How long will a Macbook Pro last?

Question

I'm looking forward to buying a new Macbook pro 17'', but the near 3000 dollar price tag causes me to wonder about exactly how long the machine will last.

I'm 2 long years away from college, and I figure I need to keep this baby at least 2 years in. So, if it lasts me 4 years I can at least say I'm satisfied.

Does anyone know whether it'll last for that long? I really don't want to look to any other companies like hp, sony,dell etc because as far as I know apple has phenominal reviews and wonderful customer satisfaction. No one seems to have mentioned durability and how long it lasts, though.

Please let me know, I'd immensely appreciate it :]

Answer 1

I'm from a town in B.C., Canada, where all school kids are assigned MacBooks in Grade 6.  It's quite an innovative school district.  Thus my son has had two MacBooks, his first for three years and since Grade 8 he has had his second MacBook (4 years), and it is still going strong (although he has had to have it rebuilt three times because he abuses it, but that's not Apple's fault).  I have had two IBMs and a Toshiba at work over about 10 years, but I really prefer my husband's MacBook which is what I use at home to do masters courses.  I wouldn't be surprised to see your Pro last until you finish college if you are kind to it.  One thing I have noticed is that they don't hold a charge as long as some other laptops, but that's minor.  You can always plug it in.

Go for it, it's a very good product, and worth the money.  There may be a bit of a price discount if you are buying it for school, and I think it automatically comes with a free ipod.  Inquire when you purchase it.

Edit:  My son's second laptop had a faulty battery and was overheating.  Apple recalled that lot of batteries and provided new ones.  There was no problem after the battery was replaced.

Answer 2

about 3 years to 5 years

Answer 3

ya they pretty much last forever, i kno guys with powerbooks that are ages old and i myself am rockin my macbook for the second year without any problems. however i will suggest waiting a couple monthes to buy cus theres some rumors about new macbook/pro lines coming out in the near future, but there jus rumors for now...but it is about the right time... ur call

Answer 4

I'm using a MacBook Pro right now. They're outstanding. They'll definitely last more than four years. In my opinion, it is the best of all Apple laptops. I recommend getting it for college. If you order a MacBook online from the Apple website for college, you also get a free iPod.

Answer 5

I'm on a PowerBook G4 that I bought in 2005. Still works pretty well, but the battery needs to be replaced. Only lasts about 30 minutes if I'm doing anything at all.

That said, it's pretty slow compared to other stuff out there now.

Answer 6

That depends on how well you take care of it. if one part breaks, you can just replace it.  

Answer 7

bout 5 years would be my guess,  

Answer 8

MACs last a really long time

but because it's a laptop. I would say 2 years before something else that's super cool comes out

and a 5 year limit as to when it'll become pretty much useless.

Answer 9

You can make any computer last a long time if you take care of it correctly. Don't be too rough with it when taking it places. Make sure you keep it clean and well ventilated. Liquids are any electronic devices worst enemy.

My powerbook is probably 3 years old going on 4 and still works great. I even upgraded the OS to Leopard. Of course if you're really worried you could get an extended warranty.

People are right though and even if you upgrade the RAM and hard drive over the years most laptops are obsolete within 5. Also depending on use laptop batteries tend to loose the ability to hold a charge over time so you'll want to invest in a spare someday.

Good luck.  

Answer 10

they (Macbooks) tend to overheat and sometimes the keyboard melts...

apple does NOT have very good customer service when it comes to their products failing....take the latest Apple example..the Iphone...it has heaps of issues Apple wont acknowledge...steer away from Apple