Macbook/Macbook pro lifespan

i know that laptop technology is constantly updating and changing. but i am just wondering how often you mac users update your laptops? do you start out with something strong and use it till it dies, or go low end and upgrade more often. i have never owned a mac but will be purchasing the basic macbook for my wife soon(she deserves a new laptop first). then i will be replacing my viao when it gets closer to the end of it's lifespan. but i was thinking of going with a macbook pro some where in the middle and then maybe upgrading every 3 years maybe, is this possible? i know speed will changle alot and i am sure memory will to, but as long as i am happy with what i am working with that's all that really matters right? not to mention trying to keep business cost down.

it depends on your budget and your desire to always have the newest, the latest, etc. Personally, I have updated my iMac and my MacBook Pro every three years, because that's the longest that I can stand to go without the "newest" out there. Some people upgrade once every couple of years, and some when the wheels fall off....

My MBP is 4 years old and I have no plans to update it, but it's not my primary machine. I still use an iBook G4 for field work, and it's now 7 years old. My view is you should buy the best you can afford.

I bought a MBP last October, I plan on using this until it can't run programs efficiently. I've tired processing a friends 5D2 RAW files to see how my computer handles, and it does just fine.

There are a lot of things to consider when upgrading any computer, much less Mac's. If you buy a top of the line computer it will stay viable for a longer period of time. It also depends on jumps in technology. I upgraded from my 2008 MBP to a 2010 i7 MBP because the speed increase was significant. The more powerful the computer, the longer you'll be able to keep it around. It's a balance between how much you're willing to spend vs longevity.

I still have a Powerbook - the last or next to last model before it got the Intel processor. It is still running fine. I've ordered a new Macbook Pro, though, as the Powerbook is a bit slow for working with my 7D files and I want to start editing HD video.

i've been using my macbook for >3 years. bought the cheapest, lowest spec one in 2007. upgraded the memory (512MB to 2GB) and hdd last year (was 60GB now 500GB). i want to upgrade but have no reason to cos it's working great.

i'd say buy something within budget and with some room for internal upgrades, like memory, because you never know what models and specs will be out in 2-3 years time. who knows we may be using 3D laptops by then. haha.

but to answer your question, 3-5 years lifespan would seem about right...

Like everyone says, it really is up to you. At work we are on a 4 year cycle for computer upgrades (Windows laptops and desktops). At home I can't afford that type of update rate so I tend to buy the best I can afford and run it for a long long time. Just upgraded from Powerbook G4 (Titanium!!) to i7 MBP. I suspect 8 years might be a bit long between updates for most people. On the other hand the performance boost after that long is pretty amazing!

I have used Apple products since the IIe. Shortest personal upgrade cycle was about 4 years, longest 8, average around 6 years. Would like to upgrade more often (toy fever) but have other things to throw money at also.

- Eric

I've been using my 07SR 15" MBP since it was shiny and it's still rocking for me.