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How long does iMacs last?

At the moment (I'm at my grandparents) I'm using 8 years old Windows laptop with 2.66GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU inside which is a desktop CPU, 256MB RAM and it runs flawlessly! It's a beast and I really mean it. I first thought it wouldn't even boot but now when I've insalled all updates etc, it's like new
 
JoeG4 said:
2 years from now, that imac will probably still be worth about $600, ebay it for that, and dump another $1400 into a new iMac.

Total cost: $2200, you have a 2 year old machine at the end of 4 years.

Vs Mac Pro: $2500, you have a 4 year old machine at the end.
Click to expand...

2 years from now that Mac Pro will still be worth >$1500. Sell it and add $1000 to that and you have a brand new Mac Pro after 2 years.

And your total costs don't make any sense.

iMac: $2200(initial) - $600(sell) + $1400 (new machine) = $3000 for a 2 year old iMac after 4 years

Mac Pro: $2500(initial) - $1500(sell) + $1000(new machine) = $2000 for a 2 year old Mac Pro after 4 years... and much faster too.

The old quad core 3.0 still goes for almost $2000... and thats almost 4 years old.
 
My March 2009 iMac my fourth iMac, following on from an iMac G4, iMac G5, and the first Intel Core Duo iMac, and all of them are still going strong in the homes of friends & family.

So, as others have said, from a physical standpoint they will last more than 5 years easily.

If from a technological standpoint, then with the speed and consistency at which Apple updates their computer ranges, it'll be "obsolete" within a year easily. Which is where the upgradable Mac Pro comes into things.
 
Abidubi said:
iMac: $2200(initial) - $600(sell) + $1400 (new machine) = $3000 for a 2 year old iMac after 4 years
Click to expand...

Sorry, are you trying to say an iMac less than 2 years old bought for $2200 will sell privately for just $600?

If so, then that's untrue. iMac's have phenomenal resale value if kept in pristine condition and complete with original box. After 2 years you won't recoup anywhere near the $2200 paid, but you'd easily recoup $1000 if not a little more. I'm not sure of the situation in the US, but in the UK at least the resale value of Mac's is extremely high compared to other computer systems of comparable age.
 
Well my 2006 17inch iMac has almost turned 4, it still runs quite fast for only 512mb of ram:D I don't use it for much but its got plenty of hard drive space. I've treated it well and occasionally cleaned it down.
I sometimes use it to play older games released near the imacs release date(2007 or under) because it's ATY Radeon 1600 runs nicely.
So as long as you don't install and random software on your mac and avoid risk taking and don't try something you know won't work because it will probably screw up your whole imac.;)
 
My Macs have lasted me a long time.

1. Mac Classic Plus Running OS 7.0 (I Think) In My Mom's Garage but I started it up in Feb 09 and it worked. My Dad used it to run a CAD Program for automated CNC lathe he owned.

2. Mac Performa (Again at Mom's House) Still Running and so is the Printer that came with it.

3. Mac G3 Beige. Running OS 9.2 (Retired) Worked until I gave it to charity in 2006

4. iBook G3 800 mhz, Still working just fine, replaced the HD to 160 GB (Recognized 140) Running Tiger. I use it to stream video to my T.V. (with hiccups)

5. My Main Machine. A late 2006 17in iMac Core 2 Duo at 2.0 ghz, 3mb ram used everyday, running Leopard 10.5.8. Not a single problem in 3 years, run Logic Pro (Heavy Use), This machine is on everyday, but well cared for.

Plus I love the magnetic key holder on the right.

Take care of your Mac and it will take care of you!

Warmest Aloha's
 

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Imac's (2006 24" Intel) are developing graphics problems

an FYI for you guys. I have a 2006 Imac (24" with the intel 2.16 processor) that has developed problems with it's graphics card or maybe motherboard. I'm still trying to figure out what is going on but it appears to be an overheating issue. I may need to replace the entire machine... so after 2.5 years I appear to have a brick that cost $2700. Not happy to say the least.

Here's a link to similar problems that explain it better than I:

https://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-653082.html

:mad:
 
My parents iMac is around 8yrs old now, and is running 10.4 and is used daily. Hard drive could do with replacing though!
 
At home have a 2006 MBP, got it in the first year of university. 3 years later and countless 24h straight working the only thing that is almost dead is the battery with about 300 cycles and about 30% of life lololol :eek: gotta get me one new battery quick. But other than that is running like hell, no probs so far, max memory (3Gb). But I'm in search of a desktop now, can't keep pushing the MBP to the limits like this, propably will go for iMac 20' 2.66Ghz

:cool:
 
I have:

1. Mac Classic - Still going good but mouse connection a little faulty
2. Late 90's Blue iMac - Still going strong OSX & OS9 installed on it
3. iMac intel 2007 - My main Mac (of course!) and running fast and fine (Max specs :D)
 
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