10-21-2009, 02:35 PM
kap,
Years ago, I used my "three rule" -- I'd rotate one computer component out every year, but on a three year cycle; e.g., first year was a new Mac, second year was a new monitor, third year was a new printer, then I'd repeat the cycle.
As Macs and my business model changed (i.e., going from a desktop to a portable in the pre-iMac days), I did a double-processor rule on the Mac itself: when the processor speed doubled I'd -- in theory -- replace the Mac.
Then the PowerPC chip stalled the whole thing.
For a few years now, it's a financial capability/opportunity situation. For instance, I got a new iMac this past spring when a client offered it as a bonus for a big project win.
I think the bottom line is a what you can afford versus what you need kind of thing. If you're a home/hobby type of user, you're probably fine with what you have for a bit. But if you've got the cash to get something new, go for it.
FWIW, I had a 2.33GHz MBP up until the Spring upgrade I mentioned and, for my workflow, it was painful to use sometimes as the graphics just couldn't keep up with the type of InDesign docs I was working on; an upgrade was necessary and luck played out for me with the bonus. I'm itchin' for one of the new iMacs (would love a 27" quad core) but I'm also wrestling with a desire for a portable again, though I don't need one per se. (Disclaimer: you should know that I'm Charlie Brown grown up; wishy-washy is a philosophy.)
Years ago, I used my "three rule" -- I'd rotate one computer component out every year, but on a three year cycle; e.g., first year was a new Mac, second year was a new monitor, third year was a new printer, then I'd repeat the cycle.
As Macs and my business model changed (i.e., going from a desktop to a portable in the pre-iMac days), I did a double-processor rule on the Mac itself: when the processor speed doubled I'd -- in theory -- replace the Mac.
Then the PowerPC chip stalled the whole thing.
For a few years now, it's a financial capability/opportunity situation. For instance, I got a new iMac this past spring when a client offered it as a bonus for a big project win.
I think the bottom line is a what you can afford versus what you need kind of thing. If you're a home/hobby type of user, you're probably fine with what you have for a bit. But if you've got the cash to get something new, go for it.
FWIW, I had a 2.33GHz MBP up until the Spring upgrade I mentioned and, for my workflow, it was painful to use sometimes as the graphics just couldn't keep up with the type of InDesign docs I was working on; an upgrade was necessary and luck played out for me with the bonus. I'm itchin' for one of the new iMacs (would love a 27" quad core) but I'm also wrestling with a desire for a portable again, though I don't need one per se. (Disclaimer: you should know that I'm Charlie Brown grown up; wishy-washy is a philosophy.)