how long?

[morbidstorm]

how long should I expect a computer that cost �1000 (packard bell, pentium 4, blah blah) to last before I think about replacing it?

[vehelpfulguy]

Depends if you want to stay leading edge, or are happy with the gradual reduction in performance over a number of years.

If you want to stay leading edge then change it about every 2 or 3 years.

If you are happy with the PC then a well made PC should last about 10 years.

[hondo]

I would definitley Agree. the Computers are the same its the requirements that may change, Asl long as you only want WP and Internet then its fine as long as it carries on working....

Hope this helps

[RATTER15]

As long as the PC you buy is up-gradable it will last for years, you just replace or add bits as you go to keep up with technology, more RAM, bigger hard drive, new motherboard, higher spec graphics card, the list goes on and on, just keep it updated as time goes on and keep on top of situation.

[beebrook39]

Fully agree with all the others on this issue.A decent processor and good quality memory plus a decent mobo are a good base to start from.Trouble is...we all have different needs so a lot depends on what you future needs will be.With the 64 bit issue coming to the fore and also dual core processing....it's a costly job keeping at the "cutting edge" .I've done upgrades on quite a few "packard bells" and some had some awkward little "quirks" in the assembly layout that made some upgrades a bit of a pain... Basically ...a P/C is as reliable as its weakest component and that covers a whole raft of em'...Good luck with yours ...if it does die...weigh up the cost of replacements and take it from there......Regards Ed

[morbidstorm]

Thanks guys, all very helpful answers.
WP, internet and gaming are all the PC is used for, so should be ok for a couple of years yet...

Thanks again.

[The Mack]

a �1000 isnt near leading edge at time of purchase!! especially with the usual printer, camera bundles
2 or 3 years on...
10 years on it will choke unless you are only using the same software that was availible near the time of purchase
I had 2.5k's worth of p200 in 1995 128meg of ram 6 gig hard drive dont cut it these days

Ratter15
your comments reming me of Triggers broom in Only fools and horses same boom for 20 years 15 new heads 16 new handles

beebrook 39 is right packard bell computers suck for upgrading mainly due to the poor components used

I would spend about 2'ish to get a good five year pc
but to be honest if you are asking this question i very much doubt you will notice the difference
good luck

[The Mack]

a �1000 isnt near leading edge at time of purchase!! especially with the usual printer, camera bundles
2 or 3 years on...
10 years on it will choke unless you are only using the same software that was availible near the time of purchase
I had 2.5k's worth of p200 in 1995 128meg of ram 6 gig hard drive dont cut it these days

Ratter15
your comments reming me of Triggers broom in Only fools and horses same broom for 20 years 15 new heads 16 new handles

beebrook 39 is right packard bell computers suck for upgrading mainly due to the poor components used

I would spend about 2'ish to get a good five year pc
but to be honest if you are asking this question i very much doubt you will notice the difference
good luck