[Emeril]

Out of curiosity, how often does everyone upgrade/replace their systems? Starting with the G3 (pre-G3 would be a long list), i've bought:

- Rev. A. iMac
- Rev. A. iBook
- G4 466 Tower/17" Studio Flat Panel
- Rev. A. Flat-Panel iMac (on order)

So, i'd rate myself at about once a year. I've never been disappointed with any purchases. Apple rocks The new iMac looks like a gorgeous machine too.

Cheers,
Darren

[NewsHound]

I'm wondering not only how often do you all upgrade, but, more importantly, how the hell do you afford it? My most recent computer purchase was an original Bondi iMac. I've wanted something new ever since -- iBook, TiBook, PowerMac, new iMac -- but I haven't had the cash.

So, for those of you who buy new often, how do you afford it? Do you use the Apple Loan Program (BTW, is that any good?)?

I think, for me, the time has finally come to upgrade to the new iMac -- it's a needed step up for me at 233, plus, the new machine is just too damn cool!

Out,
NewsHound

[xyber233]

My last purchase was an iMac rev.b. I can't really afford a new comuter right now so I just upgrade it. I bought a 466mhz g3, voodoo2, hard drive, and RAM. Wonderful machine.

[Emeril]

Originally posted by NewsHound:
<STRONG>I'm wondering not only how often do you all upgrade, but, more importantly, how the hell do you afford it? My most recent computer purchase was an original Bondi iMac. I've wanted something new ever since -- iBook, TiBook, PowerMac, new iMac -- but I haven't had the cash.

So, for those of you who buy new often, how do you afford it? Do you use the Apple Loan Program (BTW, is that any good?)?

I think, for me, the time has finally come to upgrade to the new iMac -- it's a needed step up for me at 233, plus, the new machine is just too damn cool!

Out,
NewsHound</STRONG>

I usually don't keep my previous systems. It would be nice if I could afford to have 5 or 6 Macs sitting in front of me. Rather, I sell it off when something else perks my interest (like the new iMac).

Darren

[PHoynak]

Ever since my 1st Mac purchase I got hooked...

iBook rev A
iMac DVSE (400mhz)
iMac 350
Dual USB iBook
233 Mhz iMac

I sold the DVSE to keep my wife happy. I planned on a new iMac but since things at work are iffy at best that will wait. I would have sold the two iMacs that were left .

To me a PC is just a machine to do a job but a Mac is more than that. It's hard to explain and my wife thinks I am nuts.

[Emeril]

Originally posted by PHoynak:
<STRONG>Ever since my 1st Mac purchase I got hooked...

iBook rev A
iMac DVSE (400mhz)
iMac 350
Dual USB iBook
233 Mhz iMac

I sold the DVSE to keep my wife happy. I planned on a new iMac but since things at work are iffy at best that will wait. I would have sold the two iMacs that were left .

To me a PC is just a machine to do a job but a Mac is more than that. It's hard to explain and my wife thinks I am nuts.
</STRONG>

Glad to hear you like the iMac line! You're completely right about Apple in general. It's a hard thing to explain, but it's almost like someone that has a vintage car in mint condition -- they're always praising it's performance and beauty. Either that, or we're a bunch of freaks.

Cheers,
Darren

[eza]

I started out with a Cube and 15" display about a year after joining the working world, then an Dual USB iBook about 9 months later I think, and then an iPod just last October. Now I'm looking for a nice refurb or used G4 tower for use as a server/powerhouse type of thing, preferably with a SuperDrive. So it looks like around every 6 months. At first I wanted to get a new machine every 2 years, but I think that'll be a replacement schedule, so in another year I'll be looking to replace my cube, and in 1 1/2 years i'll be looking to replace my iBook.

[Jansar]

I use my machine until it breaks

[NeoMac]

Originally posted by Jansar:
<STRONG>I use my machine until it breaks </STRONG>

If I were to do what you do...

Considering that my SEVEN year old PowerMac 7500 still runs beautifully and used frequently, I'd be waiting forever to replace it!

Bought a PowerBook two years ago.

[iDaver]

I've got eight of 'em at work and at home. To keep relatively new equipment I upgrade at the rate of about one per year, or slightly more often. The oldest, a Performa 6300 will soon be replaced by a G4 iMac. Yes!

As for how to afford it, well, it's a heck of a lot easier than it was 10 years ago but it's still painful. It's just a fact of life that computers, even Macs are hardly useful after several years. This is changing too though as I believe any old G3 will be useful for several more years.

[macanonymous]

I used to get a new Mac about once a year, selling the previous model on eBay. I know I lose a little cash in the exchange, but it's not much to pay for keeping up with the latest!

B&W G3
Powerbook G3
Powerbook G3 500
Cube
Powermac G4 466 w/GeForce 3
iBook 500
... waiting.... G5s?

[seanyepez]

If my grades are good, I get a new computer every month or so.

If I'm not prioritizing, I don't get anything.

[juanvaldes]

We upgrade about once every 4 or 5 years. That's how long it takes for them to be obsolete. BUT we try to balance laptops and desktops 2 years for one, then 2 later replace the other, and so on...

[kstevens]

Too often :-)

I have owned:

Mac II si
Mac II ci
Mac II fx
Mac 840AV
Mac 8500
Mac 9500
Mac G4 dual 500
ibook 300
Powerbook (Wallstreet)
iMac 400
iMac 600
And on order the iMac flatpanel

Ken

I forgot, I also own the iPod. I am the Apple poster boy :-)

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: kstevens ]

[molala]

My first Mac was a Performa 6400 in March '97, which my parents paid for. Two years after that I got a Powerbook (Lombard 333, I really wanted a laptop). I've been wanting an iBook since the icebook came out, but I can't really justify it yet. I could not sell the 6400, I just loved that machine, I gave it to my sister instead and turned her into a Mac user .

[jedakroub]

I guess I've got a bit of a sickness. I came to the Mac platform in March of 2001. I purchased an iMac DV Special Edition (graphite). A couple of months later I purchased an iBook with a combo drive. In December, I purchased an iPod (which I use religously) and then last week I purchased a new iMac, however I sold my "old" (who am I kidding?) iMac to my mother, whom I've managed to convert from the dark side. I've used the Apple Loan every time, which I find to work out quite well. Fortunately, I have a pretty good job that enables me to do this, but seriously, do I need help or what? I cannot explain it. Apple products are just amazing and for some reason I seem to have a real soft spot for the consumer lines (iMac, iBook, etc.) rather than the high-end systems. I suppose it goes along with my new simplified lease on life. Afterall, that is why I switched to a Mac in the first place: simplicity, elegence, fun!

Macs I've owned:

Mac Plus
LC
Duo 210 (w/ minidock)
PM 6100av
PM 7200
PM G3 (beigh 233) - still own
iBook 466 SE - still own

Thinkin' about new iMac but I'm going to wait until the PM towers are updated to make my decision.

[LowResNYC]

� Powermac 9600 (sold on eBay)

� "Pismo" Powerbook (sold on eBay)

� Original white and silver iBook 500mhz

� iPod

Someone was asking how people can afford all their gear... For me it's simple, I'm 27, single and a working designer and illustrator. Since I moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn I have a little bit more money left over after paying my bills too.

I really want the new iMac too... curse Apple for making such beautiful, bad-ass hardware!

[Jansar]

Mr.Lagasse,

I may have posted before, but I was only kidding. When I notice that my machine begins to be outdated, as it starts running new programs slowly and/or is not supported because it is too old, I wait until the next line of computers come out (which happens quite often) and buy the best one. That way, it will be several years before I have to replace my machine. I'm planning to keep my Cube for the longest time.

[Emeril]

Originally posted by Jansar:
<STRONG>Mr.Lagasse,

I may have posted before, but I was only kidding. When I notice that my machine begins to be outdated, as it starts running new programs slowly and/or is not supported because it is too old, I wait until the next line of computers come out (which happens quite often) and buy the best one. That way, it will be several years before I have to replace my machine. I'm planning to keep my Cube for the longest time.</STRONG>

I would hang on to the Cube aswell, it's a great machine. I usually sell off old machines to buy new ones. I regret selling my Rev. A. iBook however, that was a pretty durable machine.

Emeril.

[spiky_dog]

I'm still in college, so my parents still foot the bill... Here's the family list of Macs:

Mac LC (donated to charity)
Power Mac 6100 (retired)
Power Mac G3 (233)
iMac DV (400)
Powerbook G3 (333, my current school machine)
iMac G4 (800, on order, to live next to the Powerbook on my desk)

[Gastropod]

* Mac LC575 (it was an 040 chip which quickly became outdated by PPC chips)
- Bungie annouces Myth: The Fallen Lords and I had to upgrade to PPC to play it.
* PowerMac 5500 (it is a 603e with neat little things like video in/out)
- the LC575 is given to brother and lasts for another year or two.
- Apple releases OS X... and the unix programmer in me just has to have it... but I wait knowing that an LCD iMac is comming.
* new iMac is on order from the local specialist.

So from 94 the new iMac will be the 3rd computer. The oldest one is still being used by my mom as she learns how to use a mouse. I really get amused when people complain that their G4 cube is too slow for them.

[serranot]

Wow--some buy a lot of machines.

September 1993 - LC520 and Personal Laserwriter NTR

February 1997 - Powercomputing Powerbase 180 (currently has upgraded processor, hard drive, optical drive, and video card. Getting a little long in the tooth)

March 2001 (???) - G4 Apollo or G5

I still have the Laserwriter--works great.

[imacaholic]

Every MacWorld Expo! Who needs to budget?! Not enough space here to list all the machines I own. I just can't part with trusted family members! Can you!?

[Stoopid]

Originally posted by Jansar:
<STRONG>I use my machine until it breaks </STRONG>

Don't let that stop you! My machine broke and I STILL use it
(bondi rev a w/17" monitor sticking out of the back.)

[Loco Engr]

Mac 128 (==&gt; 512K)
Mac II
Mac LC
Quadra 630
iMac DV
iBook SE

ANSWER: Every 2.8 years -- more than one year to go...

[macthelastredman]

Starting in about early 1999 when i started using macs again...

Powerbook G3 266mhz (Wallstreet...i think)...sold on yahoo auctions
2nd Rev. iMac Strawberry 233mhz...sold to some old lady in my home town
iMac SE w/ DVD (400mhz...i think??)....sold on half.com
ibook (indigo 366mhz)....sold on half.com
and today iMac (snow 500mhz 640ram 20gigs and the best damn os in the world OSX)

hopefully it will be awhile before i get another mac...paying for college is more important right?

[Macintosh]

I buy a new Mac once every 1.5 to 2 years.

[pkatt]

Ok.

iMac Rev. A
iBook SE (original)
iBook Dual USB

My dad (who bought me all the above) also has bought a iBook Rev. B Tangerine and a Cube.

[zac4mac]

March 1990 - given a 512ke for helping friend w/ house wiring.(no HD, 2 floppy drives) - gone
March 1991 - bought Classic from same friend(300.00) - gone
May 1993 - bought a Performa 550 from Sun Remarketing(999.99) - gone
June 1994 - picked up LaserWriter IIntx for 5.00 at H-P auction - gone
June 1995 - bought a used Perf 476 for 800.00 - gone
March 1997 - bought PM8500/120/16/1GB (store demo) 1500.00 - it is now at work with a G3@454/704MB/1,2 and 20(FW) GB HD's.
Sept 1997 - traded LaserWriter for Apple Luggable, backlit and case.
Feb 1999 - bought PBG3-233/14.1" 2295.00 or so. - gone
Oct 2000 - DP500/Radeon for 2517.00 - screaming at 550 now with 1GB CL2.
March? 2001 - brought a PM 7500 home from work to talk to my DSL modem after Code Red fried the first one, now it does SETI.
Nov 2001 - iPod booooya, I love this thing.
March 2002 - Combo iMac-II for pop, c'mon income tax refund.
Summer 2002 - rev A IceBook, used.
When His Steveness deigns proper - Dual G5 1.4Ghz+, might go with fast G4's if they update the MoBo, whatever the price.

These are/were all Macs in use, I also have a couple of Newtons, a Plus, IIsi, IIfx, LCIII, PB5300c, PB1400c, though sometimes I use the Newton and the 5300 still. Waiting for a Newton 2100 to arrive next week.

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: zac4mac ]

[VanToffler]

The trick to getting new equipment all the time is to:

1) Have a decent paying job, or a Sugar Daddy
2) Sell on eBay, buy new - repeat

Others have mentioned this, and I do it with nearly all of my consumer electronics and computers. I always want the latest and greatest, so I'm almost always selling something on eBay. You just have to pay attention and sell before the item takes the plunge to 50% or less of its' comparable retail value. I find that selling local usually gets me more than I can get on eBay so I always try to do that first.

My Mac history goes:

Mac Plus
LC
IIci
Centris 610
Quadra 700 (coolest Mac case ever)
iMac SE
G4 400
iBook 500
TiBook 400
(hopefully a dual 867MHz for $2000)

[xyber233]

2) Sell on eBay, buy new - repeat

Just wonderin, who here does this? I know a few and they buy new stuff every year.

[WizOSX]

About once every two years. Since the Apple IIe I bought in 1984 until today I've owned 9 Apple CPU's. That's one every two years. My Macs have been:

1. 128k Mac
2. SE 2-floppy--added a 45mb HD.
3. SE FDHD 20mb hard drive built-in.
4. IIcx--great machine.
5. IIsi--almost as cheap as a PC. Absolutely great computer.
6. Duo 230--with everything!! Could have been better, but a fun idea.
7. PowerMac 6100--crashed a lot. But a workhorse.
8. PowerMac 7600--great, running OS X on it now . Good for a 5 year old.
9. Ti Powerbook 550--there is almost nothing I would change about it. The perfect Mac, especially with OS X.

[gumby5647]

i don't think anybody goes through mac's faster than Murbot...

[darcybaston]

My first Mac was an iMac DV SE 400mhz April of 2000, using a local reseller's lease plan (there was no lease plan for Apple Canada yet back then). I have an IBM K6-2 lease ending this August so that frees me up to get a new one for an LCD iMac. (I sold that IBM to make a deposit on the lease for the iMac instead of paying off the lease...priorities!)

But, I'd much rather try to find new employment to earn more and then save for the puter instead of leasing. I'm sick of 3 year comitments hehe.

Darcy

[Maccavelli]

The way you guys talk about Macs really makes me wanna buy one right now . I'm currently a PC user and will be buying a Mac striclty for web site development. I hate waiting though.

[murbot]

Originally posted by gumby5647:
<STRONG>i don't think anybody goes through mac's faster than Murbot...</STRONG>

I was waiting for someone to mention me...

Currently waiting for Mac #10 - the LCD iMac.

All since Feb 2000.

I'll have to dig around for my list - too many to keep in my head.

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: murbot ]

[SpiffyGuyC]

I try to get a new one whenever I can afford it. My first was a Performa 6115 - great machine at the time - clocked that f*cker up to a while 80mhz the day I got it, I did.

I also bought a newton (230? or something) about a year later - loved it, but now I use a Visor.

I ditched the first-gen PowerMac some years later for a 7300 which was a big stinking P.O.S. but a good deal faster than the 6115, dealt with it until I got my ....

Pismo. What a beautiful machine, to this day. I ended up selling it off to a friend, but whenever we get together for "Target Disk Mode parties" I'm still amazed at how well it runs and how sleek it still looks compared to the 2001/2002 PC's that are rolling off the assembly lines.

Ah, but I'm typing this on my baby .... my TiBook ... I plan on keeping this thing for a loooong time. It is perfect in every way I could hope for. The only thing I would possibly consider trading up for would be a faster one in a year or two. I'm on a 500 and it's given me no compelling reason to want anything else.

As far as simply "buying from Apple," the stores have turned out to be a great thing - rather than mail-order, I often stop in to get a piece of software, a USB hub, MiniDV tapes, cables, got a new printer there too.... just to give Apple my business, even if I have to spend an extra $10-$20 to do so. It's a great place to stop in, chat, check out the new toys, and buy something small. It's honestly the only computer store I've been to where I can tell the salesperson I'm not looking to buy anything huge yet and he says "great - play around - touch everything and have fun and let me know if you have questions." I really think they're going to gain a lot from those places.

OK, this has turned into a really long post considering the hour (3:20 AM!!) I have a new DV cam arriving tomorrow, so I ought to get to sleep!!! Hope this was informative.

-S

[ 01-25-2002: Message edited by: SpiffyGuyC ]

[JoeG4]

Aw, poor murbot, I got a tibook on order

That's two macs in 4 months I wonder if I can catch up!

*shrug* I might ebay the dp800 if I get the right timing, but it's such a cool machine, I'd feel sorry to

[rjenkinson]

i'd say i buy a new machine every two years or so. if i were to buy a new machine every year or every six months, i don't think i'd notice too much of a performance increase (even ignoring everything related to motorola). i try to buy new hardware every second generation.

-r.

[boardsurfer]

Originally posted by PHoynak:
<STRONG> It's hard to explain and my wife thinks I am nuts.
</STRONG>

My wife just looks at me with her eyebrows raised as if to say "is this supposed to be important?"

I am still using the first an only Mac I have ever bought. iMac DVSE 500, slightly upgraded (RAM). Fortunatly, my wifes sister is really interested in getting a decent mac to use. Would like to sell her mine, thereby softening the blow for the new G4 iMac.

[Bernard Ducamp]

Once every 5 years. Damn that bleeding edge. At least the price comes down and the performance goes up over time.

[msykes]

When I still lived at home we started went through a couple:
FatMac (512k)
Mac Plus
LC II
6100

Bought a revA iMac in '98, then about 6 months later got a Lombard 333MHz, I was just dying to go portable (and my advisor paid for it). It's been 2.5 years since, and I've vowed to buy the next Ti revision, whatever it is!

I'd love to buy a little more often, more like every 2 years or so though.

msykes

Macs I've owned over the years:

Plus
LC
Duo 210
PowerMac 6100av
7200
beige 233MHz G3 Desktop
iBook 466

The PowerMacs I got in return for putting on seminars, etc. in university. Apple used to have a program called the "Apple Education Consultants Program" where they would give you a free Mac (well, about $3000 Cdn in Mac stuff)

The others I got from selling the old plus some savings to get the new. BTW, I'm gonna get a new iMac soon.