Monday, 6 October 2025

ALL FOR NAUGHT(Y)

I tend to think of the Apple Mac desktop computer I use in the study as new even though it's now 10 years old. I replaced the old Mac back in 2018 when I bought the 'new' refurbished one. It was already 3 years old then.


The old Mac sitting in the naughty corner waiting to be taken to the tip

The 'new' Mac unaware that its poor performance means it will soon go to the naughty corner and worse

The new Mac has been getting slow even though I make sure that old files are trashed and that new software upgrades are kept up to date. The problem isn't in the Mac's hardware performance but in the 'advancements' on apps and software that Apple continuously undertake. These 'improvements' are supposed to be to the users' benefit but I suspect is merely a rort to drive the users (read dupes) into buying new equipment.

I looked up the internet to find out the normal lifespan of computers and was shocked. All of the answers came up something like this:

A desktop computer's lifespan typically ranges from 5 to 7 years, but can extend to 10 years or more with proper maintenance and upgrades, while younger computers can be retired sooner due to software obsolescence or hardware failure. Factors like the quality of components, your usage, maintenance practices, and the ability to upgrade individual parts significantly impact how long a desktop will last.

Bummer!

With our computer that has had "proper maintenance and upgrades" it looks like it's ready to 'buy the farm'.

I haven't told The Old Girl yet but will when we get settled in a permanent place in Wellington and can see what money we have left over and what discretionary finances we have for things like eating and breathing! I think this time I'll buy brand new to give that extra 3 years or so which might mean it lasts before I 'buy the farm'.





4 comments:

Rob said...

Microsoft is just as bad. Their latest version of windows makes all older older computers obsolete.
I find Google the best. My Google $300 note pad just keeps on keeping on. No upgrades. Similarly I use Google Chrome where ever I can.

THE CURMUDGEON said...

My iPad is the same. No upgrades necessary and it just keeps going.

Richard (of RBB) said...

I use a ball point pen.

THE CURMUDGEON said...

Good for you. You'll be able to spell 'luddite' with it.