Comments on: A Pretty Big Set Back

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:53:49 +0000

My old Dell is going to crap out on me soon, so I’m planning to purchase a MBP within the next month. My birthday is coming up and all I’m asking for is giftcards and cash to subsidize the cost. I’ve also cashed out all my credit card rewards. Can you tell I don’t feel like I’m in a financially ready place for a new laptop? But… it has to happen because the one I have is dying. I can completely relate to how you feel. The Macbook is going to mean so much more to you than any frivolous “fun” spending.

By: MinD

MinD — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:10:59 +0000

Sometimes you absolutely have to do what you have to do. Like Pham said, it’s not so much of a setback. You had the money. You didn’t have to put it on credit. And if you ask me, that’s a good thing.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:27:51 +0000

Replacing a computer is a hassle at any time.

My MacBook is on its last legs, I can feel it. Luckily I have my work laptop to fall back on for right now, but it won’t last forever. I can’t continue using it for personal things and will have to invest in either a new laptop or desktop in the very near future (which makes me want to cry while gripping my checkbook.)

By: SillyJaime

SillyJaime — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:54:12 +0000

I want a Mac Book so bad, but my husband says it’s a waste of money.

By: phampants

phampants — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:46:22 +0000

Don’t see as a setback Ashley because it was bound to happen. Consider that your rainy day/emergency fund was put to proper use.

By: Scott Perez-Fox

Scott Perez-Fox — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:04:27 +0000

I would always recommend buying Apple Care for this very reason — laptops are expensive to fix. Because of the mobile nature of laptops, they wear out much quicker than desktops, especially hard drives. So even if you back up and everything, your hardware may just die one day. I have Powerbook G4 from 2004 that is still running, partly because I take care of it and rarely bring it places, but also because I’ve had it serviced twice (once for the screen, once for the HD).

So in conclusion, buy Apple Care for your laptops. It may very well be worth it.

And back up your data!

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:34:39 +0000

Awwww, that must feel like a set back for sure, but I think you’re making sense. Although I’m sure people can and maybe even will argue that you could have gotten a cheaper computer.. but I’m saving up for a Macbook so I say, go with what you think is gonna last.

That being said… it only lasted 2 and 1/2 years? Is that typical? That makes me nervous for when I want to buy mine… I want it to last at least… well the current laptop I’m using (which is crap btw) is nearly 4 years old. I think 4-5 years is how long I’d like a laptop to last, although usually I kill them by about year 3.