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General discussion

A laptop's life expectancy

Jan 12, 2005 12:19PM PST

How often should a laptop be replaced?

Discussion is locked

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Windows Longhorn 64 bit looms -- that is upgrade point
Jan 12, 2005 1:12PM PST

With a significant technical event coming you go by that event and not necessarily the 3-54 year life you hoped to get out of hardware in the past.

Windows Longhorn 64 bit will be here in 2006 or 2007 likely. That will immediately alter the landscape for what is out currently and will trigger purchases at that point in time (once it it mainstream).

That is what Intel and AMD are counting on and they are racing to have the 64 bit chips ready for that -- 2 cpus per chip -- the Athlon 64 is out now but 2 years from now there will be many other improvements (bus speed, new video card interfaces, faster RAM Speed, etc)

Thus I would not spend over $1500 or at most $2000 on any notebook right now ...............(unless you want an Apple Powerbook)

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powerbooks
Feb 14, 2005 12:33AM PST

I am interested in buying an apple powerbook, but should I buy it now or should I wait? Is there going to be a certain time to purchase? I am not aware of what drastic changes could take place with these models, if any, but if I should wait, I will. Thanks.

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When...
Jan 12, 2005 8:21PM PST

When it doesn't work or when it doesn't perform for you.

The 64-bit show is about to start, so don't overinvest in 32-bit only PCs.

Bob

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A laptop's life expectancy
Jan 12, 2005 9:59PM PST

I usually keep my laptops in service for 1.5 yrs - 2 yrs. I get great use out of them, keep them in near mint cond. and sell them for decent down payment on the next model.

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Lornhorn 64 will hurt resale value on all 32 bit notebooks
Jan 13, 2005 3:04AM PST

Guess what, when Windows Longhorn 64 bit hits all the 32 bit models aren't going to be worth much so your practice of continualy upgrading (similar to leasing a car for a year or 2 instead of buying the whole thing) will take at hit when the 64 bit conversion occurs in earnest.

If you buy a notebook now and sell it in early 2006 it may still be worth something if Windows Longhorn 64 does not come out until 2007

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Very good points but a question
Feb 13, 2005 1:18PM PST

remains is that changing the architecture of chips as well as OS can make for a transition that may be
prolonged.

Also, for it to affect notebooks which usually stand
behind desktops.

Any thoughts?..

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RE:
Feb 15, 2005 11:05AM PST

Same here. I never own one for more than 18 months. Most of the time, I replace mine yearly.