Upgrade Cycle

During the past year I have been upgrading my Apple gear and after 12 moths I am almost done. I am really happy with all the upgrades and I am pretty sure I won’t need to worry about an upgrade for a couple of years. I only need two more items to complete de full cycle but those are minor ones.

The Upgrades

iMac - June 24th, 2014

I started this upgrade cycle upgrading my super aging 2007 20“ iMac. I decided to start with the iMac since it was my main computer and after 7 years of 24/7 use it was having a hard time keeping up with Photoshop and Final Cut.

Still that 20” iMac from 2007 is one of the best pieces of technology I have ever bought.

Brand new 27” iMac.

I decided to upgrade the iMac with another iMac this time a fully loaded 27” one.

This new 27" is now a year old but still performs as the first day.

And if it keep up as well as the one it replaces I wont need to upgrade for another of 4–5 more years. So no iMac upgrade is planned until 2019 at the earliest.

Ohh and the aging 2007 it still running 24/7 as a home security/server station.

iPhone Upgrade - September 19, 2014

I upgraded my aging 2010 iPhone 4 after four full years of heavy use. Yes 4 full years thats how good iPhones are. So I do not expect to upgrade until at least 2017 or even 2018. I went for the 64gb version and that should also help with the future proofing.

iPad Air 2 - February 20, 2015

This is my 3rd iPad the first one been the original 2010 first gen iPad. That one was replaced by my iPad2 after just a year but the iPad2 originally released on 2011 have hold remarkably well for the last 4 years and is now my son best friend.

I got an LTE cellular version and I am glad I did as I use it extensively in the road.

But I mad a critical mistake that may push me to an early upgrade.

I when with a 16gb version and that storage amount is just not enough anymore. I find my self micromanaging the storage all the time and it really pisses me off some times. I will never get another iDevice with less than 64gb.

I may need at least a 64gb but I do not intend to upgrade at least until 2017 unless the mythical iPad Pro shows up and convinces me.

Apple Watch - May 16th, 2015

Ok this is not an upgrade but a new addition but since it will be upgraded eventually I am adding it here for future reference.

I when with the 42mm Space Grey Sport Edition with the Sport bands for the following reasons:

First Gen. so I did’t want to spend a lot like I did with the first iPad.
Space Grey looks awesome.
The Sport bands that I thought I will hate are actually super nice specially for day to day use. I may get a leather bad later on but for now I am happy with just the black Sport band.
Price. The Sport Edition is the most affordable one at just $399.

Macbook Pro - Today July 20th 2015 Yay!

Today is a special day on the upgrade cycle and the inspiration for this post. As I just placed an order online to be picked up later today for a brand new 13” Macbook Pro Retina. This was the last major remaining upgrade for this cycle.

This new Macbook is replacing my recently sold 2010 also 13” Macbook Pro. That machine was holding very well with the only issue been a dying battery.

The battery will had cost me just $179 to fix but I decided to sell the 5 year old machine for $600 (got $550). Not bad for a five year machine.

This new Macbook Pro is the base model just like the outgoing one and thats fine for me as my power intensive work is done on the iMac.

But still this base models have a lot of power. I debated between upgrading the ram and sad drive but eventually when with the base configuration.

Remaining Upgrades

So whats left to complete the upgrade cycle?

Apple TV

I am waiting for Apple to release a new Apple TV. I have a 2nd Generation at the moment that i got in 2011 and still works fine with the exception of Youtube support that was recently dump by Google.

Why I am so eager for a new Apple TV if my current one works fine?

Well for one the current one only support 720p and while the current for sale $69 3rd gen can do 1080p I rather way a bit longer for the 4th Gen.

I hope the 4th gen will have:

HomeKit support. This is the main reason I am looking forward to upgrade.
Apps support. This is long overdue.
New media deals.
4K. Not holding my breath on this one but it will be nice.

Airport Extreme

Another half decade device.

My current Airport Extreme was purchased in 2010 and it still running fine after more than five years of 24/7 use.

Only reason I want to upgrade it’s for the new radios and faster speeds.

Whats not been upgraded?

iPods

The last time I purchased an iPod was back in 2011 and that iPod touch along with a Nano purchased in 2009 and a Classic purchased in 2007 are collecting dust in drawers somewhere in the house.

I don’t see a reason to get one anymore but I have an affection for them as the iPod as the device that brought me back to Apple.

I remember that summer night in 2005 when I wen’t all over town with my now wife trying to find an iPod Mini. We eventually found one at a Sears store after driving 40 miles. That iPod was lost during a car break in but I will never forget the device that started the Apple halo.

Conclusion

While some people say that Apple devices are overpriced I have to disagree.

Yes I pay more upfront for this devices but they offer an enormous value.

They are not only of the highest quality and beautifully designed but they also come with first class support and a long long useful lifespan (in tech)