Durability?

How long-term durable is a MBP relative to other business class laptops like Thinkpads/Latitudes/Elitebooks?

I'm concerned that Apple's extremely short definition of (planned) obsolescence might be reflected in their product design and manufacturing... I mean, it's not uncommon to expect to get 5 years of use out of a Thinkpad, but I think I'd get weird stares if I told people I expected to use an MBP for 5 years

 

Apple's AppleCare scheme offers warranty for 3 years on the MBP, so they are clearly meant to last that long at least. It is true that there are more Thinkpads out there that have been used longer than Macbooks, although that is both due to the aggressive marketing of Apple, as well as their reduced support for legacy models (for example, you will not be able to install the latest OS X on a Powerbook purchased 5 years ago).

That said, Mac Pros are usually different in this respect, with many of them being used for many years in businesses, while most PC workstations would be replaced in 3 - 5 years (although this might be due to the price and configuration).

Whether your MBP will drop dead after approx. 5 years use, only time can tell. However, I have heard a few stories of Powerbook/iBooks failing both in real life as well as on this forum. Then again, the new Macbooks all use significantly different and newer components than the PowerPC powered Macs, and my white polycarbonate Macbook is still working fine after 3 years.

 

Student@Antwerp, you have posted that same link all across the forum, and if you post it once more I will personally remove all your posts without delay.

The information Student@Antwerp has posted is significantly out of date. It is based on laptop models that were made over 3 years ago, and manufacturers such as Apple as well as component manufacturers such as nVidia have significantly improved on their quality since then.

But there's a reason why warranty exists, so it is recommended to get covered. The bluetooth module on my polycarbonate Macbook failed after approx. 2 years, which I got replaced in a week from Apple.

Edit: And lets not get off topic here.

 

as to how durable and long it will last also depends on how you use it and treat it. every user and situation is quite different. If you drop and bang around your macbook around alot then I would quite expect a failure early on as the MB/MBP is not made for shock, drop or exreme temperatures as where some of the thinkpad models are as well as machines from other mfg's.

I for one NEED an extremly durable machine in my line of work as well as my wifes work so we both have computers tailored to our needs even though they are NOT concidered high spec OR stylish. you have to look at your individual needs and what you will be doing with it ..... be careful with it and I see no reason why there is not a good chance of 3 years of life. but I would still get the applecare just incase as repairs off warranty are a nasty suprise from apple

 

The typical Mac lover will treat their MBP like a newborn child, so they stay in great condition.

I, on the other hand, use it like a typical laptop user and am not nearly as impressed with the durability as I thought I would be when I bought a 15"er back in August. I'm not rough with it by any means, but I do use it all around my house instead of just on the desk.

The finish on the bottom is sortof coming off in some places where it was scratched, and there are at least 3 dents from the TINIEST little things that shouldn't be there (I once dropped my keys on it when it was sitting on the counter and the tiny plastic thing managed to ding the aluminum...)

The superdrive makes a series of weird noises for about 5-10 seconds whenever I first boot it, return it from sleep mode, etc. (When there's no disk in it. I don't know what happens when there is a disk because I never use disks)

This is the problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=gejRD-xMbao&sharing_token=xBNIdOGQupsIiR9Kf5loJQ (turn up the speakers)

Also, the lid feels like it juts out just a touch (like 1mm) more than it should when it's closed, which bothers me.

My old 14" plastic POS Dell wasn't as fragile as this thing. I guess it IS like a newborn child.

 

My June '07 MBP is running just fine. Not a day of problems, just running and performing like it's suppose to.
I couldn't say that for the HP, Dell and Gateway computers I had before I made the switch.
That being said, however, I think it's true to a large degree that if you first purchase a quality product then, second, take care of what you purchase the chances seem greater that said product is going to last longer.