I update largely based on non performance criteria:
- new display tech
- better wireless connectivity
- updated protocols on ports (e.g., support for higher res displays
and newer displayport/hdmi versions)
- better keyboard
- battery life
Once a few of those changes accumulate over 4+ generations of improvements that’s usually the time for me to upgrade.
My laptops so far: first 2008 plastic macbook, 2012 macbook pro, 2015 macbook pro, and M1 pro 16 currently. I skipped 2016-2020 generation which was a massive step backwards on my upgrade criteria, and updated to 2015 model in 2016 once I realized apple has lost their marbles and has no near plans on making a usable laptop at the time.
Also getting a maxed out configuration really helps the longevity.
- new display tech
- better wireless connectivity
- updated protocols on ports (e.g., support for higher res displays and newer displayport/hdmi versions)
- better keyboard
- battery life
Once a few of those changes accumulate over 4+ generations of improvements that’s usually the time for me to upgrade.
My laptops so far: first 2008 plastic macbook, 2012 macbook pro, 2015 macbook pro, and M1 pro 16 currently. I skipped 2016-2020 generation which was a massive step backwards on my upgrade criteria, and updated to 2015 model in 2016 once I realized apple has lost their marbles and has no near plans on making a usable laptop at the time.
Also getting a maxed out configuration really helps the longevity.