I know I'm frugal but

[smilingcat]

I needed a new PC. My old one has kept on going for last 10 years at least maybe 15 years. During that time, I've upgraded the operating system, replaced hard drives.

I wish the PC I needed were one of those that cost only $300-$500 but it just wouldn't do. I've asked several geeks to help me out with picking out the right computer for me, to match a computer that will meet my needs. I could do it myself but having several other heads will make sure we don't make a mistake. Mistake would be too costly so I want to get it right on the first round.

We finally agreed on a setup. snif. IT'S BLOODY EXPENSIVE!!

Well with a very heavy heart I hit the enter button at the geek heaven store. No its not Fry's. A mail order place.

sigh...

why me?

Well I just hope this new computer will last me another 10 to 15 years. It is enterprise grade of computer.

I'm in a poor house now! and thanks for letting me rant,vent, ramble on non-sensically.

[shootingstar]

You won't regret it smilingcat. I'm sure this new one is faster...and hopefully will remain that way for at least 5 yrs. or so. (10 yrs. might be optimistic)

I resigned myself to buying a new computer, larger screen when I moved. Meanwhile I left behind an 8 yr. old computer. Well, as it turns out, my partner's computer grinded to a serious halt. So he took over it. Glad it has use while I'm not around.

In the past 20 yrs., this is my 3rd computer.

And I never bought laptops. I didn't have the profound need to be mobile in that way since at work I do have a portable if I TRULY wanted it home to hook into workplace network server. For ergonomic reasons also and hardware robustness, I prefer a desktop computer.

My partner feels like you....he wants his next computer to last him at least a decade. Even the one he took over, has had some scary hiccups.

[bluebug32]

Wow, a 10-15 year-old-computer. That's a crazy long time for one to hold out.

Good luck with the new one. I think computers are like cars, a necessary evil.

ps. Buy a Mac

[Irulan]

I"m surprised you could even still do anything on it.

[VeganBikeChick]

ps. Buy a Mac

Yes Yes Yes!!

[shootingstar]

Wow, a 10-15 year-old-computer. That's a crazy long time for one to hold out.

Good luck with the new one. I think computers are like cars, a necessary evil.

ps. Buy a Mac

I think it is possible to have a computer last that long, provided one does the basic upgrade on operating platforms, email, word processing and Internet browser.

How many people really use a fantastic complicated, mathematical piece of software...beyond Excel and perform lots of sophisticated macro-based calculations for personal use (not work-related)? You don't need a super duper computer for that.

If one does photo adjustments, regularily, then having a faster computer does help or what I do is blogging or alot of Internet surfing daily, which having a computer that uploads faster is helpful.

Unless a person is maintaining a huge database for personal reasons.... Not I. I do stuff like that on the job...and leave it behind at work.

Maybe someone can tell me, but I've heard from several info tech folks in different workplaces tell me that generally, laptops do not last as long as good desktop computer. Have things changed?

[ny biker]

So for all these years you had a 3.5 inch disk drive and no USB ports? I assume you at least upgraded the RAM a few times.

Enjoy the new machine.

[Owlie]

I'm impressed that you got ten years out of a computer. I don't think even the family desktops lasted any more than 5-6 years.

Shootingstar, it would not surprise me if a laptop doesn't last as long as a desktop. For one, it's being dragged everywhere, so that puts unnecessary stress on parts, plus the parts are smaller and probably more fragile. Then there's the fan issue, because some manufacturers put the fan on the bottom, for some reason, so they heat up and fry themselves.

I'd prefer a desktop as a primary computer and a netbook for mobility, but I'm moving every year or so, and it would be a PITA to keep moving the desktop.

[Koronin]

When our desktop well had issues which I could not resolve and hubby had already moved due to a job I went a head and bought a laptop knowing it would just be simpler when the time came to move. Well after that move and then another one (from rental to home purchase) it was simpler to have the laptop. Now that we're here hubby bought a new desktop and is planning on eventually hooking up the old computer to act as a server and to play older games on.

[macski]

Just replaced a 6 year old computer today - it was so slow it was almost unworkable. DP had tried to clean it up to see if that made a difference but it didn't. I don't use it much because I use my iPad almost exclusively but there are some things I still need it for and I was close to throwing it out the window in frustration earlier this week.

And I got a Mac (just for VeganBikeChick and bluebug32)

[Catrin]

My average computer "lifespan" has been 7-10 years. My most recent computer rocks and has impressive resources - and was quite expensive. However, I run computationally intense scientific models at work and when I purchased this computer I was doing a lot of work at home - insanely long days between work and home for a time. No more, I finally had to stop doing that...

If you stay up on OS updates and know how to maintain your computer, it isn't too hard to keep the computer going for that long. It really depends what you use your computer for. Many of us don't need the newest and best technology to do what we need to do with our computers, it just all depends. At some point, of course, you have to decide if the slower speeds are worth it.

I did purchase a laptop a few years back to support a side business I was trying to start, and I found that I hated it. I just don't like to use them, and the only way I could make it comfortable for me to use was to turn it into a pseudo desktop - connect it to an external keyboard and monitor. It was quite nice, but I wound up just giving it to someone I knew who could use it. I won't repeat the experiment.

[shootingstar]

I just don't like to use them, and the only way I could make it comfortable for me to use was to turn it into a pseudo desktop - connect it to an external keyboard and monitor.

This is how things are at work ..and I'm glad!! I've been offered a laptop as my primary machine at work by several employers in the past, but turned it down because of the ergonomics issue. This latest employer automatically gave it to me as a work computer but then attached 2 screen monitors plus a keyboard. Several other employees automatically have this set-up, in our group.

I do want to observe the ergonomics issue for myself when working at any computer for more than 2 consecutive hours for myself. Even at home.

(I also had to supervise people in past jobs where computer ergonomics became an issue with carpal.)


As for the cost of computer....it replaces a tv (and the cable cost) for me. That's how I look at the "investment".

[OakLeaf]

When all that's left of the original computer is the tower frame, and you've had to replace everything else just to be able to install or run modern software and peripherals, does it really count as the "same" computer?



PS - I know it's not necessarily the safest thing from an EMF standpoint, but the ergonomics of a laptop are perfect for me when it's actually in my lap. One of these both allows air to circulate and cool the battery, and slightly elevates the rear of the computer.

[jessmarimba]

My first macbook is going on 6 years old this year, but it needs some work and I'm currently too lazy to do it.

Work gives us laptops, with a second monitor, a docking station, keyboard, and mouse. So I get the full setup at the office - but I need to be able to take it with me when I'm on the road. I've asked them several times, why do we have the heaviest laptops in the world if we have them for portability? My back prefers lugging the macbook around, by far. If they really wanted portability, we could have full desktops at work and a netbook/tablet/small thing to take on the road with us.

[bluebug32]

Maybe someone can tell me, but I've heard from several info tech folks in different workplaces tell me that generally, laptops do not last as long as good desktop computer. Have things changed?

They're usually not as upgradable and much more expensive to upgrade. Compact comes at a price, though I love my laptop.