new base model which will be exponentially better than any decked out one currently. The $ you will recoup from the sale coupled with the $ you will have saved by not spending hundreds more on unnecessary upgrades now, will likely cover a substantial amount of your then new laptop.

This^^^

I get that the issue is anxiety, but at least you can face it on your own terms and your own schedule by doing it this way (and get more for your money). It's better than being unexpectedly forced to make a purchasing decision on some random day in year four, year five, year six, year seven, you get the idea.

 

[michelg1970]

Product life is so relative.... 8 years usage is a lot but then again - how often do you still see people in The Walking Dead using a MacBook or let alone any computer at all lol...

 

[snaky69]

If you don't incur major hardware problems down the line? Sure, why not?

At the rates things are going though, in 8 years, most smartphones will be more powerful than your laptop, and as the web gets more and more advanced, you may have trouble doing simple things such as browsing the web.

I have an old PowerMac G4 dual processor 500MHz at home, it's being used as a media server. It's now 12 going on 13 years old and works just like it did when new. But I can barely watch youtube on it, let alone play HD content. Back then, it was pretty much one of the most powerful machines available on the market. Today, my iPhone 4S has more processing power.

It really boils down to how much "slowness" you can live with.

 

[cube]

I really really despise change and having to buy new things. It causes me quite a bit of anxiety each time and it's easier for me to keep a machine for a long time (hopefully 8 years or more) by throwing a lot of money at it early on in upgrades to try and extend its longevity, rather than look for a new machine every few years

Migration Assistant. Just don't switch away from Mac.

 

[psik]

Ok, also for the record, my main machine is my 2006 MACBOOK.

So here is the history:

1) trackpad had an issue in the first year - cover warranty
2) the power adapter has had to be changed twice - used ebay to buy off market chargers - also i upgraded from 1 GB to 2 GB couple of years ago
3) the battery has had to be replaced 3 times, and there are still plenty of non-OEM batteries on ebay and I have never had a single problem with them
4) recently ( a month ago) i dropped my macbook the hinge in it broke - cost me 15 bucks to replace it...
5) were it not for the fact that it is 32bit I would have upgraded the memory to 4 GB, upgraded the HARD DRIVE to SSD, and kept it for MORE than 8 years..
6) other than apps which requires 64bit, most essential apps still support my OS (snow leopard) to the fullest...

so so long as you don't have a logic board failure i think 8 years is a viable option..unless something like the screen or something breaks

I am replacing mine though with the next round of MBAs (or maybe rMBAs) / or the rMPs..because 2 GB is really painful now...and the 32bit limit does not allow me 4 GB, unless anyone has been able to upgrade their 32bits to 4GB...

 

[joonyaboy]

It makes more sense to get what you need to last you 4 years, sell it and buy the latest machine for the second set of 4 years.

 

[TheIguana]

Just so you know, I don't know if Apple will be offering batteries for your 2013 rMBP in 2021. If you're keeping the computer for 8 years, you are more than likely to have something major fail, and since the computer is only under warranty for 3 years with apple care, you'll probably be paying some couple hundred dollar fee to replace the part. If you do plan on replacing the battery, since it is glued to the inside, they basically have to replace the machine which won't be cheap. Bottom line, it will be hard to keep for 8+ years because technology moves so fast, and the machine will be so out of date. It is doable, though I wouldn't expect to be doing anything besides browsing the internet and very basic word processing in 8 years.

FYI, Apple only stocks parts and performs repairs for computer models that are 5 years or younger. After that they are considered vintage and an Apple Genius won't touch it.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1752

 

[simon48]

I really really despise change and having to buy new things. It causes me quite a bit of anxiety each time and it's easier for me to keep a machine for a long time (hopefully 8 years or more) by throwing a lot of money at it early on in upgrades to try and extend its longevity, rather than look for a new machine every few years

Just a thought, but if you upgrade more often you will have a lot less change between computers and you will be running smoother.

 

[KUguardgrl13]

I totally understand anxiety, but keeping a laptop for 8+ years is a little unrealistic especially with how difficult new models are to repair.

Apple makes it very easy to move to a new computer. When you start the new machine, you have the option to use Migration Assistant to move your data from another Mac, a PC, or a Time Machine backup on an Apple Time Capsule or other external hard drive. After a few hours, your new Mac is set up exactly as the old Mac was. I'm not sure what happens with PC transfers as I've never done it. But Mac to Mac it's set up exactly the same with every file in the same place. You may have to change sleep settings and things like that if you don't like the default. OS X also hasn't changed a whole lot in terms of its basic functionality, and it may not for a few more years. And if you don't feel comfortable doing the migration and setup yourself, the Apple Geniuses are happy to help set up new machines.

If you are truly anxious about making changes in less than 8-10 years, then you may want to consider the non-retina MacBook Pro or a different laptop entirely. The non-retina MBPs are much more easy to repair and upgrade yourself. I just put a new battery into my 2009 MBP, and it's running very well for a four year old machine. If this keeps up, I expect to have it another few years as a backup machine. Since my rMBP isn't so easily repairable, I fully expect to replace it in 3-4 years.

 

[PDFierro]

I totally understand anxiety, but keeping a laptop for 8+ years is a little unrealistic especially with how difficult new models are to repair.

Apple makes it very easy to move to a new computer. When you start the new machine, you have the option to use Migration Assistant to move your data from another Mac, a PC, or a Time Machine backup on an Apple Time Capsule or other external hard drive. After a few hours, your new Mac is set up exactly as the old Mac was. I'm not sure what happens with PC transfers as I've never done it. But Mac to Mac it's set up exactly the same with every file in the same place. You may have to change sleep settings and things like that if you don't like the default. OS X also hasn't changed a whole lot in terms of its basic functionality, and it may not for a few more years. And if you don't feel comfortable doing the migration and setup yourself, the Apple Geniuses are happy to help set up new machines.

If you are truly anxious about making changes in less than 8-10 years, then you may want to consider the non-retina MacBook Pro or a different laptop entirely. The non-retina MBPs are much more easy to repair and upgrade yourself. I just put a new battery into my 2009 MBP, and it's running very well for a four year old machine. If this keeps up, I expect to have it another few years as a backup machine. Since my rMBP isn't so easily repairable, I fully expect to replace it in 3-4 years.

Not to mention how many things can change in 8 years! Aside from computer technology. I mean, I guess if all your gonna do is browse the web for 8 years...but then the OP would be better served by something else.

I think the real issue that people are having here is that the OP hasn't presented a legit reason for why they want to do this. They think they will be better served by going this route, but it's quite the opposite.

 

[thekev]

Yeah, I figured after 4 years or so I wouldn't get OS X updates anymore but that is fine as OS updates tend to bog down a computer over time.

But as long as I'm ok with keeping the OS as is you think the i7 and 16gb are enough to last 8 years?

I'm just worried because I got a PC before and over time it couldn't keep up because I didn't get the top-of-the-line model + I can't stand having to look for a new computer (hence why I only want to upgrade every 8-10 years).

You need to be much clearer than this. The majority of people on here are not really condescending toward those with minimal technical knowledge, but nothing you have provided really helps. There are a few things to consider. One is that components do wear out. Plan for some expensive repairs at some point during those 8 years. It's normal to see some key scuffing with typical use. Batteries don't last forever, so one may need to be changed, and 8 years of course is dependent on a lack of major hardware failures such as the logic board or SSD. With that in mind, what caused your PC to become inadequate? Any given machine can run the software that was out at the time of its release. At some point during that cycle, something became inadequate. Were you trying to play newer games or running something computation intensive? If it was just an issue of a slowly failing hard drive or something like that, you can encounter similar issues even with SSDs.

Anyway this isn't a good idea. It's actually a terrible idea. Outside of things like ram you are better off saving money where possible. Not every upgrade buys you more time, and hardware failures do happen. It's just not sensible to dump large amounts of money into future proofing, especially with the amount that can change within 5 years. If your needs are fairly basic, you can always hold back a bit on software to keep using what you own.

 

[eas]

Dude, Therapy! Seriously!

Planning to keep a computer, and a laptop, at that, for 8 years is madness.

 

[gtmac]

Adjust your expectations.

 

[leman]

Yeah, I figured after 4 years or so I wouldn't get OS X updates anymore but that is fine as OS updates tend to bog down a computer over time.

But as long as I'm ok with keeping the OS as is you think the i7 and 16gb are enough to last 8 years?

I'm just worried because I got a PC before and over time it couldn't keep up because I didn't get the top-of-the-line model + I can't stand having to look for a new computer (hence why I only want to upgrade every 8-10 years).

Ok, a few things here.

First of all, getting 'top-of-line' does not automatically give you longer computer life. If, say, a CPU architecture is becoming outdated, then all CPUs of that series will become outdated - no matter whether you are looking at an i5 or an i7. Getting a faster CPU to have longer usable lifespan is a waste of money. This is slightly different for GPU and RAM, because the difference in performance is higher.

At some point, applying bandaids to the computer simply makes no sense - financially or otherwise - because its just too old. Its the same with any tech or non-tech item. With computers, this point is rather soon then late. You are likely to spend tons of money on repairs and your machine will still suck compared to the cheapest options available at that time.

I don't buy the 'I can't stand having to look for a new computer'. If you prefer Apple and are not a professional user, its apple.com -> store -> base 13" MacBook Air or MBP -> order -> done. The whole process takes around 1 minutes. Transferring your data from the old computer is seamless with the Migration Assistant. The whole process would take you around the same time as letting your car being serviced. And by selling the old machine, you will ensure that you a) save money and b) always have an adequate computer (with warranty!). In 5 years, the cheapest MacBook Air (or whatever it will be called then) will kick ass of the most expensive 15" retina machine right now.

 

[thekev]

Dude, Therapy! Seriously!

Planning to keep a computer, and a laptop, at that, for 8 years is madness.

I actually wouldn't say it's madness. If your needs are fairly basic, it's possible if you assume a lack of hardware failures and acknowledge that a batter replacement somewhere in there is eminent. It's absolutely not worth allocating additional funds for cpu under such circumstances, as that's the least likely problematic area under such circumstances. My major quip is setting budget on the basis of 8 years of service.

 

[mcarling]

I have a G4 iBook that works still, it is 10 years old by now. It works but it is slow, so sure you can if you take care of the laptop but being happy with it is another question.

The problem with using a computer that old is illustrated by this example. The newest version of OS X that one can run on that computer is 10.5.8, which has not had security patches since 2011. If you connect it to the Internet, someone else controls your computer, unless you're running an up-to-date version of Linux on it. If you're running 10.5 and connected to the Internet, it may be a kiddie-porn server or worse.

I think buying a computer with a plan to use it for more than about five years is a very bad plan.

 

[thundersteele]

Dude, Therapy! Seriously!

Planning to keep a computer, and a laptop, at that, for 8 years is madness.

No it is not madness. Madness is to replace a perfectly working phone or laptop every 2-3 years for no particular reason.

Yes there are those of us who like to have new features and faster machines, but for most people this is not necessary. 8 years might be stretching it, but I think it is realistic for basic needs like internet, word processing and keeping a photo library.

 

[maflynn]

Its possible provided the parts don't fail. I have a 13 year old G4 Cube that stills works well.

I think at some point within that 8 is that you'll need to come to grips of not buying new software or upgrading what software you have. In all likelihood within that span of time your machine will drop off the list of supported OSX version, and also some software will want a higher configuration. At that point the version of OSX and apps is frozen for you. If you can live with that, then it should last.

 

[john123]

I'm interested in why you need to keep it for a minimum of 8 years. I'm assuming it has to do with budget issues, and while you may have a tight budget now, I don't think you can possible estimate your cash-flow 8 years out.
I would max it out now, and expect to keep it 4-5 years - you really can't be making this kind of cash-flow decision 8 years out.
If you get more than four years out of it, that's great, if it lasts 8 years (which it might plausibly) then that's great, but budget to replace it in four years.

Actually, if cash flow considerations are paramount, the exact opposite advice is better. Going as cheap as possible and accelerating the upgrade schedule has the best chances of providing longevity.

One might argue that if the cash flow situation is money now but no money in the future, the original advice holds, but that ignores the alternative: putting aside the money you would have spent today into an account that will appreciate in value.

----------

No it is not madness. Madness is to replace a perfectly working phone or laptop every 2-3 years for no particular reason.

Errr, why is that madness? When you compare what you can do (if you're smart) in terms of resale and repurchase against the depreciation curve, frequent upgrades actually make more sense than the "buy-and-hold" strategy.

 

[leman]

Madness is to replace a perfectly working phone or laptop every 2-3 years for no particular reason.

Replacing it every 2-3 years saves you money in the long run and makes sure that you have warranty coverage most of the time - on a machine which will most certainly be more then adequate for the given time. Sounds quite opposite to madness to me.

 

[bobr1952]

Well considering my 6 year old iMac runs just fine on Mavericks with only 2GB RAM, I would expect you to do just fine with your rMBP.

 

[simon48]

Well considering my 6 year old iMac runs just fine on Mavericks with only 2GB RAM, I would expect you to do just fine with your rMBP.

Just fine is a relative term and it deepens on what you do.

 

[marivaux]

It's very hard to know these things, but if it makes you feel any better, I am writing this on my 8 1/2 year old Powerbook while running TenFourFox (or sometimes a WebKit for PPC build). For the record, I am planning on getting a rmbp with 16gb RAM soon in the hopes of having another long-lasting computer. Everyone else is correct, though, that you can't really be sure what the long-term problems will be, and that the new macs are less repairable that the old ones (for example, I've bought several cheapo batteries for this computer, which won't be an option for you).

I also have a g3 ibook that makes a very nice radio when plugged into the back of my stereo's amplifier.