How long before you replace a computer?

[Corwin12]

Just curious how long people out there keep computers before replacing them. I have an HP laptop which I hate. I spent about 1400 for it and I want to smash it with my sledgehammer. It will be 2 years old in January. I want an appple ... I am hoping for less problems with those.

 

[AKLRULZ]

Just curious how long people out there keep computers before replacing them. I have an HP laptop which I hate. I spent about 1400 for it and I want to smash it with my sledgehammer. It will be 2 years old in January. I want an appple ... I am hoping for less problems with those.

I go about 2 years and then it's time for new.

 

[golfgal]

We are on our second computer. We had the first one for 6 years, I think. We still have it and occasionally it decides to work.

 

[Tinijocaro]

My mac is in it's 8th year and going strong. I kind of wish it would die. I'd love a new one.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Just curious how long people out there keep computers before replacing them. I have an HP laptop which I hate. I spent about 1400 for it and I want to smash it with my sledgehammer.

Wow! You are talking to me. I have an HP laptop that is only a year old and I have been thisclose to throwing the thing out the window!!! Everytime a Dell ad comes on I start thinking about how I can afford a new one. I bought a refurbished Dell XPS desktop last spring and I LOVE it. It is just great.

 

[mudnuri]

Mine's 3 years old. I'm ready for a new one,probably a laptop and the DD's will get this desktop.

Nothing is wrong with mine, runs fine etc.. and I've upgraded it a few times so it's pretty much new...but a laptop is needed for me now..

Brandy

 

[Patch'sD]

Most likely when new Windows Operating System comes out, the older computers will not be able to use it, planned retirement.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Most likely when new Windows Operating System comes out, the older computers will not be able to use it, planned retirement.

What requirements does the new OS have that would make an older system obsolete?

 

[MzDiz]

I build my own, so I never really get a "new" one, I just get new parts all the time. I think it depends on what you want to do with it. I game online, so I need a faster processor and video card. If you're just surfing and using it for work/homework then a computer can last an awfully long time.

 

[malibuconlee]

We've had this one for 5 years. We have added a few pieces and parts to upgrade over the years, but gosh - they are so much cheaper now than 5 years ago!!!

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I still have running Commodore 64's so I don't think I'm the right person to ask.

If you are using your computer for email, internet, and word processing you can keep that computer for years. I still have a computer that originally came with Windows 3.1 that I could still use today if I wanted. But personally I upgrade and build my own computers so I rarely buy a new one. I just buy the parts that are needed.

I know a lot of people who love their Mac laptops. I haven't researched anything on them so I don't know much. Just remember that the view from a Mac world is different than the view from a Windows world. There is a small learning curve involved. I am kinda on the fence about Dell. I know people who have had nothing but success with Dell and others who have had nothing but torture from them. They do have some good deals on refurbished laptops though. I know IBM make excellent laptops but they are pricey. I have an older IBM laptop that hasn't given me any problems. Good luck in your search.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I've had my Toshiba laptop for 3-1/2 years now, and use it on a daily basis. The only thing I've added is a Gateway external hard drive to back up my files and especially to put my pictures on. I've used this computer so much that you can't see the letters L, N, M, < anymore, and my letter R isn't completely on (I accidentally popped it off & never could reattach it properly), but it has never given me any trouble, and has gone so many places (even camping) with me. It's a great little computer, and does what I would like it to do. Only thing is that it has 20 gigs memory, and I would really like a laptop with more memory, and the USB speed is a 1.0, and I really need a high-speed. So, I work around those "inefficiencies" and happily type away.

When I upgrade I'll probably get another Toshiba, and make sure it has extra memory and wireless (this one doesn't have it, and I really want wireless), oh, and a longer battery life.

 

[ransom]

We buy new Macs every three to four years. Actually, that's not quite true. Every three to four years, we go to the Apple.com store and buy factory refurbished, fully-guaranteed computers. That way we get them for a lot less, and they're just like new! Actually better -any problems they had have already been solved!

 

[Imzadi]

I'm on my second HP computer. Just got this one, normally $1200, down to $650 after rebates & sale! My computer before this one was a Win ME and before that I had Win 95. So it seems I get a new computer every 5-6 years.

I don't do gaming. I mainly use my computer for email, internet and word processing so all the high tech changes didn't really concern me. It wasn't until last year when I got an MP3 player and got into photo editting & that I really needed a new computer. There were soooo many programs in which I must have Win XP if I wanted to use them. Win ME and the lack of computer memory just wasn't cutting it anymore.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

My Toshiba Satellite laptop is like an extension of me. I use it a bunch everyday. I've had it for 3 1/2 years and love it. The only thing is that I don't do much gaming any more becasue the video card in it won't keep up with hardly any software released in the past couple of years.