How long do you expect your laptop to live?

Strider590

I've got an IBM 770X, from 1998, still works (though can't really cope with modern web browsers).

I've got two IBM T41, from 2004/2005, still going strong today and in use 24/7, one as CCTV, the other as a web (http/ftp) server and for secondary use when i'm running fullscreen apps on my desktop.
A true pleasure to disassemble and repair, so well made, so detailed, so simple, a million miles from the standard consumer grade crap you get in high street shops (which only last a few years). But then when new they would have cost twice the price of the PC world equivalent.

Cycrow

bod1467 wrote: »

Why do I feel like this will descend into the computer version of Trigger's Broom?

Yeah technically i've had my pc since the late 80's

althou every component has been replaced multiple times.

I've never actually replaced the whole thing in one go

motorguy

I got a laptop back in Oct 2007 for my wifes cousin (whos not very technically minded) and its still going strong.

My own laptop currently is a six year old ex business HP laptop that i bought on ebay last year for £90.

almillar

I'd say go for a non Apple laptop because we it starts to grind a bit you can always stick Linux on it to keep it going for longer.

Really poor advice. You can put OSX, Windows and Linux on an Apple computer. All at the same time if you like!

indesisiv

My laptop is currently 8 yrs old, and I have no thoughts of changing it for a few years yet. I have put an SSD into it but that is it.

paddyrg

Mid-range - around 3 years decent usage
High-range maybe 4-5 years

Not necessarily in terms of hardware components individually, but whilst technology moves on they get left behind. Operating systems go out of date, software you need won't run on the old kit, whatever.

wba31

joeypesci wrote: »

Apples are notorious for not lasting long.

come again?

Amongst these forums many people promote macs on here because despite costing more, they tend to last longer, so cost per year is lower...

EdGasket

8 years crikey; you have had your money's worth. Many laptops conk out after 3 years; a lot due to overheating issues and graphics chips coming unstuck. We have lost two HP 6000 series to that issue; neither lasted much over 3 years. Replacement Compaq lasted a bit better but now overheats. Samsung is still going but extremely slow to do anything (probably why it hasn't overheated lol).

Buy yourself a new one but don't ask me to recommend anything; they all seem to have issues and problems with afterservice.

J_B

We bought both our daughters a laptop for their 21st

The elder one (aged 28?) still has her original one, but seldom uses it now - she uses her phone and a tablet

The younger one (23?) is on her second one already and it really needs format/reinstall ..

Red-Squirrel_2

Thanks guys, it has travelled a lot and been well used, I might look into the cost of upgrading the various bits as it seems MacBooks have got a lot harder to do DIY repairs and upgrades on since I bought this one!