When do you consider your Mac outdated?

[SiliconAddict]

I know some of you will say that a 233MHz iMac isn't outdated, but go with me for a second.


Basically, how often do you replace you Mac with a whole new one? (or do any kind of siginfigand updates, like upgrading a Cube from 400MHz to 1.3GHz)

When its not doing what you want it to do.

 

[FoxyKaye]

I think a mac is outdated when it will not run one of the apps you want. My dual 800 quicksilver g4 won't run motion. I now consider it outdated. =(

I agree with this sentiment. It would be nice to be able to afford a new Mac every 2-3 years, but for a lot of folks this just isn't possible. It all depends on what you're doing with the Macs you have. For example, at my nonprofit where I work, most of the employees only need a basic workstation so they're running "Five Flavors" iMacs with OSX. Our graphic designer uses a Quicksilver G4.

At home, I just "upgraded" over the weekend to a Blue & White. With the existing hardware from my Beige system (which was finally on it's last leg and is really only fit for the recycling folks at this point), I've essentially created a PCI G4/500. I use it for amateur Web, sound, and graphics work, and goddess willing it will last me until I can afford a "new" Mac in a couple more years. Ideally, I'd like it to last until 2006-2007 -- considering the lifespan of my Beige G3, I don't think this is unrealistic.

When I do buy a new Mac again, it most likely won't be a G5/G6 or whatever's out at the time but a higher end used G4 that will run Tiger and newer versions of the Office, Adobe and sound editing programs I currently run. Even at that point, my "outdated" Blue and White if it still has legs would most likely get converted into a dedicated Web/FTP/Music server and hum in a corner until its last gasp.

Basically, my Macs will be outdated when you can pry them from my cold, dead hands.

 

[rueyeet]

I'd agree your computer becomes outdated when it isn't keeping up with what you need or want it to do. I'd also say it becomes outdated when its technology becomes obsolete, or newer technology becomes too compelling to ignore.

My first computer (not counting the 8086 I borrowed from my dad) was a cheap-ass Packard Bell, which I kept for a few years but found myself not using because I hated being tied to a desk. So I moved to a ThinkPad in October 2000. In just exactly two years, the lack of an Ethernet port and CD-burner became restrictive (and Windows finally stepped on my LAST nerve) and I switched to my TiBook 667 DVI in October 2002.

This time I promised myself I'd wait to upgrade at least three years, and until the Powerbooks included the next-gen processor, a new version of the OS, AND new technologies (like Bluetooth, AirPort Extreme, SuperDrive, and FireWire 800) that would enable me to do new things.

Right now, Apple's two-for-three; get the G5 into the PowerBook line and wait the obligatory couple of revisions, and I'll be able to justify the upgrade.

 

[BlackDan]

Can anyone see either the iBook (1.0 GHz, 12 inch) at $1099 or the PowerBook (1.33 GHz, 12 inch) at $1599 having a life over 1.5 years?

I certainly hope so 'cause I just bought a 1.2ghz 14" iBook and I'd be pissed if it wouldn't sufice in 1.5 years...

My previous laptop was a Toshiba Sattelite Pro 480CDT Pentium 233MMX and it has served me well for say 5 years (after that it really became slow and after 6 years or so the CD-rom broke down so I rarely used it anymore). After spending half a year without my trusty companion I decided to give Apple a shot. Now I don't expect it to make it till 2010, but if it does, there's a good chance I'll still be using it Plus, it would be 1000+€ per year if it'd last only 18 months, a little too much for my taste.

My Philosophy has always been:
As long as you run the software that was designed for your machine, it'll always run fast enough. Install the latest and greatest on a sub-standard machine and it will come to a screeching halt. If my 486 would still be alive, I'd still be running DOS, and it would still be running as fast as the first day.
If you're happy with the tools you're using, and your machine performs well with these tools, why upgrade?

Sorry for the rant.

 

[iShater]

I'm definitely in the camp that consideres an outdated computer to be the one that can't handle what you wanted to do. However, since $$ is the big factor, I usually upgrade when the things I need to do can't be met either.

My upgrade has been either on the 3 year mark or when specs double.

Pentium 120Mhz, 32MB RAM, 1.5GB HD, CDROM 1996
Pentium Pro 200, 32, 3 GB HD, CDROM 1999

Upgraded RAM and HD on the Pro a few times, and added a CDRW.
Both systems still run as my main PC (the pro) and a file server (the Pentium).

Celeron 400, 64MB RAM, 6GB HD, CDROM 2000
Got this laptop because I couldn't run any video players and I wanted a laptop for my masters.

iBook 800 G4, 128MB, 30GB, Combo Drive 2003
I already upgraded the RAM to the max and got a whole bunch of accessories. I did this upgrade because I wanted to switch, and my celeron didn't cut it anymore.

The iBook is already outdated, I can't play UT2004, or use GarageBand. However, it will hang around as I can still do the things I need it to do, iMovie, sound editing, Photoshop, Office, some games, etc.

Come 2006 I will definitly be upgrading. I might upgrade sooner if an iBook has double the specs, 1.6GH, 1GB RAM, SuperDrive etc. before the 3 years are up. That is my criteria for now since I don't want to get a tower. But if I get a good deal on a G5, I might go that route and keep the iBook for on-the-road stuff for as long as it lives.