There are two types of computers, desktops and laptops. The difference between them in terms of life is very different. So let’s analyze it and see what would be the best option.
Desktop computer
For this type we have multiple options, since we can configure it and create it to our needs, with components of better or worse quality. Of course, looking for all of them to be more or less similar in terms of performance and life. It is useless to have a great processor if the motherboard is very cheap and fragile, since the day it dies, the processor will be useless until we buy another one.
If we opt for components from good brands, with good support and good quality, we will go to a high budget, however, we will also improve the expectation of its duration.
In general terms a PC can last between 5 and 10 years with good performance. However, it also depends on the use we want to give it. Wanting it to play the latest and most powerful releases is not the same as wanting it for office tasks (word, excel, browsing…). In the first case we could talk about that in a couple of years we would begin to notice worse performance and at 5 it would be time to change it, while in the second case we could reach those 10 years with the same feeling as the first day. As well as its budget, if we want it for gaming we will have to pay much more than to browse and watch videos.
laptops
In this case things change a lot, since as a general rule laptops are already assembled by a brand and with some characteristics. But we must also assess why we need it, since another value comes into play, Battery. Something that in the desktop ones did not interest us, but now we do.
This is a very important point, especially because of their duration and degradation. We can talk about brands and models that offer us up to 12 hours of continuous use and a good quality that might not be abruptly affected in a few years, as well as computers with only 2 or 3 hours of use and that in a few years we will see reduced to 30 minutes, until we have to use it always connected to the network as if it were a desktop.
Therefore, when thinking about the useful life of a laptop, my recommendation is to look for one with good battery performance, because if that fails and we have to change it, the rest is secondary.
Now, speaking of the real life of a laptop, we can estimate that it would be about 3 to 4 years. Regardless of the battery, the heat and conditions of these mean that their components do not last as long as a desktop. Of course, it will also depend on the use you give it. If you only use it casually and for a very simple activity, you could extend its life to more than 5 years.
In conclusion, whether you opt for one or the other, you should analyze what use you are going to give it and the budget you want to invest taking into account how long it will last.
