How long have you had/will you keep your Dell laptop? (POLL)

I'm just starting my 5th year with my Inspiron 6000. Bought it in August 2005 for just under $800 out the door.

I was planning on buying a new one but I realized that everything in that price range these days isn't really a huge improvement over what I already have, and since the thing still works, there's really no need to upgrade.

I have had to make a few fixes over the years (upgraded HD, RAM, new keyboard, screen/inverter, battery, top bezel, power jack, power adapter) but at this point it's almost a matter of pride to be able to fix something for $15 or $20 by just buying the part on eBay and maybe spending 30-60 minutes with a screwdriver.

I'll probably give in next Spring though during the off-peak buying season and after Windows 7 has had a little while to break itself in.

 

4 Years. I had my previuos laptop for 3 years, had the current one because it broke. If this one is alive and running fine I will keep it atleast 4 years. I don't see the need for a new machine, I have all the things I need, I'm not a big gamer so I won't be playing new games that will require a more powerful notebook. Besides, thats what the Desktop is for, right? =P I'll probably upgrade RAM when those 4GB's get cheaper. Maybe get a blu-ray drive when they get cheaper aswell.

 

Between 2000 and 2004 I had a Latitude CpT with a 400MHz Celeron. Between 2004 and 2008 I used an Inspiron 500m sporting a 1.3GHz Pentium M. I had a Latitude D830 between 2007 and 2008 as well, but I traded that in for my current Latitude E6400. Probably hold onto this one until we get F-Series Latitudes; I don't see much need for an upgrade either.

 

My XPS 1530 since 1/08...my first lappy' ever I still enjoy it..even after 2 GPU fails...one more I get a replacement, yeah baby! (sarcastic tort).

My Dell Mini 9 since 1/09 Is working out very well. It's my little *Red* Portable, for *on the go* Plan on keeping as long as it will last for me.

My next Dell? Since 09 something!


Cin

 

I put down 2 years, but I don't really know. I had my first Inspiron 1545 for a month before I replaced it with another (there was/is nothing wrong with it), and right now I'm about to buy a Studio 15.

 

I put 5 years, as I had my Inspiron 8600 from 2004 to 2009, it's up for sale now. I also used an XPS M1330 for a year (it's not mine though). Just recently purchased a Studio 14z and plan to use it for several years as well.

 

I've had my Inspiron 1520 for 2 years so far.

It has been pretty stable with heavy use. Nothing broke, but I am replacing it with an Acer Timeline 3810TZ because my Dell is pretty bulky/heavy.

 

My sis has a inspiron 6000, has loads of problems. I personally had a vostro 1500 a year ago, did not keep as i felt not really well made. Switched to hp(best make for me), for laptops.

I will not be buying another dell, unless really cheap on ebay or something.

 

Until I need to buy a better one. No idea when that will be but I put 5 years 'cos that's how long I think it should still be useful.

Having said that, my Inspiron 8200 is more than 7 years old and still works well.

 

I also owned the 1520 when it first came out and I ended up getting a MBP 13" to replace it for the reasons you've stated.

I've been perfectly fine with a 13" and its portability is so so nice.

 

I typically keep a notebook for between 1 and a half to 2 years. I used to keep them for longer, but instead I made the switch to buying slightly more budget equipment and replacing it more often. This works for me as in 2 years time, a budget notebook will no doubt be better, in terms of components, than a premium notebook today; technology just hates standing still.

 

I have my M1530 something like 18 months. I was planning on upgrading it soon, but every laptop on my shortlist has a lousy screen compared to my current one (which is an awesome screen). I have a rule that I won't upgrade an old laptop for a new one unless it is better in every way, so i'll probably keep it another while.

 

Inspiron 4150 since 2002, the college years.

Looking to upgrade when Windows 7 hits books in the winter. Hopefully, Dell releases a non-Alienware = non-ugly brick laptop that has some gaming juice. The Studio XPS 16 or whatever has a semi-decent graphics card. I think it's still worthless for any good FPSs.

Dell, where is a 14 or 15 inch book with a performance graphics card? Probably never gonna show up. Well maybe I'll get an ASUS.

 

First one - Dell 8600 - received in June 2004. Still good condition and now my moms computer.

2nd - Inspiron 1720 - received September 2007. Had to upgrade because older computer could not run photoshop fast enough.

3rd - Studio XPS 13 - Planned on not getting a Dell, but couldn't pass it up
Will have by next week

Pretty much will keep it until warranty run outs

4th computer to eventually replace my 1720 will hopefully not be a Dell. I need to change it up. Probably a MacBook Pro or Alienware (through Dell )

 

When I go to college in 4 years I will replace mines, hopefully battery technology gets better by then.

 

I mostly keep them for 3 years before I feel it too slow for most applications.

 

Got my Inspiron 1520 in October of 2007. I plan on keeping it until I'm done with college in May of 2010. After that I plan on getting a dekstop for gaming so I probably wont have too much of a use for it.

Other than a hard drive gone bad I haven't had any problems. The hinges are getting weak but I have a spare set

 

toshiba satellite 2060CDS holds the record for me actually, a cheap AMD K6 366mhz laptop with a lousy 800x600 screen lasted me from 1998 till 2003. It still works lol.

After that was a inspiron 8200, was a beast of a machine at the time, 1.8ghz p4, radeon 9000...used it for a short while, was a hand me down from my sis, i handed it to my mum and got an inspiron 8600. beautiful machine. lasted me from 2003 till 2008 when it died. the only reason i give the toshiba higher honours is because its still working today lol. 10 years after it was bought. a decade!!

now i've got a precision M4400, which specs are in my sig. as soon as the 3 year warranty expires im planning to either hand this to my mum (if i have enough money), or more likely upgrade it to the QX9300 and an SSD, maybe bluray drive.

expecting to keep this one 3-5 years. definitely 3 years minimum.

 

I've had my XPS M1530 for a little over a year, but I plan on keeping it at least 5 years or so. I may end up getting another laptop in 3 to 4 years or so if I need to, but I still plan on keeping this one until it is no longer worth keeping. I had an old Gateway desktop for over 10 years, and was used heavily for about 8 years. The first desktop I ever still has a 6 year old CPU in it (though the GPU and mobo are a bit newer). The M1530 is my first laptop though.

 

^ Same; have had my M1530 for just over a year now, and plan to keep it for around 4-5 years. Unless this thing slows to a mighty crawl (which it won't as long as it's taken care of), I don't see myself getting another laptop. Might get an SSD down the road if their prices go down enough, though.

 

INSPIRON 1501- 30mths and counting.

Perhaps this is the only home/general class laptop that's powered by AMD (we don't get to see AMD powered gears since last year here in SG ), except those business offerings from Vostro(1000) or Latitude(D431) release at the same period.

I will continue to use it till its final day come.

 

I`ve had my 1420 for about 2 years. Got complete care for a couple of more years, so I guess I`ll be keeping it for a while. I do keep an eye on the outlet for a 1555, I`d like the bigger screen. I purchased a Mini 10 from the outlet, previously ordered new. Cant tell it wasnt brand new, so far all good.

 

I used my last laptop for about 4 years and definitely needed the upgrade, as my older laptop had a battery life of about 5 minutes and even with a new battery only lasted about an hour. With my new laptop, I've specced it out quite well and with a few upgrades (RAM and SSD) I can probably use it for many years to come. If I ever plan on playing any intensive games, I intend to build an easily upgradeable desktop.

 

in college, bought my laptop with complete care(4 yrs) to last until i graduate ... which means if anything happens, warranty/accident damage would probably cover it...

after 4 years, if a major component breaks(mobo/GPU/screen), new netbook... if it's a HDD/optical drive problem, i'll replace it myself

 

im in my 2nd year wif my xps 1730 and its been hell.. im trying to get a refund or a m17x as replacement cos after 4 gfx card changes and unsolved problems, ive given up hope on my system

 

I am keeping it for college and classes. It is still very portal and ease of access to everything i need. I might consider the 14 inch netbook from dell though.

 

I used my dell vostro 1700 for 3-4 months before deciding it's too big for lugging it with me at the university.

 

I got my Inspiron 6400 some time in 2006 when they first came out. I purchased the model with the integrated graphics unfortunately and also smashed the screen some time ago (by accident of course >_>), and the 9-cell battery is dead, but it still functions pretty well as a HTPC hooked up to my LCD TV (no grounding loop unlike with my new laptop, because there's no ground pin on the Dell AC adapter).

Specs: T2300(1.66GHz), 1 GB RAM, Intel GMA 950, 80GB HDD, DVD Burner + Drivespeed, USB powered external keyboard and mouse.

 

this makes it a decently specced desktop for daily routine tasks.

 

I just bought my Inspiron 1545 and will probably keep it for about three years. My desktop is 4 years old running XP and for the time being I really don't see the need to upgrade. We've reached a point where unless you're doing a lot of heavy gaming or multimedia, the current specs are fine for most people's needs.

 

I don't think that your lapper is released in the year of 2006. Because my 1501 was purchased at the end of that year after my aunt, who have the same "number" as you, got her's about 15 months way long before mine comes to hand.

Anyway, the gears that were manufactured during that time(mostly from malaysia and ireland) are much more better in built quality in comparison to that current ones(china? not even by dell's own plant?), which seems to be plagued by quality control or bios issues.

 

I bought mine in March 2006. The mobile Core Duo processors line was launched in January 2006. Close enough .

 

Ooops... I had forgotten to mention that my aunt's lapper is Inspiron6400, same as you but with different "heart"- T2030 if i'm not wrong.
Anyway the problem that she's experiencing now is with her keyboard. Function buttons specifically.

 

I bought mine in 07-I plan to keep it for as long as I can, I know for at least the next two years! Technology's come to such a maturity level that, even now, my computer seems decently snappy. I'm in no rush to upgrade.

 

As long as I can while it's working well.

I bought my Inspiron 9300 in May 2004 and, after four years of warranteed coverage, I've been on my own for over a year now... so far, so good.

As far as how long I'm planning on keeping it, I'm quite satisfied with it except for my 100gb hard drive which is pretty full. My video card works well, I've got new heat fans & sinks, a new keyboard, wireless card & screen through the warrantee so, what the heck... no point in trashing/recycling it or sending it to some charity thing.

My 1.86 Pentium M isn't that much slower than one of those Core Duos so, as long as it's running well and not needing expensive repairs, I'll sing Neil Young's song for it - "Long May You Run".

 

I got my inspiron back in mid 2006, tweat the high-end spec (ati 1400, WSXGA+ screen, 3 yrs premium care), replace tons of time (esp mobo and graphic card), it died just after my warrenty finished, sad~

That's my first laptop yet still looking for new lappy to accompany me

 

My trusty ol 8000 Insprion came with Windows ME and it has been running XP Pro for years. It is on it's third hard drive, second set of fans, and second set of hinges. It does what I need it to do in regards to e-mail, play DVD's, and burn CD's. Not as good as my D600 and D820 Latitudes by any means due to the 512MB memory cap with the Intel 815 chipset, but it sure has been a loyal friend since August of 2001. It's first 30 days was plagued with problems with a bad motherboard and Windows ME. Hmmm. Just like Vista. Windows 98SE was very stable as was Windows 2000, and of course XP.

My D600 and D820 notebooks will run Windows 7RC so I plan on not purchasing another notebook for a very long time. I usually skip a couple of generations in PC upgrades before I pull the trigger.

 

Well I still have a 10+ year old NEC laptop laying around...nobody uses it but it serves as "retro" decoration?

Even if I'm not using my Dell laptop 6+ years from now, a relative will XD (so long as it's still working).

 

you have to keep it for 4 yrs.

 

Normally I replace my laptop approximately every 2 years, but this Inspiron 6400 is still going strong at 3 years (although with a dimmer screen). It runs cool, takes a beating travelling, and is pretty much turned on 24/7. I would have replaced it with a Studio 17 last December, but it runs too hot for my taste and I returned it. Been disappointed all year in the Montevina laptops (from other mfr's too), they seem to run hot. Waiting for the next generation mobile chipset, hopefully in December/January there will be a new Studio or XPS worth checking out that doesn't roast my palms or sound like a jet engine all day long... and the screen -- the screen has to be RGBLED !

We have two Inspiron 6000's at the office going on 4 years each, and they both perform flawlessly, with bright screens!

 

My old HP was with me for 6 years, now I will keep my SXPS 16 while warranty last (4 years)

 

I've usually kept a laptop for about a year,all were used though till my Samsung NC10 which after 10 months is long enough!

My Dell 1555 will be with me for the duration of my college course I hope,So at least 4 years!

 

I've had it for a year and will keep it for another year.

Apart from that, I've never had a tiny bit of issue with it.

 

I'm hoping for 3 years minimum. If it last longer, great.

Though I'm keeping my eye open towards the tablet pcs.

 

I've had my dell for 3 years now, almost to the day actually and now I'm on the lookout for a new laptop as my situation has changed quite alot in terms of mobility needs.

I will most likely buy the E6400 and keep it for 3ish years. Inevitably the tech market will have evolved alot by then so I'm looking forward to all my choices when the time comes

I am also keeping an eye on the tablet pcs, hopefully they become more widely available to the masses without the big pricetag (speaking of prices in Norway).

 

I've owned my machine for just over a year. I'll keep it until it dies, Or I might try to sell it down the road. It was a 1000 dollar build at the time. It is getting some more ram soon, and already has gotten a hard drive upgrade. If it were possible to upgrade the graphics card I would keep it even longer.

I needed a good, fast, portable machine for school. Once that is over, I will most likely build another custom desktop to get me through the next 4 years or so. I am giving some serious thought to picking up an ultraportable next time, like a net book or something 12 inches or less. But I won't do that until they start making them with a dual core and enough graphic prowess to handle all mainstream needs. And of course, all day battery power.

Then Again, I could always keep this laptop and dual boot linux with it. Man I am a geek.

PS - those of you with older machines that are ready to scrap em' - don't forget Dell's recycling program: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/dell_recycling?c=us&l=en&cs=19

 

Not a huge dell fan but it has served me well...

 

At least 5 years. Of course I still have my Inspiron 8100 from 2001. Only support 512 Meg of ram but has not stopped yet. My Inspiron 1720 is only 2 years old and runs great since I up the memory to 4 gig, installed two 7200 RPM drives and did a fresh install of Vista 64.:GEEK: Looking forward to Windows 7 64. My daughters Studio 1555 is brand new and hopefully will last at 5 years.

 

My standard for laptops no matter the model is should be 3-4 years, most of the technologies and price have adjusted on that time period. I don't like to buy ultra expensive models but I like to get the high tech ones
Just need to balance it in short.

 

Have been using my Inspiron 9400 for three, going on four years now. It has yet to require a hardware fix and still hasn't failed me yet. Definitely will be getting another Dell once I deem it prudent to upgrade.