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Will a MacBook last me 4-5 years?

The finances play out better for me now. I'm not looking for advice on waiting. Thanks but not not what I asked for.

Nor am I asking for advice on refurb or new. This isn't my first rodeo.
 
It's part and parcel of answering the question of how long a particular device will last for. If the device is cutting edge and highly optioned, it will remain relevant and supported a lot longer than something that is using old technology or designs when purchased new.
 
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zhenya said:
It's part and parcel of answering the question of how long a particular device will last for. If the device is cutting edge and highly optioned, it will remain relevant and supported a lot longer than something that is using old technology or designs when purchased new.
Click to expand...
Except that dealing with anything that isn't currently out isn't realistic. You can wait forever or you can buy now.
 
I would look back at the MacBook Air trends. The 1st gen (2008) was a breakthrough design when it came out, but naturally, had to sacrifice some power for portability. Subsequent revisions (2009+) got more and more capable and are still able to run the most recent version of OS X - El Capitan while the 2008 MBA didn't make it past Lion.

I'm in the same boat right now. Approaching that sweet spot on my 2010 MBA 13", but Im waiting for Gen 2 rMB so I can be a little more confident that I'll get the same (impressive) useful lifespan out of my purchase. My current 2010 still works great and will be passed down the line to my wife who will only use it occasionally. Still using the original battery as well, currently at 588 cycles with 91% capacity.
 
Carmenia83 said:
I would look back at the MacBook Air trends. The 1st gen (2008) was a breakthrough design when it came out, but naturally, had to sacrifice some power for portability. Subsequent revisions got more and more capable and are still able to run the most recent version of OS X - El Capitan while the 2008 MBA didn't make it past Lion.

I'm in the same boat right now. Approaching that sweet spot on my 2010 MBA 13", eagerly awaiting Gen 2 rMB so I can be a little more confident that I'll get the same (impressive) useful lifespan out of my purchase. My current 2010 still works great and will be passed down the line to my wife who will only use it occasionally. Still using the original battery as well, currently at 588 cycles with 91% capacity.
Click to expand...

I was going to pass mine down to my partner but she said that we really only need one computer. My 2011 15-inch MBP is still a capable machine. I'm not completely sold on needing this 13-inch rMBP yet but I am enjoying it.
 
Carmenia83 said:
I'm in the same boat right now. Approaching that sweet spot on my 2010 MBA 13", but Im waiting for Gen 2 rMB so I can be a little more confident that I'll get the same (impressive) useful lifespan out of my purchase. My current 2010 still works great and will be passed down the line to my wife who will only use it occasionally. Still using the original battery as well, currently at 588 cycles with 91% capacity.
Click to expand...

That's impressive. I have a 2010 MBP and I'm on my second battery which I got 2 years ago (under warranty) and is now at 79% of design capacity. Are you very disciplined with the way you charge/discharge the device?
 
I think im worried on the keyboard not the battery lol...
I found so many threads on keyboard not working after few months...
This may not be the the laptop for heavy keyboard users...
 
ghanwani said:
That's impressive. I have a 2010 MBP and I'm on my second battery which I got 2 years ago (under warranty) and is now at 79% of design capacity. Are you very disciplined with the way you charge/discharge the device?
Click to expand...

No. It sits in my living room plugged in most of the time. When I get home from work, I unplug it, use it for a few hours, plug it in and go to bed.
 
Warbrain said:
I'm seriously considering a MacBook as a replacement for my work-provided laptop (standard ultrabook specs) and regular usage over my 2011 MBP, which will remain around for use by my partner and myself. I'd still like to get that 4-5 year lifespan out of my computer but I'm beginning to doubt that a MacBook is going to perform well that far down the road. Now I've had doubts about my choice and considering a 13" rMBP.
Would you expect a MacBook to have a useable lifespan over that time?
Click to expand...


You did even not tell us WHY you consider to purchase a new notebook.Are you just searching a "reason" to buy a new one?

as for the lifespan of the MP 12" : Nobody is a prophet. It does not at all seem that apple wants to sell reliable and sturdy computers any more. You are talking about the weather in 2020-12-15 ? We really don´t know..

Warbrain said:
I was going to pass mine down to my partner but she said that we really only need one computer.
Click to expand...

So - your decision is made. :D She is intelligent...


Warbrain said:
My 2011 15-inch MBP is still a capable machine. I'm not completely sold on needing this 13-inch rMBP yet but I am enjoying it.
Click to expand...

Why purchasing a new one?? Don´t see the rationale…

If you are working all day with your computer as a NON-power-user (concerning performance) - it is all about personal ERGONOMICS … nothing else.

Take apple Care - so, you are comfortable for at least 3 Years.

I played a little bit with the MP 12" in the store… and for me it is just a shiny glittering "have to show my friends" - and shurely not a working-horse at all.
 
SteveJUAE said:
I presume the 4-5 year decision is based on financial reasons primarily therefore

1) rMB is not the best bang for your buck and so could be considered more likely over others to decline in performance relative to new specs in years to come
2) rMB is 1st gen so latent issues are still a greater possibility (eg KB issues)
3) rMBP and MBA have a proven track record and are easier to repair
4) I would of thought actual sweet spot is 2years 11 months with AppleCare, you can always find somewhere that takes trade-ins opposed to selling privately
5) Battery life can be increased if you only charge your batteries to 80%, this would have a lesser impact on rMBP and MBA that have 10+ hours daily life ie less inconvenient to get the gains
Click to expand...

1) agree
2) agree
3) agree
4) ?
5) This is definitely WRONG: Profoundly decharching the Li-Ion-Battery under 20-30% is what kills battery-life...
 
MrAverigeUser said:
You did even not tell us WHY you consider to purchase a new notebook.Are you just searching a "reason" to buy a new one?

as for the lifespan of the MP 12" : Nobody is a prophet. It does not at all seem that apple wants to sell reliable and sturdy computers any more. You are talking about the weather in 2020-12-15 ? We really don´t know..



So - your decision is made. :D She is intelligent...




Why purchasing a new one?? Don´t see the rationale…

If you are working all day with your computer as a NON-power-user (concerning performance) - it is all about personal ERGONOMICS … nothing else.

Take apple Care - so, you are comfortable for at least 3 Years.

I played a little bit with the MP 12" in the store… and for me it is just a shiny glittering "have to show my friends" - and shurely not a working-horse at all.
Click to expand...

You spent way too much time on this response.
 
MrAverigeUser said:
1) agree
2) agree
3) agree
4) ?
5) This is definitely WRONG: Profoundly decharching the Li-Ion-Battery under 20-30% is what kills battery-life...
Click to expand...


Sorry should of noted the 80% charge is only helpful if you are a user that sits with your laptop predominantly plugged in (Desk top mode) and it is constantly cycling up to 100% charge, else as you note

I said 2 years 11 months as if you have AppleCare you would be selling a laptop with a warranty still opposed to post 3 years without
 
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