I always manage to break my computers before technology makes any serious advances. I usually end up changing my laptop every 1-2 years. This is why I refuse to buy anything too expensive.

When it starts giving issues. I got my first laptop in June 2008. The hard drive died two years later. Got that replaced. Then in October 2012, the A/C adapter port broke apart so I couldn't plug it in. I sent it in to be replaced. They guy charged a hundred dollars to super glue it in place because, "[he] didn't have the part and didn't want to keep [me] waiting." Yeah. Then my battery killed itself, so I got a new one. Then two months later... the hard drive died. At that point, I just decided to get a new laptop.

I now have my new one and hope it lasts me at least four to five years. I still want to eventually get a new hard drive for the other laptop to see if I can replace it myself.

When it becomes unbearably slow and/or completely nonfunctional.

My laptop is less than a year old. I only got it because my older one broke. I use my boyfriend's computer often. He builds computers, so he is always updating his with the best products.

I will be getting a new computer this summer for the first time in 5 years. So I would say I don't upgrade that often.

I return my computer to manufactures setting as soon as it starts to get a little odd which is usually every three to six months. Internet goes much faster and the computer is just faster. When the computer begins to heat up too much and starts to make noise, I look at the fan thingie. If it is more hassle to replace the fan, then I buy a new laptop.

Otherwise, I use the tech until it falls apart. But I tend to take quite good care of my things, so they last for quite a long time.

Usually every 3 years or so. Not because of technology but because the computer has issues and is not covered by warranty anymore.

I upgrade about once every 3 years or so. Hubby gets new parts for his once a year.