r/Frugal • u/The0Walrus • Sep 24 '24
How long have you kept your laptops for? š» Electronics
I have a 2019 Dell XPS 15 and it's slowed down and at times has started at times to crash for certain sites. Still, altogether the laptop is fine. I go online, I play old NES, SNES, Sega games, do some work. Altogether it's good so I don't plan on getting a new one. The new laptops & new phones also seem like there's nothing all that new to them. The only thing I had to do was get a new battery for my laptop because it started dying in about 2 hrs. Now it's back to avg of 6-7 hrs per charge. How long have you kept your laptops? When did you decide it was time to get a new one? Thanks in advance! Really grateful for a community like this one.
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u/BEST_POOP_U_EVER_HAD Sep 24 '24
I use my machines until they die and/or are barely functional and too expensive to repair
Toshiba satellite was like 2009-2012 MacBook pro 2012-2022 (was running Linux for last year ) MacBook air 2022- now.
I won't say macs aren't overpriced but they last a very long time.
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u/Groundbreaking-Good7 Sep 24 '24
I'm still using my Toshiba Satellite from 2008 running on Windows 7... Constantly powered, moslty never shut down (same for the TV display). Only this year it's started to act up š
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u/Kamtre Sep 25 '24
Ayyyy satellite gang!! Bought mine in 2012 and other than new hard drives, it's still plugging along for DJing and watching shows at night
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u/elivings1 Sep 24 '24
I have my Dell from 9-10 years ago and a MacBook from 5 years ago. The Dell started to run slower at one point which is why I got the MacBook Pro. Now it seems to run same speed as my MacBook for some reason though. I kept both and use both for reading news as I get more money from Brave ads. Neither seem to maintain a charge a few years later. I just have to keep them plugged in. Charge would be doable for a hour long class but not a 4 hour plane flight
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u/boxweb Sep 25 '24
Yeah, they are built pretty damn well. I still have my 2011 MacBook Pro. Iāve had to replace the battery a few times and added an SSD but it still works for basic stuff.
That being said now that Iām on PC I would get a windows laptop if I needed one now. Itās just a better experience overall imo
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u/I_wont_argue Sep 25 '24
That has nothing to do with them being macs and all with the fact that you just bought expensive high end device, would be the same if you bought any other laptop in the same price range as the apple one.
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u/HansJSolomente Sep 24 '24
For anyone wondering what happens when Windows 10nhits end of life, /r/Linuxmint is there for you.
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u/CalicoKittyAngel Sep 24 '24
Linux Mint is what I'm currently on via LM Cinnamon. Returned to it after a decade, since my Win10 PC started slowing down upon 11 being announced and released, and 10 nearing its end of support next year. Mint has never let me down, and it's great for beginners and those coming from Windows, just as others have said
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u/twosmartbunnies Sep 24 '24
I usually get 8-10 years out of my Macbooks. They're expensive up front but on a per year basis thanks to long life on par or better than cheaper laptops.
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u/Clarence_Gibson Sep 24 '24
Ditto. And they actually work the entire time. I think itās a good example of the more āexpensiveā option actually being cheaper overall.
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u/im_a_fancy_man Sep 24 '24
I am very active in r/thinkpad and the general consensus is that older is better. I personally am on about a 5-10 year cycle. Being able to replace/upgrade the hard drive, add ram, change out the WiFi module is very key. upgrading the battery will get you so long.
when to replace: either it is so slow you cant function or it costs more to repair than it costs to get a new one
I have an iPad 9 with a broken screen. it will cost me over $100 to repair (even if I do it myself I need a new home button etc) and it costs $150 for a new in good condition one on ebay
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u/nsweeney11 Sep 24 '24
2012 Mac. It can't not be plugged in but it still works great on my desk!
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u/Puzzled_Lurker_1074 Sep 24 '24
M1 macbook air from around when they just came out, student discount. Still kicking very well with blender and ableton being used. Mac all the way, people stream sports and movies on these all the time, that's money you save but as for gaming idk anything about that mine is for other things.
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u/OtherwiseKate Sep 24 '24
Iām currently using my brotherās hand me down MacBook. I think he bought it in 2013. The battery life isnāt great but I only use it for writing my blog so as long as I can plug it in to charge, itāll do me!
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u/heatherista2 Sep 24 '24
Got a MacBook Air in 2016. Itās still going fine.Ā Got a Dell XPS (with windows vista!) in my closet still but mainly because itās old enough to have a cd burner. So I use it for that sometimes even though I canāt update anything because vista.Ā
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u/mango10977 Sep 24 '24
2017: Acer aspire 5 with mx150, 3 years, I had no problem for the first 2 years but on the 3rd year it would suddenly shut down if I don't have it plug in the outlet the whole time. I used it for school and games and it was also heavy having it to carry it.
2022: M1 macbook, still using it.
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Sep 24 '24
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u/Average_Emo202 Sep 24 '24
If you are looking for an x32 release, check out bodhi linux. Run on only 256 mb ram and needs at least a pentium 2. I ran this on slow net books with hdds and i'm positive it would run on a toaster. AntiX is another good choice.
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u/zesty-pavlova Sep 24 '24
I'm still using my HP 530 that I bought in 2008.
The battery no longer holds charge and I have to use a wired network connection, but it's fine for general computing. I replaced Windows Vista with Ubuntu Linux after a few years, and then that with Lubuntu to maximise hardware life. Glad I got the 2GB RAM upgrade!
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u/Lost_Comfort7811 Sep 24 '24
My 2015 MacBook Pro is still running! The battery doesnāt last too long, but it works just fine when plugged in. I donāt use it anymore since I have a work laptop, but I gave it to my mom who uses it.
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u/RockeeRoad5555 Sep 24 '24
I have, and still use, a 2017 Toshiba Satellite. The processor wonāt handle Windows 10 so I am still running Windows 7 Pro. I love it and never want to let it go. (Just Rick rolled myself lol)
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u/TheIncredibleMrJones Sep 24 '24
I use 2 ancient laptops. A 10 year old Dell Latitude, and an 8 year old MacBook Pro. They both are more than enough for my needs - the Mac is for putzing around with music and podcasts, and the Dell is for work and home accounting.
I just don't see the need for upgrading when I can run Logic and Premier and Office just fine.
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Sep 24 '24
MacBook Pro - 10 years then trade in for latest MacBook Pro; did that twice 2011 and 2021
I just bought Victus gaming laptop a month ago. I hope that will last to few years
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u/heretic_lez Sep 24 '24
I had a Dell 2010-2012. This broke almost immediately and then only got worse.
MacBook 2012-2018 (took it backpacking around the world for a year 2017-2018, it took a lot of physical damage)
MacBook Pro 2018-present. This works perfectly still. Not looking to replace any time soon.
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u/Sonarav Sep 24 '24
- 1st: Dell laptop from 2009-2014 (had defect in display, probably ribbon cable)Ā
- 2nd: Dell laptop from 2014-2021 (still have it but didn't really use it)Ā
- 3rd: M1 MacBook Pro 16 from 2021-present (best laptop I've used, my first ever Apple product)Ā
Also have a Chromebook that no longer receives software updates
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u/Agile_makes_no_sense Sep 24 '24
I have a 2018 Dell Latitude mobile workstation laptop and a 2019 Walmart Motile laptop. For everything except Local LLM usage they work fine. It is worth maxing out the memory and storage, I just didn't have the cash to buy a new one since COVID.
I'm looking at a Mac Mini 4 and a portable monitor instead of a laptop in the near future for my increasing orientated GPT work. Yet, since I'm currently reduced to eating boiled carrots and lettuce for lunch these days.. that ain't happening except in my dreams.
I previously used my 2008 laptop for 10 years before upgrading. That laptop is now a NAS server running Debien 12, still running on and serving.
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u/ParkerFree Sep 24 '24
My laptop is the same as yours, and going strong after a new hard drive install a few years ago. No plan on replacing for a few more years.
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u/Ratnix Sep 24 '24
I bought one 4 years ago to help me figure out and fix an issue i was having with my PC. And i used it to watch netflix while i was sick with covid. That replaced the one i bought back in 2012 to have something to do while sitting with my dying mother in hospice.
But i don't actually use a laptop for anything. The last time i used my current one was when the power was out when i got home from work. I turned it on and pulled up the Google homepage so i wasn't sitting there in complete darkness.
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u/dreadstardread Sep 24 '24
I have a 2015 MacBook Pro thats still going strong but just got its last time
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u/2020-RedditUser Sep 24 '24
Iāve had mine for 6 years at lest itās an Acer , but this year I got the operating system swapped from Microsoft to Linux thanks to my college professor so itās actually working again after being slow for so long.
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u/Mrs_TikiPupuCheeks Sep 24 '24
I have a Lenovo touchscreen that is from 2016. That one started with Windows 8, I upgraded all the way to 11, it got really slow so I installed Chrome OS Flex, didn't like it, then installed Linux Mint on it. It's currently the kitchen laptop. Battery is crap, so it's plugged in all the time and works great.
The other one is an ASUS ROG gaming laptop from 2018. Still runs fine with Windows 11 on it. Kid uses it for school work.
Haven't really needed any new ones at this time since we've migrated to using iPads, tablets, and our phones.
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u/MoulanRougeFae Sep 24 '24
I have my HP gaming laptop from 2012 that just up and died. Id had it upgraded and updated twice by a family friend. This time though it's truly dead. I don't need another to replace it. My husband bought me a wonderful Samsung tablet for my birthday this year. And I still have my iPad mini 4 that I use as a ebook reader.
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u/Lady_DreadStar Sep 24 '24
My Samsung Ultrabook is from 2013 and still going strong. I donāt foresee having to replace it anytime soon.
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u/Creepy-Selection2423 Sep 24 '24
People get rid of old laptops?
/Looks at small stack of early 2000s-forward laptops in the corner of the upper shelf in the closet... š³
I usually use them for 3-5 years before replacement.
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u/purplishfluffyclouds Sep 24 '24
My current one (Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon 6th gen) is just about 5 yrs. old. Aside from a couple of quirks, it's been a solid machine and still is. With constant use, the battery won't last more than a couple hours, but that's to be expected after this amount of time. I actually think it's doing pretty well for its age. I got about 8-9 years out of my previous desktop PC. After that much time, it makes sense to upgrade to the latest technology anyway.
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u/ivebeencloned Sep 24 '24
I had a 2008 Gateway that I used until August of last year. It still worked but my Fujitsu scanner no longer got updates and it used an ancient iteration of Acrobat. I kept all together with the install disks so I could use them together. Then someone (probs ex-boss's larcenous bro) stole half the mini warehouse. Dummy left the charger behind.
Gateway would shut down occasionally. I kept the dust cleaned out and wiped the disk and reinstalled once a year. Had some problems with website compatibility.
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u/Benmaax Sep 24 '24
Lenovo Yoga, 5 years. Probably can do another 1-2 years of service with me until it goes to my mom to serve another 4-5 years. Buying it with a SSD and lots of RAM was the best decision.
I just changed the wifi card myself to make to wifi 6. Game changer.
The battery has lost lots of charge but I don't use it that much far from a plug. It's more a couch laptop nowadays.
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u/BoopMyButton Sep 24 '24
I have not been able to keep a laptop going for more than 2 years. It's always something that breaks that would be crazy expensive to fix. I don't know how people do it. I've had to just stop buying them, which is really unfortunate because they're awesome.
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u/graytotoro Sep 24 '24
My ThinkPads are still going, though I retired them due to quality of life annoyances. The 2009 laptop is only starting to struggle running Win10 on 3GB RAM. I rebuilt my 2011 back in 2018 and itās still running well. The low-res screen and bulk got tiring, so I retired it to the kitchen a few weeks ago and replaced it with a new MacBook Pro.
A thorough cleaning, new thermal paste, and a SSD will revive a lot of 2010ās laptops.
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u/162lake Sep 24 '24
Once you laptop is old put Linux mint or Ubuntu on it! It makes your laptop new again
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u/Average_Emo202 Sep 24 '24
I have older laptops. Oldest is a thinkpad 510 sl (2002) afaik. Runs fast with bodhi linux. The newest i have is an X230 running arch linux.
I always go for thinkpads. you can get the cheap refurbished because offices buy in bulk and when they upgrade they get rid of them and Linux can revive any laptop to a usable state (writing, music, vids) and they are sturdy!
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u/Key-Ad-8944 Sep 24 '24
I generally buy a new laptop, when my previous laptop has mechanical issue that prevents it from working well, that I cannot or do not want to repair. I don't replace because I have want to have the latest new thing. How long the laptop lasts varies... generally several years.
For example, my previous laptop had an odd issue with the keyboard. Typing the letters "oun" in quick sequence caused airplane mode to go on/off. Many of the letters in that section of the keyboard were inconsistent or required special behavior to type. I made several attempts to repair and was unable to do so, and cost for a professional repair was too large considering laptop's low value., so I bought a new "to me" laptop.
I tried a new laptop, but didn't like it with the lack of physical buttons and Windows 11. So I bought a used ("new to me") 17" laptop on EBay with fast processor for $200 that has physical buttons, then installed Windows 10 on the laptop. The laptop appeared to be in Mint condition with little use, in spite of being older. It took some work to set things up, but the laptop still works well today.
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u/AlasKansastan Sep 24 '24
I had an ASUS Q502(?) for 10 years before it just stopped working at the load screen. Prior to that browsers had started crashing at will every 10 minutes. Loved that computer. I tried everything to save it. GF works for Nvidia, often made fun of it. I was proud of it. Iām just a carpenter so I only used it for video streaming
Tax time came and I finally caved, went to eBay and spent $600 on a 1yo Acer Predatorā¦ holy shit what a difference!!!
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u/KimBrrr1975 Sep 24 '24
I type/write a LOT and I tend to wear out keyboards. Most windows laptops within 3-4 years. My first MacBook Pro, the keyboard was crap and I live no where near an apple store (and didn't have the time to send it in because I use it for work). I think I had it 4 years before I traded it in for a model with a better/updated keyboard and it's been 5 years and going strong with no issues at all. Use it all day without needing to charge it until bedtime (most of the time).
The downside is, I do like to play some games and I prefer a computer to a console. I don't have room for a desktop, so I'd have to buy a windows laptop to game easily and so I just don't because I don't want 2 š We have consoles, I just don't prefer them.
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u/denverpilot Sep 24 '24
Iāve got laptops here from the early 2000s.
They arenāt allowed anywhere near the internet and only stay for certain software that has been long discontinued for a specific hobby.
For a while there, upgrading spinning rust disks and RAM brought new life to older systems but anything modern isnāt using a mechanical drive anymore and likely has the RAM soldered to the board and isnāt upgradeable.
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u/Itisd Sep 25 '24
I still have a Dell from 2011 that was my main laptop until 2021... I still use it occasionally, it still works fine although it's showing it's age. I recently put Linux Mint on it, and it runs very well on that OS, highly recommend it.Ā
My Main laptop which replaced it is three years old, and I see no reason why I would need to replace it for quite some time.Ā
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u/FlyinDanskMen Sep 25 '24
Never use a machine online past their end of life. Itās a security risk that outsizes any frugality of keeping it around. That being said a computer should last 5-7 years, especially if you upgrade the OS and possibly upgrade some hardware.
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u/forever_29_ish Sep 25 '24
I had a refurb'd MacBook for 11 years. Replaced it in 2020 with another refurb, still going strong.
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u/_Jacques Sep 25 '24
I have a huge 2012 laptopā¦ got it second hand after my old one got stolen. Its embarrassing, its too big and heavy and loud to use outside of the house, and the battery is pretty much non functioning anyways.
I donāt need a better laptop really, but I really want oneā¦
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u/Artistic-Salary1738 Sep 25 '24
I bought a laptop in 2013 replaced in 2023 when it was out of memory and no longer supported windows 8.
Prob will keep the new laptop for a decade as well.
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u/90marshmallows Sep 25 '24
MacBook Pro from 2009. I have a work computer that I do most of my things from but the MacBook runs ok and Iām able to back up my iPhone and other apple products.
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u/meltz812 Sep 25 '24
2016 macbook pro still humming alongā¦overdue for a battery replacement but other than that itās fine
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Sep 24 '24
My current laptop is a Compaq from 2013. Still works and it is used regularly. Around 3-4 years ago decided to upgrade and bought a Dell laptop during year end sale and 2 days later it had the blue screen problem and technical support said return it to store and exchange for another one. Had to return the new laptop and that model was all sold out and the other laptops were expensive so got my refund. Squeezed out another 3-4 years from my Compaq laptop. Been trying to upgrade it as doesnāt have battery power and needs to be plugged in all the time but it works just fine otherwise.
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u/Shark-Whisperer Sep 24 '24
Why don't you just buy a replacement battery & swap it out? It's not difficult and there's probably yt videos on it. My '18 Dell is on battery 3. Or 4?
The cheap Chynesium batteries on Amazon/EB probably won't typically last more than a year or two, especially if plugged in always (mine is 90% of time) but for $20-30 or so it's a simple repair that computer manufacturers would prefer you not do--the reason they design them so they're not a simple swap-out like was common 10+ years ago (same now with almost all cell phones, which I replace, too).
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u/No_Cauliflower633 Sep 24 '24
I have owned two laptops and they both required major repairs within 12 months. Got a desktop and have been using it since 2020. I guess Iām just a bad laptop owner :(
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u/Flashmax305 Sep 24 '24
I get a MacBook Pro with some future proof specs (ram, SSD, and screen quality) and I have it last 8-10 years.
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u/mtempissmith Sep 24 '24
I have a huge Y900 Lenovo gaming laptop that's from like 2018 I think? I bought it second hand in 2020 but the battery died by 2021 and I just used it like a desktop till recently when I got handed down a desktop that was basically converted into a gaming PC.
My laptop works fine except for not having a battery but it's such a beast that carrying it around is impossible. I would love a newer Lenovo gaming laptop, a smaller one, that I could take to the library or whatever but it's not a priority.
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u/Iknitit Sep 24 '24
2016 MacBook Pro. It's not in great shape but only because we spilled juice on it a few years ago. I have a 2009 MacBook that still works but is too slow for day to day use. It's logged into my original gmail account, which I'm locked out of on all other computers, so I open it once in a blue moon to look something up.
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u/Turbo_Chet Sep 24 '24
I on average have used my laptops for a minimum of 5+ years before I started thinking of purchasing another one. Itās the same for desktops.
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u/googlebearbanana Sep 24 '24
You can only keep a chromebook about 6 years. It won't update anymore, so your data is at risk.
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u/GhostOfEquinoxesPast Sep 24 '24
Mrchromebox bios. Make a chromebook into a linux book or windows will run if you know the trick to replace the wifi card with an adapter and an NVMe M.2. Most of those older chromebooks only have like 16GB eMMC. Course then you have to use a usb wifi adapter. If you still want ChromeOS there is Flex or FydeOS. They are really meant to convert windows or mac computers but with mrchromebox bios you can replace the outdated chromeos on there with Flex or Fyde.
Also think the newer chromebooks now are updated for ten years? Anybody has personal knowledge please correct me.
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u/andrijas Sep 24 '24
Bought mine in 2011 and it is still going. I can do anything, but battery is shot. I am not bothered to buy a new one, I just connect it to power. If I want to game I juset use free geforceNow
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u/nc-retiree Sep 24 '24
My laptop is almost 4 years old and cost $750 at the time. I bought it to replace a 7 year old desktop when I retired from full time work and had to turn in my work laptop. I only use it for MS Office and browsing, and the occasional relatively light game. It is a Windows based Lenovo, because my freelance clients heavily use Office, Teams, and SharePoint.
This past fall, I built my own desktop with the advice of one of my friends. It cost me a lot of money, about $1800 while using my existing four year old 4k monitor. But based on my friend's experience with his builds, I expect most of it to last me 9-10 years and it is built to be able to upgrade components over time.
I'm not sure if I will ever buy another laptop. I find that I use my phone (Pixel6) far more than I use my laptop, especially now that I don't travel for my freelance work. I would just need some sort of backup device for when I vacation internationally a couple of times a year.
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u/CarlJH Sep 24 '24
I had a Dell that I kept for 8 years, then put Linux on it and used it for another 5. I've been using this desktop for 8 years and now use it for streaming TV. My current laptop is about 6 years old. Everything I own is old and running Linux. For the pastten years, I haven't paid more than $100 for a computer and Ihaven't bought a new one since 2005
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u/Grizzly502 Sep 24 '24
I have a Toshiba qosmio x505 from 2010, that I upgraded to the max with modern SSD's and as much RAM as I can shove in, she works pretty well except that the issue I run into, is the latest and greatest Windows operating systems do not have support for things like the touch pad or card readers etc..
The only thing I use it now for, is a Linux box, and it works great!!
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u/SharkSmiles1 Sep 24 '24
I finally had to get a new one because TurboTax in 2022 wouldnāt work with my computer to electronically file my taxes because my computer was so old. I ended up having to mail them in. I kept it 12 years and it still works right now itās an HP. I replaced it with another HP of course. I always buy top-of-the-line and they usually last as long as I need them too.
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u/sprunkymdunk Sep 24 '24
5 years. I typically get an Acer on sale for $500 CAD, with the previous generation 5 series chip.
At the 5 years mark they still sell for about 40% of what I paid new.Ā
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u/tradlibnret Sep 24 '24
Mine is from 2014, a Dell Inspiron 15. Windows 10 will run out next year, so I either will replace or look into Linux. The battery on mine has not worked for a few years now, and I just plug in and unplug when needed. It's fine, a couple of the letters on the keyboard are worn off/blank. My husband had one that lasted about 8 years before we updated.
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u/Nightsores Sep 24 '24
2012 HP 8570p media server (running mint). Maxed out ram and it stays on and just works!
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u/sideshowbvo Sep 24 '24
I've had my Chromebook since 2017 and it still does what I need. The laptop itself is in great shape, still holds a 12 hour charge, but I can no longer get updates for it, so it's slowly phasing out
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u/Fanfrenhag Sep 24 '24
My daily driver is a 2009 HP hdx with a huge and beautiful 17.5 inch screen. It runs faster than many new laptops and has a great picture for streaming. Only downside is that its graphics card won't handle some games. It has a Blu-ray player and a slot that allowed me to snap in a cheap bank of USB 3 ports. And it's built like a brick shithouse š
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u/Iggyhopper Sep 24 '24
2013 hp elitebook bought in 2016, still going strong.
Buy a laptop with an SSD or get one installed. Worth every penny.
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u/kyledreamboat Sep 24 '24
As long as possible. You can even throw a Linux on there and get more mileage if you don't need certain apps.
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u/PVT_Huds0n Sep 24 '24
3-4 years. I'll buy a used 1 year old laptop, keep it for a few years then resell it.
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u/CalicoKittyAngel Sep 24 '24
41F gamer here. While I haven't had a laptop in twenty years, I do have a desktop PC
My current PC is a decade old, and this is usually about the time I get a new one, due to it slowing down from age. I'm a mainly console and PC gamer, but I also make and edit YouTube videos, so a new PC is certainly on the horizon for me. A decade is my usual run, so while this PC still works fairly well, it's only a matter of time before I retire it. Especially if it means making my video editing and rendering faster and PC gaming smoother. I can't even update to Linux Mint 22 on this computer, so the time to buy a new PC is certainly near, once I can afford to do so
I'm currently on Linux again after a decade-long absence for Windows 10, but lately I'm curious to see how Windows 11 goes for me, especially with the new 24H2 update release. I love Macintosh, too, but that's not within my budget. And if Win11 doesn't work out, I can easily return to Linux. We'll see. Hoping to have a new PC later this year, if not sometime next year
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u/TucsonTank Sep 24 '24
I think I bought my xps13 about 5 years ago. Sadly it has zero battery left. I have to plug it in to do anything. However, I can still edit hd video as long as it's plugged in.
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Sep 24 '24
5-8 years.. Less than 5 would make me unhappy. But when I do buy a new one I usually go for the highest Ram and best CPU I can get for under 1k. Sales etc. my 2019 laptop still has comparable ram to current 1k laptops but the CPU isn't up to snuff anymore.
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u/ChooseLife1 Sep 24 '24
Take it to Geek squad for $150 and have them take all the viruses off it. And reinstall the OS.
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u/Western_Bison_878 Sep 24 '24
Mine usually last more or less 5 years. The longest was $600 Asus Flip that lasted from 2015 to 2022. It went through HEAVY, constant use for gaming and movies but still didn't have to start replacing parts until 2019. It still operated fast and well but I couldn't keep up with all the costs of battling the physical wear and tear during the pandemic.
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u/readsalotman Sep 24 '24
Going on 4 years, which is a record. I have an Asus something that cost $400. Had the battery replaced earlier this year. Everything else runs fine. I do nothing but web browse, watch shows, and use Word and Excel.
My phone on the other hand just surpassed 6 years. My previous phone also lasted 5-6. I buy unlocked Samsungs for $160 and they work great!
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u/nicholt Sep 24 '24
I have an asus from 2014 that I still use for some things. Not useful for anything beyond excel, but still functions. Also need it to watch downloaded things on my tv, or streaming sports.
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Sep 24 '24
Since you've got a fresh battery, max out the ram and get a faster hard drive. Those are the two most accessible parts of any laptop. Also do a fresh OS install (which you'll need to do anyway if you're upgrading the hard drive) and tweak the OS settings to optimize for performance (turning off any visual bells and whistles that you don't need). That kind of update will breathe new life into the machine and make it usable for a few more years
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u/roughlyround Sep 24 '24
Currently getting another Dell Latitude so I can keep using Windows 10. Under $200
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u/canadas Sep 24 '24
Generally as long as possible, but I'm clumsy and they happen to break before they become obsolete
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u/robb4217 Sep 24 '24
I bought a new macbook air in 2018 for $1200. Itās still running fast, it only recently has given me a warning about changing the battery on it. Definitely worth it if you are in the apple ecosystem, they will last a long time.
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u/ryanschultz Sep 24 '24
For me:
Toshiba Satellite: 2011-2020. It honestly probably only made it that long because I built a gaming PC in college to take a lot of the heavy lifting off of it. But it went through a lot. Upgraded the Ram and gave it an SSD. It had Linux mint on it for a while as well, then Windows 10 before I retired it.
Lenovo Legion 5: 2020 to current. And honestly it's still pretty solid, I have no immediate plans to replace it. It's got a bit of screen bleeding, but nothing unbearable. Especially since it's hooked up to 2 monitors most of the time.
In my experience you definitely get what you pay for though. My mom refuses to spend over $300 for a laptop and wonders why she's having to replace hers every 2-3 years.
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u/GhostOfEquinoxesPast Sep 25 '24
I have huge pile old computers others tossed or sold super cheap, like to tinker. Actually some of the core2duo are still fine daily drivers with linux. Older slower 2core still useable with something like BookwormPup64 (one of the Puppy linux family). They dont support SSE4.2 necessary for win11. The other official requirements for win11 can be got around. Some however are much easier to work on than others. Usually the business model laptops are best. The big old tower desktops getting kinda rare, many you see for sale came originally with win7. But they were super easy to work on.
Oh and dont forget PrimeOS, BlissOS, and Android-x86. They can install on windows computers though they need processor with that SSE4.2 support for the 64bit versions. The 32bit versions dont need it. Think BlissOS is upto Android 13 now. Most android software is compiled for ARM processor so there is a translation layer which will slow some software down noticeably on x86 machine.
I personally mostly use MX linux, or Puppy linux, or guess I have Bodhi on one laptop. But MINT, Fedora, etc are fine, just find one that works on your hardware and that you are comfortable with. I got tired of continual battle with windows so for the couple things I need windows for, use windowsXlite. Win11 with all the cruft removed. Still dont like windows that much but at least I dont have to battle with it constantly anymore.
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u/Five_Decades Sep 25 '24
I still have a laptop from 2006 that works.
However after about 4 years a laptop gets too slow to use anymore and I upgrade.
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u/Cranberrycornflake Sep 25 '24
My current MacBook Pro is from 2014 but is the 2013 model. I want to upgrade but itās not in the budget. I bet if I sat down for the weekend and deep ācleanedā it of all the duplicate files and programs I donāt need anymore from school, I could get it back running better.
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u/disneylovesme Sep 25 '24
You can upgrade the memory/storage /battery for better boot up and battery life Also, when's the last time you cracked the back open and cleaned it? Mine has a lot of hair on the fans, routine cleaning helps!
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u/winningjimmies Sep 25 '24
My Dell laptop is 8 years old and still going strong. I replaced the battery on it last year.
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u/Mewpasaurus Sep 25 '24
I don't have it anymore, but I kept my 2003 Sony Viao in working condition until about 2020, when I finally wiped it and donated it to a homeschooling family in my area who wanted extra tech to play around with for their kids who were learning how to build and dissect computers and other technology.
I will say that by the end, the battery on that sucker was deeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaad and buying a new one would have cost more than the computer was worth.
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u/acid_tomato Sep 25 '24
Lenovo bought in 2012 finally gave up earlier this year. Had to replace the battery a couple years ago, could probably replace again but just let her go.
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u/Rain-Plastic Sep 25 '24
I have an old 2008 Dell connected to my TV for movies and streaming etc. I refuse to take out subscriptions and detest smart TVs.
Had to replace the battery once, but other than that it's still solid.
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u/Plastic_Cod7816 Sep 25 '24
I have had my Chromebook since 2021. The keyboard stopped working 6 months ago and have been using a Bluetooth keyboard ever since. Unfortunately, I need my laptop for work and had to purchase a tablet (with soft keyboard) for travel.
Iāll continue to use the OG Chromebook til it dies, though
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u/PMMeYourCouplets Sep 25 '24
I kept my previous laptop for over 10 years. Only replaced it because the screen started to flicker due to a loose hinge and it just wasn't worth replacing due to its age.
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u/lynxss1 Sep 25 '24
I have a 2010 Macbook Pro that still works fantastic. Have had to replace fans and battery multiple times though. Apple does not support it anymore but hardware still works fine with a different OS.
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u/Epiploic_Appendage Sep 25 '24
Iāve had the same Dell laptop since 2014. It still works almost all the time!
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u/FlippingPossum Sep 25 '24
I kept my first MacBook until it couldn't be updated anymore. I'll do the same with my current one.
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u/Onlyroad4adrifter Sep 25 '24
I have several leveno t420 bought used in 2016. I just keep repairing and upgrading the components. Windows 11 will be forcing me to go to Linux next.
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u/tarjones Sep 25 '24
I only replaced my 2012 Lenovo laptop a year ago so it lasted me over 10 years.
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u/Jgray1087 Sep 25 '24
Got a 2010 dell latitude from work that was going to the garage. Did a 50 buck upgrade( SSD , increased ram, new battery) . Also put Linux mint on it and runs great. Use it in the living room to jump on or use steam link from other computer. Best thing I have done for it.
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u/AutumnAvenue Sep 25 '24
Mid 2011 11 inch MacBook Air. Just replaced the battery earlier year and it still runs. Iām hoping I still get 3-4 decent years out of it. Maybe more!
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u/midaswale Sep 25 '24
My Asus laptop is 11 years old this year. I am an architectl, so sometimes I bring back works or do some freelance 3D modelling/ drafting.
Other than the battery (took it out as it is spoiled), the laptop still works quire well. Still can play Spiderman and Final Fantasy 7 Remake (with low graphic setting, of course)
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Sep 25 '24
I run my computers into the ground. I have a thinkpad from 2016, it def shows it's age but I don't have a need to replace it. My desktop I built in 2019, pretty budget build, ryzen 5 and I wanna say an nvidia 1060, that could be wrong though. I can still play games on low graphics settings and run home media server without issues. If I needed a laptop for daily work use I might upgrade at this point, I'd try and make it last at least 4 or 5 years though.
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u/bruinslacker Sep 25 '24
I usually buy a used mid range Mac laptop and keep it for 5-7 years. Once I bought a new one and used it for a full ten years (2011 to 2021).
I agree with others comments that paying the extra for a Mac is usually a good deal. I bought an iMac on my first day of college and my family kept it for 15 years. It was noticeably more expensive than ābudgetā options but I doubt many of those budget computers remained usable for 15 years.
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u/Strong_Feedback_8433 Sep 25 '24
Imo, depends on the "do some work" part.
Things like NES games are not that computationally heavy and likely whatever program you're running it on won't become obsolete very quickly (as in suddenly get updated to only be compatible with the new windows 11 instead of 10 or only supported by newer spec computer parts).
Other more modern gaming, your hardware could become actually obsolete. Just yesterday, I saw a post on another subreddit about a guy who bought a brand new game but couldn't play it because it wasn't compatible with their 13 year old computer components. But Dell xps I don't think is a gaming laptop anyways and it doesn't sound like you do a lot of modern games.
So unless your work involves more intensive computing or the crashes becomes annoying, you can likely keep it for awhile longer.
I'd look into cleaning the laptop (physically and maybe digitally) to help it continue running. Laptops collect a lot of dust and which affects cooling and that can affect performance. You may also want to make sure rheres no viruses or anything on your computer. Potentially even do a fresh reinstall of windows. Or instead use Linux because it is usually a less computationally intensive OS to run than windows.
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u/jmnugent Sep 25 '24
My first Macbook I got 10 years out of. Then I bought a 2017 (which I still have). Only reason i recently bought a 2023 Macbook was because the performance and battery life improvements of Apple Silicon are so impressive.
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u/Sea_Bison1997 Sep 25 '24
I had my 2009 MacBook Pro for 13 years. Finally replaced it with a 2022 MacBook Air. Main reason for replacing it was I couldnāt update the software after 10 years I think and wanted to make sure I had the most current security updates. It served me well.
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u/Reasonable-Mobile212 Sep 25 '24
I bought a $300 Asus laptop for my freshman year of college in 2016. It will die immediately if not constantly plugged in, gets super hot and loud, and is slow as hell but it still runs. I mainly use it for writing though and nothing very complicated.
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u/Adventurous_Top_5963 Sep 25 '24
2015 MacBook Pro still working fine and donāt plan on replacing. It slowed down a bit on start up when I upgraded the iOS a few years ago but once Iām in itās fine.
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u/Susanrwest Sep 25 '24
I retired dec 2015 and bought. Microsoft surface pro laptop and am still using it all the time.
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u/Glassfern Sep 25 '24
Until they die or lose function. I bought a laptop back in 2007. I was using it up until 2018 when it lost Wi-Fi connection and it would not repair its my DVD player now. Because new laptops don't have a player.
And as reference to how long I hold onto my electronics. 2017 LG phone. Stopped working this year because my family decided to switch plans and the new towers didn't support the phone. Now I have a phone I hate. I'm typing this on my old phone because its fine on Wi-Fi. And i like the camera better. Whatever you adjust you get in your photo. The new phone stays blurry until you snap the photo and then it clears. It's a pain.
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u/wombat5003 Sep 25 '24 edited Sep 25 '24
I still use my old one and am just about to upgrade to a new machine I have it just need to get up the strength to go through all the windows setup. My old machine told me it couldnāt upgrade to windows 11 because it didnāt have enough gumption to do it. So, I finally bent the bullet and got one with office.
Btwā¦ if your old machine is running slow try this. On both chrome and edge, clear all your browser history from forever. Then set it so that it doesnāt save history. Reboot. See if it speeds things up. Also, donāt keep individual files on your desktop. Put all files into folders. It makes it easier for the machine to index, which helps the speed.
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u/Novice_Trucker Sep 25 '24
I have my Lenovo from 2016 still. It got really slow earlier this year and I looked up solutions online. I donāt remember what I ended up doing but it ran better going forward.
My work laptop is a year older and our support department has kept it running somehow. I know next time it goes in for service I wonāt get it back though.
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u/eblade23 Sep 25 '24
I have a 11 year old HP 840 G2 which has been hackintosh. I still use it for web browsing
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u/simonbleu Sep 25 '24
just 2019?
I dont have a laptopt but I had an e2160 and 9500gt (512mb) pc (before that a pentium 3 or 4 iirc) since they came out give or take up until it basically shortcircuited like a decade later, and then a hand me down until I bough the current crappy amd 300g I have now. I also had a pristine 1st gen crappy moto g (I still have it somewhere) from 2012 or 2013 or something like that up until 2018 or something. The current one is newer but still 3-4 year sold
Nothing beats my only shoes though...I mean, you can notice the wear and frayed ends in a few places if you really look for them but for getting 11 years old next month, id say my not-so-new balance buddies made a commendable job so far
That said, I do what I do out of necessity, not frugality. While I am more or less frugal, I adapt to my budget and needs. Both my electronics and clothing DEFNITELY are needed of some change, I just cant afford it. If you are constantly interacting with something, specially if you work with it, it is worth getting something that at least delivers in performance. Also, getting too cheap of stuff can 100% be more expensive in the long run. Plus, if something fails, you might loose a lot of stuff if you dont have a dilligent backup culture too. Happened to me so ... yeah
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u/DrScitt Sep 25 '24
Iām still rocking a 2016 HP Envy touchscreen laptop. Was like $500 so cost per year ended up being $70 lol.
Though I donāt use it often any more, I bought a PC this year instead. Or use my iPad instead.
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u/chipmalfunct10n Sep 25 '24
i have a thinkpad t430 someone handed down to me about 3 yrs ago. just looked it up and it's from... 2012. works great! editing to add i do use linux on it :).
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u/5150_Ewok Sep 25 '24
2015 MacBook Pro still going strong. Hasnāt really slowed down. I dont bog it down or do heavy stuff. I unfortunately cracked my Apple logo but thatās it.
Also have an OG iPad Pro LTE from 2016 thatās doing fantastic minus the battery.
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u/Mission-Dance-5911 Sep 25 '24
I still use my Mac from 2013. But the battery health is going. Iāll always buy Mac computers, they never give me any issues. My PCs were nothing but headaches, every single one.
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u/_that_dude_J Sep 25 '24
I used to build towers and install software. Purchased a gaming laptop in 05' or 08', still use it for accounting and excel work but it never connects to the web. I have a paid version of Microsoft products and I don't want any of their bloat on it. Some years later when Chromebooks rolled out, I got an OG and a touchscreen. With the three, I made it work.
Of late I have been considering making the change to a Mac so that I can start editing vid footage. Unsure what to do with the laptops. Both Chromebooks are beyond updates..
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u/DaRealMexicanTrucker Sep 25 '24
MacBook Pro. Coming up on 10yrs with it. Battery life is less but in general laptop is ok. I will be replacing with Samsung after it dies.
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u/BudSticky Sep 25 '24
I have a 2018 XPs laptop. Same battery issue. Also itās really heavy and has a comically small 256 ssd. Might be due for a new one soon
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u/ConnorDZG Sep 25 '24
I have a 2014 thinkpad. Put in a new SSD about 4 years ago. Everything else is original. Still boots up in 3 seconds and runs perfect.
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u/5c044 Sep 25 '24
Mine is from about 2013, Linux, haswell CPU, 8gb ram, the dvd and HD have both been replaced with SSDs, and the WiFi is a modern wifi6 ax200 which I was able to install with a mini PCI to m.2 adapter. It's basically always been used as a desktop. Amazingly the battery is not dead either.
If you keep a laptop for a long time putting SSDs in will give it a good boost particularly if memory is low, paging/swapping will be faster. Also take it apart and clean out dust for battery cooling, the fans will run less and it wont need to thermal throttle.
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u/Pleasant_Bad924 Sep 25 '24
For casual web browsing Iām still using a MacBook Air from 2012 in the family room. Iāve replaced the battery twice.
Iāve got a 2018 laptop for gaming in my office. It never moves so I havenāt touched the battery in it.
And just today I got a new battery for my iPhone 11. The old one was maxed out at 65% capacity and wasnāt making it through a day.
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u/dopaminedeficitdiary Sep 25 '24
I had a macbook pro from 2016-2023 (RIP) and I'll never touch another HP/Dell laptop again after all the issues I've had with them in the past. I've replaced it with another macbook.
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u/swinginSpaceman Sep 25 '24
I had a VAIO from around 2009 or 2010 to 2015 when it stopped connecting to Wifi unless the access point was less than a couple meters away and its screen hinges sort of broke. Then I changed it in 2015 for a Dell Inspiron for college and it's still alive (pretty much thanks to Linux. Windows just loves to have its modules installer worker running in the background and grinding everything to a halt). I just use it for low-end games, web browsers, and to practice a bit of programming. Don't need anything fancy. We'll see when it breaks
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u/latch_fluky07 Sep 25 '24
Macbook lasts eternity. I had one gifted by Abraham Lincon which I use till date.
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u/melodrake Sep 25 '24 edited Sep 25 '24
Both pros bought new, airs bought second hand. I use them for ages then sell, only because they start to feel a bit slow with the newer software updates or I wanted a lighter one for travel.
- MacBook Pro 2011-2022 (sold)
- MacBook Air 2015-2024 (sold)
- MacBook Pro 2022-now
- MacBook Air 2020-now
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u/MrPapaveraceae Sep 25 '24
I had one for about 6-7 years. That thing ran like a champ. It's even been dropped from a table, twice! Still going good, then suddenly the drive started failing, but it ran so good I bought another from the same manufacture.
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u/Bugsy7778 Sep 25 '24
Iām using my kids 2017 MacBook that they used in school and upgraded when they went to university. I have never owned a new one for myself, this one works fine for what I do on it. Iāll use it until ot stops completely.
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u/Gunfighter9 Sep 25 '24
I have a 2016 MacBook Pro that runs just fine, no point in getting rid of it. I also have a 2023 MacBook Air.
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u/Efaustus9 Sep 25 '24
My 2004 Acer Travelmate 3200 is going on 20 years now, but just as an intranet printer server for my sharp professional office grade desktop printer photocopier. I've had the printer photocopier for over 10 years and I'm still using the original toner that it came with. They only ever released Windows XP drivers for this sharp machine otherwise I would l have replaced the Acer by this point.
I also still have and use a 2013 MacBook air but just for browsing while watching TV.
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u/Ok-Permission-3145 Sep 25 '24
I have a Dell from 2010. I've got Antix installed and it runs super quick.
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u/dayne878 Sep 25 '24
I had a cheap ~$250 laptop bought in summer 2019 that lasted about 4-5 years before the battery crapped out (wouldnāt hold a charge). Also, since it wasnāt a gaming laptop, it couldnāt handle even the most basic games with any decent frame rate.
So this year I upgraded to a gaming laptop that was 4x the price of the 2019 one, but Iām so much happier. I can sit on the couch or in bed while watching tv shows and still play the games I want.
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u/Ellubori Sep 25 '24
2015-2019 ThinkPad. It was slow as it had HDD. It was also 15" and heavy so wasn't worth to upgrade to SSD. Sister kept using it until 2022 (started college and bought herself lighter laptop)
2019 macbook air. Liked the 13" and weight and battery, hated everything else. As there wasn't a lot of memory it seemed pointless to run it with windows. Also no usable ports. Sold it.
2019 - today Dell latitude, 13", lightweight, enough ports. Battery is dead and needs to be constantly plugged in, I have been putting off buying a new battery, overall works fine and suits all my needs still.
Moms ThinkPad from 2015 is acting up now, looking to buy a new one.
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u/librecount Sep 25 '24
Old, like 10 years or so. Run linux on everything. Have a couple EOL chromebooks running ubuntu because EOL chromebooks are dirt cheap.
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u/anyythingoes Sep 25 '24
I have a 2017 Alienware 15 R3 and I will be buried with it. Still plays World of Warcraft fine, got it to run New World. I have a raid buddy that is somehow running Warcraft on a Windows 7 machine. You could look at giving your laptop a wipe or upgrading RAM/ssd to extend the lifespan.
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u/terryVaderaustin Sep 25 '24
still using my lenovo not sure of the exact year, but its running a amd athlon x4. upgraded the ram to 8g of dual channel and the hard drive to a ssd and it is still ridiculously fast. im on my 3rd battery now
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u/WildMartin429 Sep 25 '24
I don't use it much anymore because the screen is about to die but I've got a 2006 Dell Inspiron. I need to double check it for any data that needs to be transferred again before it bites the bullet
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u/davidm2232 Sep 25 '24
I have my Lenovo T430 from college. Got it in 2012. It was like $2500 but has lasted and worked great. I usually get free Dell Latitudes from whatever job I am at when they get rid of them. They are also cheap on ebay. No one should ever buy a laptop from Walmart or Best Buy. They are absolute crap.
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u/damnimadeanaccount Sep 25 '24
I still have a 2006/2007 core duo with like 10sec battery life. Kids are still using it to mess in excel/word and some other linux apps and games. I installed a spare SSD and lots of stuff works surprisingly fast, although updates are getting a problem with 32bit only.
My wife (and I) also regularly use an i5 4200m from 2014. Also upgrade with SSD, Ram to 8GB and a new battery. It has Windows 10 installed, but I got rid of lots of bloat and not needed stuff. Works decently enough for some surfing and remote work.
Months ago I got one with some i5 8xxx and 12 GB Ram for free, but it doesn't see any use, because everything is on the 4200m and it really works fast enough.
For main use I have an 7840HS from 2023 I got from work. Main benefit is the way better screen and it's nice thin metal case instead of thick and heavy plastic like the older ones. Also silent for my everyday tasks and way more battery life. Oh and it also plays some newer games really well.
All that said, it isn't really needed.
In general I would get something new, if I get annoyed by loading times and similar. But I really know how to get the best speed out of old hardware.
My old HTPC was mainly upgraded because of energy use and noise. Had an ryzen 2600 paired with a super old gtx 460. Selling these the 5700g paid basically for itself after a year because of less energy cost. Also way better performance, the 768MB VRAM were getting annyoing in many cases.
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u/Dry_Resolution_2509 Sep 25 '24
I still use my Dell Desktop that I bought in 2002. Itās not even that slow.
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u/HaywoodJablowme10 Sep 25 '24
Keep it till the wheels fall off or I accidentally smash it into tiny pieces!!! lol seriously I buy recently used laptops and keep them for a while. Tech does die or get old so if it is freezing or having major issues Iāll buy something newer.
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u/Apprehensive-Act8113 Sep 25 '24
I was using an early 2016 macbook until recently when I wanted to use my laptop more so I purchased an M3 macbook air. My 2016 one still works fine its just not as fast as I need for recording music and playing certain games with friends.
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u/Max_Rico Sep 25 '24
Laptop, desktop, iPhone or Apple Watch, I keep until they quit working. Literally.
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u/Deckrat_ Sep 25 '24
I have a 2017 MacBook Air, it's starting to get slow because it's full. I need to backup everything and factory reset it honestly and I bet that will help quit a bit.
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u/AngryLummox14 Sep 24 '24
If you really want to be frugal, you can wipe Windows 10/11 and replace it with a new Linux OS when you notice it getting really slow. Linux will speed it up noticeably even on old hardware.