What's the Average Life Expectancy of a Laptop?

[cyndi525]

Hi Everyone, I was just wondering how long laptops normally last. The Thinkpad that I have now is used, and I've had it almost three years already. I don't know even know how old it already was when I bought it. The hardware is falling apart, and the computer does some quirky things like not being able to update windows, flickering screen, etc, but I could probably fix that with a reformat (But of course I never had a recover disk) Bottom line, Despite some annoyances I can still do everything I need to do.

So, how long do they last before it's time to say adios amigos?

[cyndi525]

Oh, and I forgot to add that periodically I keep getting a "Safe to remove hardware message" where it wants me to take out my DVD player. Sometimes the computer freezes when this happens. And now that I think of it maybe it's not the harddrive popping out, but the DVD player.

[cashmonee]

By chance have you ever reinstalled Windows on that machine? If you have not, a new install can breath some life into an old machine. Software problems like you seem to be having can be fixed. As for hardware, I would say at least three years. After 4, so 5 and above I would say it is borrowed time. Laptops are already behind desktops in performance from the start, so they get outdated quicker. Also cramming all those components in a small space takes a toll.

But reinstall Windows, that may alleviate many of the issues you are having.

[cyndi525]

I would try to reinstall, but I never received any kind of disk having bought it used. Is there a cheap way to obtain a windows disk?

[cashmonee]

Not really. the cheapest way is to buy an OEM copy off of newegg. This may be a good time to give Linux a try! If you are not tied to Windows by a program Linux is an excellent option, especially for older machines(not that yours is very old). Other than that, maybe try borrowing a disk from a friend. I really think your install is muckied. Windows has a habit of doing that.

[cyndi525]

When I buy my new computer and it comes with the Windows disk, can I use that or will it just be specific to that particular computer?

[cashmonee]

It depends. Many nowadays are supposed to look for a hidden partition, but I have heard many people have good success.

[cyndi525]

thanks, cash!

[cashmonee]

thanks, cash!

np, not sure I really helped too much, lol!

[ttupa]

Yeah, as long as your HP Windows CD is not OEM specific (only HP) you can use that disk and your license key to reformat your IBM. That might work well.

Cash is right, a new install might be just what the doctor ordered. A RAM upgrade will help with any slowdowns too. The flickering screen might just be failing hardware though, so you might be out of luck there.