Quote:
Originally Posted by stomachmonkey
I define value as the use I get for the cost.
A $300 computer that lasts you a year is less of a value than a $500 computer that lasts 2 years which is less of a value than a $1,000 computer that lasts 5 years.
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To counter this, why would I want to spend $1000 on a computer that will last 5 years, but will be "obsolete" in 6 months? For my own personal use, I've purchased 2 laptops in the past 11 years. One was an Alienware (right before Dell bought them) for around $1700 that was a gaming machine. It still works, for the most part. The other is either an HP or Compaq, I'm really not sure off the top of my head. Something kinda crapped out on my Alienware while I was writing a paper a few years back, so I ran to Walmart, grabbed a cheap laptop (sub-$300) and it hasn't had so much as a hiccup since I bought it. Been at least 3 years now.
From my experience, most people who have problems with their computers, it's from their own misuse (visiting questionable sites, poor physical care, downloading things they probable shouldn't, not protecting themselves from intrusion, etc.). Before I got into laptops, I never had issue with any of the desktops I've owned, either; most of which I built myself. Only ever built/bought new ones due to obsolescence/performace issues.
So, I personally feel no need to spend $1000+ on a laptop that has the same internal workings as the sub-$300 Walmart special that will last just as long if taken care of properly.