When is it Time to Say Goodbye?

Here’s (another) question I’m asked all the time: When is it time for me to get a new computer? (Or iPhone, iPad, printer, etc.)

My first answer: Most people don’t like change, and some of them get too attached to something that works, and they don’t want to get another device that might be different. Years ago, nobody would’ve thought that one day in the not-too-distant future people would be paying hundreds of dollars for a phone, have multiple computers in the household, or even ditching cable television in favor of streaming services.

But to quote Bob Dylan, the times they are a-changin’, and that trend seems to grow stronger as time marches on. (There are driverless cars cruising around California as you read this, but that’s a story for another day!)  What I’m saying here is that what’s once was considered “cutting edge” is now in the dustbin, and today there are newer, bigger, faster, sexier, and better versions of the same product available. But back to the question at hand: When exactly is the best time to decide it’s the optimal time to go out with the old and in with the new?

OK, first thing to remember is that computers (and other tech products) are generally considered “depreciating assets,” which means (among other things) that unlike vintage guitars, certain wines, and some art, they are less valuable as time passes. So – having said that, the iMac you bought in 2010 for $1199 will probably sell for about $60 today. If you’re lucky. And since Apple generally gives seven years of life to its Mac line, you should be (in theory, anyway) on your third new computer if you bought in 2010.

But most importantly – when is the time to replace your computer?

My answer (and I’m NOT being a wise guy!): When it’s time.

And what is that time, you may ask? Think of it the same way you buy a car. As long as it works and gets the job done, you should probably keep it. But once it starts getting hot, freezes up a lot, the battery won’t hold a charge (if it’s a laptop), not able to connect to certain websites (and the OS can’t get upgraded), that could be the time. You can certainly tempt fate and keep your old Mac running, with a “fight ‘em ‘til you can’t” attitude, and that’s great. I see plenty of older Macs way past their expiration date, working fine day after day.