How long should the "life" of a computer be?

I bought my computer five years ago. It works well enough though there are some glitches and problems. I just got some back pay in a lump sum and I told DH that maybe it's time to think about a new computer. But I don't know if I should try to get a few more years out of it. Because I got several rebates at the time, I got a great deal on it so I do think I got my money's worth.

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

That's a good question. It probably depends on who you ask! I know there are many upgrades you can do as far as memory and stuff--which should increase its speed. I guess you'd have to do some research and figure out what the most economic thing would be for you to do.

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

I'm having the same issues w/ my computer. It's been about 5 years and it crashed already. Ad dude....it's a Dell

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

i was told 4-5 years

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

well...think of it this way, what are you going to be doing differently on a new computer then the one now?

personally, i replace computer after a year + because i need the processing power.

most avg joe's just do email, pictures, etc.. which don't require much.

5 yrs ago, you are talking like early pentium 3 technology ( i still have a p3 around). and you either running windows me or 2000) if you have Window ME, i would take a chance and upgrade.

heck, you can buy a great machine from dell for like 400 bucks (and probally get a Flat panel monitor

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Posted by Redhead

i was told 4-5 years

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

ive had my computer for over two years now... still works as good as new.

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

My laptop only lasted a year

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

DH is a computer-person. Depending on how much you use it for, he'd say it should last anywhere from 4-7 years. Since computers are getting pretty cheap now, and technology is improving at a very quick rate, I'd say closer to the 4.

So, in other words, at 5 years, I'd get another one now.

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Most people don't realize that if you just re-install the operating system on your PC... or do the system restore... your computer will start working as good as new again.




Can DH do this? Or do we have to call a professional?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

If you have the system restore CD... its just a matter of putting the CD in the drive then turning the PC on. Its usually pretty simple... but it wipes the PC completely and erases all the files... so make sure you save everything you need to disk or CD before you do this.


Cool! Thanks Pill!!!

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Also make sure the system restore has all the programs you need. For instance you could make a copy of all your Microsoft Word documents, but make sure that you have a physical copy of the Office program on a separate install disk, or that it is on your restore disk.
Any program that you installed separately would have be re-installed (things like Photoshop, or games that you put on the computer after you bought it).

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

If you are not using your computer for work and need to newest equipment then I would say 4-5 years is a good time frame. If you are looking to purchase one now though, I would wait a few more months until Microsoft comes out with its new operating system so you get it for free ; ).

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Posted by Redhead

Posted by BabyBoy

well...think of it this way, what are you going to be doing differently on a new computer then the one now?

personally, i replace computer after a year + because i need the processing power.

most avg joe's just do email, pictures, etc.. which don't require much.

5 yrs ago, you are talking like early pentium 3 technology ( i still have a p3 around). and you either running windows me or 2000) if you have Window ME, i would take a chance and upgrade.

heck, you can buy a great machine from dell for like 400 bucks (and probally get a Flat panel monitor

you buy a new computer every YEAR?

Re: How long should the "life" of a computer be?

Thank you everyone, for all your help and info. More than anything, I want to get Photoshop but I doubt I can run it on this computer. Hopefully in the next few months!