laptop question..

Discussion:

laptop question..

(too old to reply)

Chris

2007-05-15 10:22:26 UTC

I've been reading an operating manual for a "used" model laptop (Omnibook
500, by HP), and wondering how long PHYSICALLY can a laptop last? I don't
mean battery life, but the hardware itself. I've checked google, but it
seems alot of articles consider operational life on the basis of whether or
not it's hardware can handle an OS upgrade to whatever is available this
year.

I'm wondering, if I am comfortable with the OS it was designed to support,
and am happy with the hardware specs, how long can i realistically expect
the device to continue functioning?

Thanks.

Barry Watzman

2007-05-15 13:00:59 UTC

Permalink

There is no answer to this question; it depends on how the laptop is
treated and used. I have seen people destroy laptops in 1-2 years, but
I buy and sell a few older models, and I have lots (dozens) of 10-year
old laptops. It's a lot like a car; a 4-year old car can be "like new",
or it can be a wreck. It depends a lot on the owner.

Post by Chris
I've been reading an operating manual for a "used" model laptop (Omnibook
500, by HP), and wondering how long PHYSICALLY can a laptop last? I don't
mean battery life, but the hardware itself. I've checked google, but it
seems alot of articles consider operational life on the basis of whether or
not it's hardware can handle an OS upgrade to whatever is available this
year.
I'm wondering, if I am comfortable with the OS it was designed to support,
and am happy with the hardware specs, how long can i realistically expect
the device to continue functioning?
Thanks.

Chris

2007-05-15 14:23:07 UTC

Permalink

Post by Barry Watzman
There is no answer to this question; it depends on how the laptop is
treated and used. I have seen people destroy laptops in 1-2 years, but I
buy and sell a few older models, and I have lots (dozens) of 10-year old
laptops. It's a lot like a car; a 4-year old car can be "like new", or it
can be a wreck. It depends a lot on the owner.

Thanks. Well, what's the longest you've seen one maintain operation without
needing to replace parts (not including the battery)? I'm very forgiving on
my electronics. I don't bump, scratch, and drop them, and I do read care
instructions in the manual. :-P

Barry Watzman

2007-05-15 15:46:00 UTC

Permalink

MORE THAN ten years. And it's not uncommon, LOTS of laptops will go
that long if not physically abused. But very few 10 year old computers
will run much in the way of software that is still of interest.

Post by Chris

BillW50

2007-05-15 18:45:41 UTC

Permalink

Post by Barry Watzman
MORE THAN ten years. And it's not uncommon, LOTS of laptops will go
that long if not physically abused. But very few 10 year old
computers will run much in the way of software that is still of
interest.

Oh I don't know about interest, as my 1984 Epson PX-8 (23 years old) is
still very useful. It sports just a tape, RAM and ROM drives. So it
takes vibrations in autos very well. And it is about as useful today as
it was back then. Except the date can't be set past 12/31/1999. LOL

--
Bill

Chris

2007-05-17 15:20:36 UTC

Permalink

MORE THAN ten years. And it's not uncommon, LOTS of laptops will go that
long if not physically abused. But very few 10 year old computers will
run much in the way of software that is still of interest.

That's what I figured, thanks. Seems like all of the sources I've been
linked to online when mentioning a laptop's "operational life" aren't
mentioning hardware, but judge their results by whether or not it can
upgrade to another OS. I plan to use included software (designed to use Win
2K, and can install XP), and get any unincluded programs while available.
Upgrades aren't much of a concern for me, but being able to repair/replace
components if they wear out over time are. Most likely it's batteries in
that area. I've got desktops I've had for upwards of 8 to 10 years without
replacing anything. Just wondering if I can expect the same or similar
performance out of laptop components.

Thanks alot.

BillW50

2007-05-19 19:01:35 UTC

Permalink

... I've got desktops I've had
for upwards of 8 to 10 years without replacing anything. Just
wondering if I can expect the same or similar performance out of
laptop components.
Thanks alot.

One of mine 23 years old and another is 18 years old. But I don't think
the quality of todays laptops are quite high standard as these.

--
Bill

Jerry Peters

2007-05-15 20:56:01 UTC

Permalink

Post by Chris

I have an old Dell CPi D300 I take with me when I travel. It's
probably at least 10 years old. I bought it used in '98 or '99.
I've replaced the disk drive because the original was only 3 GB,
and last year the keyboard when several of the keys stopped working.

Jerry

BillW50

2007-05-15 15:02:56 UTC

Permalink

Post by Barry Watzman

Post by Chris
I've been reading an operating manual for a "used" model laptop
(Omnibook 500, by HP), and wondering how long PHYSICALLY can a
laptop last? I don't mean battery life, but the hardware itself.
I've checked google, but it seems alot of articles consider
operational life on the basis of whether or not it's hardware can
handle an OS upgrade to whatever is available this year.
I'm wondering, if I am comfortable with the OS it was designed to
support, and am happy with the hardware specs, how long can i
realistically expect the device to continue functioning?
Thanks.

There is no answer to this question; it depends on how the laptop is
treated and used. I have seen people destroy laptops in 1-2 years,
but I buy and sell a few older models, and I have lots (dozens) of
10-year old laptops. It's a lot like a car; a 4-year old car can be
"like new", or it can be a wreck. It depends a lot on the owner.

1) Well my Epson PX-8 (CP/M 2.2) was built in 1984 and it still runs.

2) Sharp PC-4501 (MS-DOS) still works (1989)

3) Toshiba T1950CS (Windows 3.1) won't turn on for about 7 years now
(1994)

4) Toshiba 2595XDVD (Windows 98SE) still works (1999)

5) Toshiba 2595XDVD (Windows 2000) still works, but stopped reading DVD,
CD is still ok (1999)

6) Gateway MX6124 (Windows XP) still works (2006)

So out of the past 23 years, only 1 out of 6 laptops died on me. And the
two older ones doesn't use lamps for the display, so who knows how long
they will run. Manufactures use MTBF (mean time before faulure) ratings
for major components. Something that the customer almost never sees.
Like the display lamps generally are expected to last about 25,000
hours. That is roughly 4 years and being on 24/7.

What I have done with this Gateway, is connect it up to an external LCD
monitor, keyboard, and mouse. And use it on a desk like a desktop. And
just by removing a couple of cables, I'm portable. So I have the best of
both worlds. And this should extend the life of the laptop. Well in
theory anyway.

Oh and that Toshiba T1950CS had a design flaw. This laptop like my older
2, doesn't sport a fan. But this model should have had one. As they
cooked themselves to death. One would be very hard pressed to find one
of these in working condition today.

--
Bill

Gordon

2007-05-15 16:36:14 UTC

Permalink

On Tue, 15 May 2007 06:22:26 -0400, "Chris"

One of the most probable mechanical failure modes in some laptops
is the hinge structure. For some reason the manufacturers don't
design the hinge structure well enough to withstand the stiffness
of the hinges, and the plastic case components will fatigue and
break away from the hinges. Look for any early signs of this
failure. A slight distortion in the screen image near one of the
hinges as the lid is repositioned is usually an early indicator
of hinge failure. Also look for small cracks in the case plastic
near the hinges.

Lars

2007-05-16 11:48:51 UTC

Permalink

Post by Chris
wondering how long PHYSICALLY can a laptop last? I don't
mean battery life, but the hardware itself.
if I am comfortable with the OS it was designed to support,
and am happy with the hardware specs, how long can i realistically
expect the device to continue functioning?

I doubt anyone could give you a generla life expectancy.
That depends very much on the environment where it is used, how
much it is run, and obviously the original quality.

I have one laptop that is now on its it 13th year, but not much used
lately. It cost me abt 3500 Euros when new, which was cheap compared
to to the best Thinkpads at aboy three times the price.

I also have several Thinkpads that are 7 and 8 years old. They are
used a lot, carried around frequently, and still sparkle !

Lars
Stockholm

Cyrus Afzali

2007-06-07 18:28:35 UTC

Permalink

In my experience, the hard drive will probably be the first thing to
go simply because it relies on a motor and moving parts to function.
Thankfully, these are pretty cheap for laptops now; I replaced one in
a Toshiba Satellite that now functions as our home's second laptop for
under $200 labor and everything.

The one item that's still expensive in laptops is the motherboard
because they're often specialized from one make to another.

Christopher Choi

2010-03-31 19:31:46 UTC

Permalink

There are so many factors, its like asking how long a car should last...
it all depends who makes them. Obviously you would expect a Benz to out
last a cheapy Toyota... but then you never know.

My personal experience is that Macs last a lot longer because all the
components are carefully chosen and designed by themselves, not that
other manufacturers don't but... its just my personal feeling that Apple
has put a lot more effort... their product design is evident.

PCs on the other hand, I would say Sony comes top, then HP, Dell, and
the Acer last.

Computers depending on how they were designed made, and treated can
often last 5+ years easily.
Chris

RnR

2010-04-02 11:50:52 UTC

Permalink

On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:31:46 +0100, Christopher Choi

Post by Christopher Choi

There are so many factors, its like asking how long a car should last...
it all depends who makes them. Obviously you would expect a Benz to out
last a cheapy Toyota... but then you never know.
My personal experience is that Macs last a lot longer because all the
components are carefully chosen and designed by themselves, not that
other manufacturers don't but... its just my personal feeling that Apple
has put a lot more effort... their product design is evident.
PCs on the other hand, I would say Sony comes top, then HP, Dell, and
the Acer last.
Computers depending on how they were designed made, and treated can
often last 5+ years easily.
Chris

I don't think the question gives enough information or he needs to
define "last". Case in poiint, I had to replace one keyboard on a
laptop for about $13 (parts). Does that mean the laptop did not
last? Perhaps he should clarify the question to mean from a
financial point of view or how long the parts may be available.
Otherwise I have to agree with your first sentence.