What is the typical useful life of your PC? ... 1, 2, 3+ years?

[Tim The Enchanter]

I can open the box and swap parts no sweat. I can operate a screwdriver and plug in connectors.
The software setup is the pita that chaps my hide.
I mess with this stuff rarely. If it was every day or at least often, I might remember how to do it.
As it stands, I am like a politician on the witness stand.
I remember nothing.

 

[Addie]

I can open the box and swap parts no sweat. I can operate a screwdriver and plug in connectors.
The software setup is the pita that chaps my hide.
I mess with this stuff rarely. If it was every day or at least often, I might remember how to do it.
As it stands, I am like a politician on the witness stand.
I remember nothing.

Since a laptop with a docking station is superior in all areas....including “optionality value” which as an appraiser I doubt you have a grip on.....

But since you build your own PC’s. Why no laptop with docking? It is 2020 you know.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

My oldest machine was first of Win 7, very heavy laptop but functions fine, although I use only for history and genealogy about 9 years old. My office desktops are 2013 with Win 7 and a machine from 2015. Both function fine. My "play" slash "work" laptop is about 4 years old with Win 10.

I find 10 very annoying with frequent updates, and locked up twice after an update due to a bios issue both times. Updating the bios fixes issue but Win claims that is not their problem but the manufacturer. Liars. My next machine will be a Linux if I can get it to run Adobe and WordPerfect.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Since a laptop with a docking station is superior in all areas....including “optionality value” which as an appraiser I doubt you have a grip on.....

But since you build your own PC’s. Why no laptop with docking? It is 2020 you know.

I don't roll my own. It is still 2019. “optionality value” Say what now?

I used to like computers. Not any more, they are a pita. A necessary evil.

 

[KHS445]

In the 90's I originally used a desk top that ran DOS, then upgraded to the a machine that used the hard floppy disks. Still have the machine and all of my old reports saved on the a box full of disks. When I cam back to appraising in 2006 I bought a laptop that lasted about 10 years, the next laptop lasted two years and the one after that just over a year. The last one was my fault as I spilled a 16 oz mug of coffee across the keyboard. Still in the process of getting everything I can installed on my newest machine.

 

[Sid Holderly]

Mine was new in 2014. I run Windows 7 in a virtual box on a Linux operating system. Many problems are avoided by keeping the data on a different hard drive than the operating system. With this system I run the appraisal software and PaperPort (on Windows 7) on one monitor in a verticle layout and run the browser and most other needed applications (Linux based. like Libre Office & a photo sizing utility)on a horizontal monitor. The appraisal program can run in windows on both monitors, like for spell check and UAD checker. Files & photos can be moved across both monitors.

When I switch to Windows 10 or 12, I may have a computer built. I use a local shop that has been in business since the days of Commodore computers. The old XP still runs from about 12 years ago. I still prefer the desktop for appraisals, however, I do a good number of narratives and like the large 23" monitors.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Spilling coffee on the keyboard only messes up the keyboard.
And you might be able to clean it up and keep using it.
If not a keyboard is cheap. Unless you buy one of those fancy ergonomic ones, but still not the price of a computer.

When it comes time to get a new workhorse computer, I will spring for extra speed. I hate slow.

 

[JudgeAppraisal]

It's a pain in the butt to set up a new pc even if you have backed up all your data because it takes more than 4-5 hours to install all the different programs on the new computer.

My PC usually last 1-3 years max, and on occasions breaks down just after a year as soon as the warranty expires either ... mostly due to hard disk failure or video card failure and several occasions due to virus damages and the PC just does not perform as well after the entire system has been restored with a clean re-install.

I've tried both leaving the computer on all day long 24/7 all year round and shutting down at the end of each workday and it doesn't seem to matter much on the longevity of the PCs... seems like they are designed to break down after 2-3 years whether you are a heavy user or a light user.

Just curious about what other appraisers experience with their PCs?

Every 12 months, get new one, sell old one, keep hard drive. It's a write off I believe.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Every 12 months, get new one, sell old one, keep hard drive. It's a write off I believe.

Too much trouble to switch so often. And for what benefit?

 

[Sid Holderly]

Since 1975 I have had one hard drive failure, a couple of hard drives with bad spots. one processor failure, one desktop monitor failure, 3 keyboard failures, and one video card failure. This runs from Dos, DRdos, various windows OS's & Netrunner Linux. Machines have been KayPro, Compaq, Gateway, Dell, & custom built. I have had the least problems with the custom-built systems. Monitors have been Dell, HP, and Asus. Hard drives have been Maxtor, Toshiba, Seagate, Western Digital. I do not mind getting my hands dirty for small changes inside the computer.

The best addition is a battery backup to run the system through to get rid of the electrical spikes and drops. It solved many problems for less than $200.