i get antsy if i have the same laptop for over a year.
i almost upgraded my ipad to ipad2/android last year but decided to hold out
can generally wait 2 years between cell phones
i've had the same 32" hdtv for 5 years
don't bother with consoles much (still have a wii i rarely use, sold my xbox360 a few years ago)

1/4/2012 9:34:07 PM

I don't really game, so with PCs and laptops these days, I can go a long long time between upgrades. My first Mac was a PowerBookG4 I got in 2004, and I didn't upgrade until 2009, and am still on that one.

Cell phones I upgrade as often as my contract lets me.

I kept my old CRT HDTV from 2004 until it died in 2010, and now have a Samsung LCD that I'll keep probably until it dies.

tl;Dr I'm cheap bastard.

1/4/2012 9:40:39 PM

I don't upgrade phones very often. I've had 7 in 15 years. One of those was because it broke, and one was because I changed from AT&T to Verizon.

I have had 4 computers in 12 years.
Had a laptop, bought a desktop.
Desktop broke, bought a second laptop.
Laptop broke, bought a desk top.
Second laptop broke.
Only have a desktop (3 years old)

I have an original gameboy that I don't touch, and a Wii that I don't use.

Had a 32'' CRT TV that I gave away after 8 years.
Have a 20'' LCD TV (5 years), and bought a 46'' Samsung LCD last year.

My computer speakers died after 6 years (creative 2.1 system) and I just upgraded to a $1500 2.1 system in my office at home. It should last for a long time.

1/4/2012 9:55:08 PM

cell phones - as often as my contract will let me
iPad - held off from getting a 2, but will definitely get a 3
computer - about a year and a half to two years
tv - until it dies... maybe. My old place had a more square living room, my condo now has a long skinny one, so I might go a bit bigger

1/4/2012 10:11:10 PM

I usually upgrade when there is a significant OS or hardware update that gets cheap.

For instance I would like to get to a phone that will at least run Android 4, mostly because it's the first OS since WebOS that has multitasking that doesn't suck balls. Of course I want the Galaxy Nexus; but I can't justify the cost of Verizon - so I'll probably be trading in for a Nexus S when it goes 4.0

My laptop situation is fine - I have a T42 running linux, and a Series 3 Samsung that's light and portable. I try to keep all my data stored externally so I can access it via VPN to the house or in the cloud.

I'm still using an Archos70 for my tablet. It's dirt cheap, let's me watch netflix on a larger screen and fills in some holes when the phone screen is too small. I'd like something on the 4.0 track; but it's a consumption device - I couldn't justify the cost.

My current wants are just for a fast desktop. I enjoy doing lots of video work and piddle in 3D renderings.... both of which I have to walk over or remote the office to enjoy. However, once I'm out of debt and have lots of disposable income I suppose I'd like to update things a little more often; but that will be several years.


If this thread is for permission or justification of a new purchase than I upgrade twice per year - once at CES and once at black friday

[Edited on January 4, 2012 at 11:06 PM. Reason : .]

1/4/2012 10:59:35 PM

Cell Phone - Every 20 months
Computer - Every 2 years I typically refresh CPU/Motherboard, I typically upgrade other components about twice a year.
Laptop - Every 4-5 years
TV - Not sure, had a CRT for 5 years or so, then my current LCD for 3-1/2 years, I doubt I'll swap it out for another 5 years or longer.

1/4/2012 11:18:15 PM

Quote :

"i get antsy if i have the same laptop for over a year. "

damn, I've had this laptop since Dec. 2006 ... only thing I've done is upgraded the hard drive and replaced the keyboard

1/4/2012 11:42:11 PM

Well, I just upgraded my desktop from one that I had built in July of 2006.

I went from an Acer TravelMate in July of 2006 to a Macbook Pro in October of 2007 (TravelMate was a piece of shit). Then I really didn't get a new laptop until Early 2011, but it was a 12" Netbook. It is good, but then there was a deal on an 11.6" Samsung laptop with a ULV Core i3 (1.3 Ghz) w/ 4 GB of RAM that is MILES better than the netbook, though I still have all of my laptops. I also have another laptop that I purchased off of here towards the end of 2010 that was broken and I fixed, but it was just something for me to do and was not an upgrade over my Macbook Pro.

I still use my Macbook Pro though. It's a great laptop.

So for laptops, it is sporadic. But I have no plans on buying a new one for the next few years. This Samsung is pretty damn solid, even though I got it 50% off for $350.

As for cell phones, I don't plan to do that but every 2 or so years. I am happy with my iPhone 4.

1/5/2012 1:31:10 AM

I hold onto that shit as long as possible, I had the same laptop for over 5 years.

1/5/2012 1:39:02 AM

Quote :

"I don't upgrade phones very often. I've had 7 in 15 years. "

I've had 3 in 15 years.

I just got my first laptop for Christmas.

I've had 5 monitors, 3 motherboards, 4 CPUs, and 3 video cards over 10-12 years.

Had my TV since fall of 2008 and will have it until it dies (and will likely attempt repairing it even then)

In my current ride I'm using the same Kenwood head unit i put in my first car almost 16 years ago. I'm using the same amplifiers and pre-amplifier from ~15 years ago.

1/5/2012 6:59:44 AM

Desktop: I rebuild/upgrade seriously ever 4-5 years, but I constantly am adding it. I build it so I will do a midlife new video card and usually throw that onto the new mobo/proc. Current one has been together for 2 years. Just got a 2TB internal HDD most recently for additional photo storage capacity.

Monitors: If I can get to a pair of 23-24" monitors, I am happy. Recently upgraded at work to a paid of 23" LED monitors from some real shitty screens when I started last year. I don't care for much bigger as it takes up too much damn real estate on my desk. At home I have a 23" and the 42" plugged into the computer. Would really like to get one more 23-24" S-IPS at home for photo editing though.

Laptop: Rarely worry about it. Get them from work, so whenever work upgrades me, or I switch jobs. Currently rocking a T61p Thinkpad.

Tablet: Had iPad at last job. Will be getting iPad 2 from current job in the near future.

Phone: Rarely do I worry about these. Currently rocking one of the LG Voyagers that I got when a coworker upgraded.

iPod/MP3 Player: 2 personal and 2 from work since HS. Got the iPod 4 model now.

TV: May have to upgrade this week on a pair of them. 42" plasma has a dead power board. Been quoted $355 to replace it. Can get a 50" LG plasma for $599. Now my old Sony Trinitron in our bedroom is dying. Last night the picture got all fucked up. I have had that thing for like 12 years. Hate to see it go, but won't miss lugging that heavy bitch.

Stereo: My pickup truck has the same headunit that I have had in last couple of vehicles. It has an aux input so I can plug my iPod or Inno into it, so that is all I give a damn about. One I had in the Z-28 when I sold it was the same that had been in like 2 prior vehicles and had that big ass box in the trunk for connecting XM to it and the moving face. Don't care about fancy shit like that in a car as it is just something else to break.

Cars: I know this wasn't on there previously, but thought I would add it. I am the worst (or best depending on your opinion) about keeping a car for fucking ever. I do most of the maintenance myself, and they are paid off, so I am not afraid to tinker with them if something is acting up instead of just getting rid of the vehicles. Currently have a 95 Ford Ranger with 296k miles and a 97 LeSabre with about 178k. Had both of them for a long ass time and in no hurry to upgrade them either.

Consoles: Don't bother. I have a Wii for the kids, but my desktop gaming PC can run anything I want to play.

Photography Equipment: Love to upgrade, but can't afford/justify the current body upgrades available. Currently rocking a D200 and my backups are a D40 and a D1. Lately I have spent my money and time on acquiring accessory items like glass, multiple flashes, light stands, umbrellas, etc.

1/5/2012 7:28:42 AM

Desktop: Every few years.

Laptops: Every 3 or so years.

TV: Had the same once since Jan 2007

Cell Phones: About once a year, unfortunately. My Droid X is probably the longest I've had a cell phone and I'm getting pretty anxious, wanting to buy a new one.

1/5/2012 8:11:51 AM

Laptop: I bought one back in 2010 and it's still running well. I bought it near top of the line so that I wouldn't have to upgrade. and I barely use it so I see it lasting at least 2-3 more years.

Phone: Every 2 years. (iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, waiting on next gen)

TV: Just bought a new 46" LED. will probably last 5+ I hope.

Console: PS3, have had it since 2008. Will probably last until PS4 has been out for 6+ months.

1/5/2012 9:08:33 AM

Cell Phone - I skip 2 generations and then upgrade. Currently on 3GS, getting the 5 when it comes out.
Computer - Every 3-4 years, completely new hardware.
Laptop - Every 2 years, because company pays for it.
TV - Every 5 years.

[Edited on January 5, 2012 at 9:51 AM. Reason : -]

1/5/2012 9:51:15 AM

Disclaimer: I don't use computers for gaming or anything really intensive. Surfing the net and watching the occasional movie is about the most I do.


Laptop: Still using the same Acer laptop (with original hardware) purchased in 2004. The original battery even lasts me a good 1.5 hours if I'm not doing much. I get new work laptops whenever they upgrade. My wife is on her Macbook from 2006.

Desktop: Don't own one.

Phone: Still have one from 2006/2007. RAZR V3xx, still works great. Only the 2nd phone I've ever had.

TVs: All our TVs are hand-me-down CRTs. I've never actually purchased a TV.

Consoles: My wife and I have a collection of older consoles from when we were kids but they never get used. The newest thing we have is an Xbox I bought in 2004.

Cars: Wife has a 2006 Corolla, I'm in a '97 Camry as my daily driver (~100 miles/day), and I have an '86 Mazda truck. No car payments though...

I guess I'm one of those guys who uses things until they fall apart, and doesn't upgrade until the current stuff is either completely unusable or not worth fixing if it breaks.

[Edited on January 5, 2012 at 10:14 AM. Reason : ]

1/5/2012 10:12:25 AM

Phones - Every 1-1.5 yrs
Laptop - I've got two...both are Centrino Duo, so whats that, almost 6 years old or something ? Both have 4G of RAM and SSDs though

1/5/2012 11:44:56 AM

Quote :

"I guess I'm one of those guys who uses things until they fall apart"

1/5/2012 12:53:03 PM

^ It pains me to throw away things that function just fine.

1/5/2012 1:17:48 PM

Phones are about the only thing I upgrade regularly. Usually go through one of those every 6-9months. Speaking of which, it's about time to find another one.

1/5/2012 1:45:47 PM

what do most of you do with old hardware? mainly laptops and phones? i have a couple old college laptops just sitting at my parents house and a dozen phones from early 00s to now in a drawer.

i've checked the trade in sites for phones but it all seems too much of a hassle for 10 bucks

1/5/2012 3:41:41 PM

Stuff I don't use anymore I put them in the attic. I just went to the dump and threw away close to 13 old systems including 15 crt monitors! And that's just what we had in the family over the last 15 years. I still have a stack of 5 old laptops in a room, old pentium I-III's that still work. I use my older dell and hp laptops as htpc's to two tv's. I currently run 4 desktop machines still; one used as a server, two gaming boxes and the other is for the kitchen.

I generally build a new pc every 2-3 years, but I upgrade constantly whenever a good sale is on for parts I'd like or need. On this one pc that I have now, its only about 15 months old, but I've upgraded it about 5 times now. Was originally suppose to be an $800 system, but now getting close to 3k.

My next two upgrades will be a two loop liquid cool setup w/ accompanied 1000 or 1200w power supply and the HP 27" IPS LED monitor once I get my job, hopefully in the next month.

1/5/2012 5:10:08 PM

I've had 3 desktops. All were near-top-of-the-line equipment when I got them. The first two I replaced after 3 years due to sluggishness, instability and inability to play new games. However, I've had my current PC for 4 years and I don't have any of those problems with it. It still boots quick and runs the newest graphics-intense games at full resolution.

When I do upgrade, I get bleeding-edge gear. I don't know if its Windows 7 or a particularly good selection of hardware, but this rig has yet to give me an excuse to go shopping.

1/6/2012 2:46:51 AM

When it breaks and I can't fix it. When the software is no longer supported


* security updates not included in the above statement.

1/6/2012 7:26:12 AM

I usually keep my stuff until it breaks.

Laptop-I still have a Dell Vostro 1500 that I got in 2007 or 2008. I just can't stand all of the 16:9 displays on newer laptops. I will probably keep it either until the motherboard dies (anything else I would just replace) or until Nvidia stops supporting the 8600m GT in the Linux drivers.

Server-A Dell Dimension 8300 (2003ish?) that my aunt gave me when the malware on Windows got to be to much. (I told her I could fix it, but she had already bought a new system.) I just recently upgraded the CPU in this system to a 3.4gHz chip. I will keep it either until the motherboard craps out or until my website gets big/popular enough that this server will no longer suffice. At that point, I will either build a new system from scratch or scrounge up more old hardware, depending on how much $$$ I have at the time.

Phone-I still have a Droid Incredible that I bought used about 6 months ago (it was my first smartphone.) With CyanogenMod installed, it is snappy, fast, and does everything I need it to do. I will probably hold off upgrading either until it breaks, at which point I will buy another used phone.

Tablet-I have a Cyanogenmodded HP Touchpad that I got for $99USD. I don't really need a tablet, so I will keep that one until it breaks, but I will not be replacing it.

Console-I don't do consoles. Linux gaming FTW!

TV-I don't own a TV.

1/6/2012 7:33:13 AM

a laptop isn't necessary for anything besides when I'm working abroad or traveling. I have a netbook for traveling that I've very often considered upgrading, but that's more because I need more cpu and mem than it can handle. my first laptop was bought in 2004 and the next was bought in 2006. I haven't acquired a new laptop since then.

my desktop is upgraded as I run into limitations. I built one in 2003 to start college that lasted until 2006 before it needed more ram and cpu. i've upgraded video, mobo, cpu, and mem several times while the rest of the components mostly stay the same. summer of 2010 I put in a phenom 2 925x4, new mobo, and just recently added 12gb of ram and a 6950 (for bf3). when I play bf3 I can't watch my slingbox without lag due to cpu bottleneck so I'll likely try overclocking what I have and when it dies, I'll buy an 8 core.

in general, I upgrade as my software requirements change. 5 years of playing wow, kept things mostly static. progressively worse memory leaks in browsers had me upgrading ram. etc.

I last upgraded my tv when 1080p became available. I've never upgraded my receiver and upgraded my speakers once.

I upgrade my phone as my contract allows.

I upgrade my internet connection whenever there's a marked increase in upload.

I upgrade my consoles with each generation, though this coming generation will likely have large competition from cloud gaming and I don't see myself being an early adopter.

1/6/2012 9:08:41 AM

desktops: ~3 years cause i like to play VIDEO GAMES! Since i've had it i've added 4gigs of ram, an SSD, and various HDDs but i dont really consider all but the ram upgrades cause all the storage will go into the next one.

laptops: upgrade when they die cause i only use them for work/travel. current laptop is atleast 4 years old and seems fine. running windows 8 right now, heh

phones: upgrade when they die + plan allows it.

tv: probably wouldn't replace it unless it died and was more expensive to fix than a new tv
car: see tv

1/6/2012 9:25:09 AM

Cell phone... when im able to, provided what i want is out. Almost got the bionic and held out when i heard about the galaxy nexus... i went two full years to the day almost on my last phone

Computer... getting the itch for a new laptop. Current one is from july 2007 which was a warranty replacement from a laptop in august 04. Im ahead of the game. Im placating the itch by having a tablet. Had one since may.

Tv... bought this one in august 08. Ill have it til it dies, unless theres a significant technology advance that i need to have. 3d did not qualify. I may get a bigger one if i get into a house with a living room that makes it feel tiny, and put this in my bedroom. Currently have a 46".

Car... id like a new one because this one is leaking oil like crazy and i hate putting money into it. Parents bought it new in 98... ill probably drive it into the ground though.

Misc toys... tablet i see myself getting a new android tablet in a year probably... ps3 id upgrade... i g find myself wanting to upgrade stuff, but i usually dont until something i think is 'game changing' comes to market. Ii tend to buy on the higher end to help future proof stuff though... so my toys tend to be nice and shiny.

1/6/2012 9:42:28 AM

I haven't got a problem with playing games on medium or low settings, so I try to only upgrade when games start to require some new shader model or DX version my current system won't support. The boost in processor, RAM, etc is just gravy.

So far that has equated to about once every 5-6 years.

[Edited on January 6, 2012 at 10:29 AM. Reason : -]

1/6/2012 10:29:01 AM

really the short answer is whenever i have enough money, lol.

1/6/2012 4:25:06 PM

every 5 years upgrade the imac
every 2 years upgrade the iphone
every 1 year upgrade the ipad

every 3 years I buy a new TV... Gonna have to start replacing them soon I guess

1/6/2012 7:07:35 PM

Not very often.

I'm on my 2nd computer since 2001. Powermac Quicksilver G4 lasted me from 2002 to 2010. A handful of hard drive upgrades, 1 RAM upgrade, and 1 graphics card upgrade. 2 monitors. Mac mini has lasted 2010-present. Hard drive upgrade in there. New monitor as well.
I'm getting a little antsy to get a laptop up in this bitch.
Same keyboard and mouse since about 2005. They're starting to break down. Need to replace them soon.

iPod photo from 2004-2011. iPod nano 2011-present.

I think I'm on my 3rd cell phone since 2002. Maybe 4th. Don't really pay any attention to my phone. It makes calls, lets me talk to people, the end.

Same stereo receiver since ... 2005?

Don't have a TV.

[Edited on January 7, 2012 at 8:54 PM. Reason : ]

1/7/2012 8:51:05 PM

Phone: I upgrade as soon as my contract allows (maybe holding out another month or two if I know a new generation will emerge). However, I tend to beat the crap out of my cell phones, so by that time, I have to buy a new one regardless.

Computer: I used to build a new machine on a two year cycle, but I've slowed now. Maybe my gaming habits have changed so I don't require nearly the same amount of firepower as I used to. CPU is going on four years now. Graphics card I've updated after about 3 years. Swap out HD's as needed. Memory is tied to the CPU.

TV: I bought a new one this year after 5 years, but only because my parents wanted a second TV, so I gave them mine and bought a new one for myself.

1/7/2012 10:45:07 PM

cell phone: as often as my contract will let me

desktop: generally every other year or so, but it'd dependent on when i know i can sell my old stuff the for the cost of new stuff...for the most part, i'm still "even" on the first $800 i spent building a computer in 2001

laptop: i start looking after a year...and like the desktop, i sell when i can buy a new one for what i can get for my old on on craigslist

tv: i bought my first HDTV (a plasma, the rest having been free hand-me-down tubes) in 2007 and i'm still using it...probably will until it dies or i move

console: i have a computer, why would i need a console? seriously, though, i don't game that much so a console would be mostly wasted...i have a wii that i recently donated to my parents so they could use netflix

1/10/2012 9:21:44 AM

Rarely.
I have two desktops. The more recent of the two was built in early 2008. The older one was built in late 2005. Guess which one I use more often?

I don't own a laptop.

My cell phone hardware is only a few months old, but it's a warranty replacement. The first phone of this model I had was in early 2010. I will be replacing this in the near future as I am sick and tired of Windows Mobile 6.5 and want something that runs an actual modern OS. Phones are the thing I replace most frequently, generally at 1.5 to 2 years, though HTC hardware's craptastic reliability has helped me by getting my last 2 upgrades without a new contract.

My living room TV is a 24" non-HD CRT that I bought used in 2004. I cannot justify spending money on a new one, which I'd really like, while this one still works. So it will probably continue to work, just to taunt me. This is the same reason I still have a CRT computer monitor on the desktop--the damn thing won't die! It turned 13 years old in November.

Console? I have an original NES from 1987 (Christmas present) and a Playstation 2 from 2002 (bought used).

[Edited on January 10, 2012 at 9:49 AM. Reason : console]

1/10/2012 9:46:17 AM

laptop - 2002->2007 and still with that one, maxed out ram
desktop- didn't have one until aug 2010. probably will last at least until 2015, maxed out ram
phone- last upgraded in jan 2010, waiting for iphone 5 or an android phone if it(the iphone) sucks(like the 4s did)
tv- feb 2010, hope it lasts until at least 2020

1/11/2012 1:06:42 AM

Phone till it breaks or a new one pretty much seems required. (work ect.) (2-3+ years)
TV till it breaks. (10+ years)
Consols depend on if there is anything in the new one I'm interested enough in to justify getting it. (5-8+ years)
Laptop again probably till it breaks or I can easily upgrade it (4-5+ years)
Desktop, unfortunately much more often, 3-4 years at most usually ends up being less. (OS's on the other hand much less frequently)

1/15/2012 2:41:26 AM

For almost all of my electronics it pretty much falls into the category of: Until it breaks or is no longer adequate.

1/15/2012 9:12:55 AM