Our desktop computer is 5+ years old but still has 83% free memory. I'm sure the cpu is not up to current industry standards, but it still works (2 ghz). The hardrive has 112 gig and I have a 250 gig external harddrive to which I back up important data and keep my pictures. I've upgraded the RAM twice (first to 1gig and then to 2gig) and I've upgraded the monitor to a 20" flatscreen.
My laptop is about 3 yrs old and I've upgraded to 2 gig of RAM on that as well. I only use the laptop occasionally when I travel.
Do you upgrade your computer or just toss it out and get a new one? I often wonder if its a waste to upgrade but . . . if it still works I think I'll just keep using it.

 

I think you'll find it's cheaper to get a new system. I know very little about computers however my IT guy just got us a new desktop from Dell with all the bells and whistles for $499.00 including 17" flatscreen monitor.

 

What is it that you think you need to upgrade (or replace, or whatever)? That hardware looks pretty good to me, for home use.

Another consideration is software. That might be a better investment, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket. HPH

 

I just ran into this issue this past spring.

The mother board on mine was going, and the computer needed some other upgrades.

One of our NE guys is an IT guy and he was willing to order the parts for me, as well as do the repairs. I would have spent $200.00 or so, plus some compensation for him. Likely dinner and beer.

He said it was up to me, but to keep in mind, some of the other working parts of the computer were still 4+ years old....

I went with a new one. He even told me what to buy, as my knowledge in that department is less than limited.

I spent less than $400.00 got a nice new Dell, with plenty of speed and space. I didn't need a new monitor or speakers. I had a modem included as I do fax from home from time to time, and ordered a CD/DVD burner separately, which he installed for me. I know some shy away from Dell, but I've been very happy with my purchase, and thankfully needed no tech support.

our NE guys. Very helpful.

PS had my computer not been running so slow, I would have been quite happy using the old one as it was.

 

If nothing appears to be unstable, i.e, slowing down, regular shutdowns, or making funny noises, no need to replace the hardware.

 

If the hardware looks good its because I upgraded from 1/2 gig RAM to 2 gig and from 1/2 gig on the laptop to 2. These upgrades were made over the past 5 years. I bought the monitor to replace the old 13 inch one that was dying.
I'm not looking to replace anything now, I was just wondering if most people just toss out the old and buy the new.

[QUOTE] JumpyGuy:

 

Still living with no computer at home.

 

I'm a replace it kind of guy.
with that said my replacement frequency is about 5 years.
at that interval, most of the buses and architecture have changed so that very little is useful to the next generation machine.

The next real change will be with the Intel Nehalem-based processors.
Probably won't buy anything till then.

It's going to be interesting to see how multi-core processors play out in the commercial space. Almost all of the applications and OS don't know how to take advantage of it.

 

Replaced an existing system with the new IMac with the 20" screen, great visual clarity and remarkable speed. i've had excellent service/tech support from Apple, but they tend to be pricey, it helps to have a family member work at an Apple store!

 

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 from 2003, 3GHz multithreaded. It had an 80Gbyte disk. It now has additional internal and external 500Gbyte disks and additional RAM. I am running XP Pro. I have a ViewSonic 24" screen. I also have an older Dell running Win2000 pro that is my backup computer. I have a 2 year old laptop for travel.

I am not planning to upgrade since that would mean getting Vista. I'll wait for the next Windows operating system version.

I have so much software on my machine that it would take me more than a week to populate a new computer.