Laptop Durability: How Long Can They Last?

I’ve narrowed down my selection to two laptops after some intense research. This will be my main computer that I will use daily to learn everything in the IT world as I am doing a major career change I’ll be using this laptop for coding notes, pen, testing security and genuinely everything. A little photo editing maybe video editing nothing crazy nothing intense. I just wanted to last a very long time.

To make it simple laptop A will be the i7 model laptop B will be the i5

My question is this between laptop A and B how long will these laptops stay relevent and how long will they survive if taken care of. Also dose the 200 dollar difference make that big of a difference ?

Thanks for your help sorry for all the posts

ThinkPads are legendary for their durability. There was one reported to have survived being frozen in a freezer with bullet holes after being found in a forest. They can last practically forever.

My ThinkPad T440s has been running strong for 11 years. It doesn’t support Windows 11, but its build quality is proof of its longevity. The T14 models should last long too, especially if well-maintained. I recommend upgrading to an i7-1355U for its better performance and iRIS Xe Graphics if you’re looking for longevity.

They last quite a while. My 9-year-old T460s, which doesn’t support Windows 11, is now running Linux Mint perfectly. For futureproofing, especially if you plan to use it for many years, consider configuring it with 32GB of RAM.

With proper care, they can last a very long time. Some people manage to extend their laptop’s lifespan even without regular maintenance.

Dakota said:
With proper care, they can last a very long time. Some people manage to extend their laptop’s lifespan even without regular maintenance.

My newer laptops with 11th gen i7 chips have had issues, but my T480 has been reliable. I prefer it for its durability and serviceability, which gives me peace of mind over slightly higher performance models.

@Asa
Thanks for the insight. It’s good to know these experiences to better inform others.

Typically, they last about 5 years, but with good care, you can extend that to 10 years. The battery will degrade over time, though.

The longevity of the T14 can be enhanced by upgrading the RAM. This model allows for upgrades, which is a significant advantage for long-term use over models with soldered RAM.

For a more future-proof purchase, consider laptops with Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake or later generation chips. They offer better power efficiency and graphics performance.

A well-built laptop should last at least 5 years, and possibly up to 10 years. The main component that degrades over time is the battery.

Just to clarify, the laptops being discussed do not have dedicated GPUs, which is fine for many types of use but not for heavy graphics tasks.

Bailey said:
Just to clarify, the laptops being discussed do not have dedicated GPUs, which is fine for many types of use but not for heavy graphics tasks.

The specifications mentioned by the original poster don’t require a dedicated GPU for their needs.

Bailey said:
Just to clarify, the laptops being discussed do not have dedicated GPUs, which is fine for many types of use but not for heavy graphics tasks.

It’s not necessary to have a dedicated GPU for general office or multimedia tasks.

Bailey said:
Just to clarify, the laptops being discussed do not have dedicated GPUs, which is fine for many types of use but not for heavy graphics tasks.

It’s important to assess actual needs before critiquing the hardware capabilities.

Operating system support varies by manufacturer. Apple products typically receive updates for about 5 years, whereas many PCs can last longer, especially if you’re willing to switch to Linux once Windows support ends. It’s also wise to consider replacing the SSD every few years to maintain optimal performance.

@Jai
The lifespan of a laptop running Windows can be significantly extended by managing updates carefully and avoiding forced hardware upgrades.

Remy said:
@Jai
The lifespan of a laptop running Windows can be significantly extended by managing updates carefully and avoiding forced hardware upgrades.

Thanks for the upvote. I aim to provide accurate information based on personal experiences and broader hardware trends.

Remy said:
@Jai
The lifespan of a laptop running Windows can be significantly extended by managing updates carefully and avoiding forced hardware upgrades.

My observations are based on a broad range of user experiences, including issues with Windows 10 devices not supporting Windows 11.

@Jai
It’s important to have a balanced view of the potential lifespan of technology products.