1. Did your system die? 

2. Are you unable to do needed tasks? 

3. Is your system slowing you down? 

4. Are you fixing to buy several add ons and peripherals? 

5. Do you have to have the best and fastest on the block? 

6. More than one computer user in the house?

2. If you are unable to do something, will a new piece of software, or a peripheral do it. Both are cheaper than a new system.

3. Going to slow, many times a card, RAM, or better software will help. Cheaper than a new system.

4. If you are fixing to by more storage, a faster modem, a new CD, and RAM. A new system may be cheaper, since many are bundled.

5. If you have to have the best and the fastest. You are very rich or in debt up to your eye balls. I will be more than happy to take your hand me downs!

6. Sometimes its just easier to have mine/ours and yours/theirs. Kids and spouses may have different needs than the parents or you. Have you ever heard the "It's my turn" or "Where did you put my..." battle. Some times two is better than one. 

Problems: 

1. Spend a lot of time surfing. 
2. Always running out of memory, and crashing on its that have a lot of GIFs. 
3. Keep a large library of software, and files. Keep buying cartridges. 
4. Spouse's system is using 14.4 modem, 8 megs of RAM, and has no CD - needs to upgrade in the worst way. He also surfs.

1. I like listening to the music, stereo always sounds better than mono. 
2. Some of the newer software is Power Mac only.
3. Could use an extra system in the family. 

Performa 475, clock speed 25, 170 megs HD, 20 megs RAM, 14" display, mono sound 
Add ons: Jaz, 4X CD, 33.6 modem

Performa 6400/180, clock speed 180, 1.6 gig HD, 48 megs RAM, 15" AV display, stereo sound, 8X CD. 28.8 modem, plus upgraded and new software

$1390.00 - 843.00 Cost of new computer $547.00

Rather than buy a rebuilt 14" display for old computer for about $250.00, found New 15"AV for $400.00

Bottom line, I got a large upgrade. Spouse took older system, which was a major up grade, and have the extra system we needed.

There does come a time, when you must a new system. I have helped several friends over the years find a computer that fits their needs and billfold.

Here are several tips to save a few dollars:

1. Shop local stores, keep an eye out for display models of discontinued models. Many times they have lost the box or the books and will knock off a couple of hundred dollars. I have done this more than once, saved over $500.00 off the price of the one in the box.

2. Ask about B units or reconditioned. These are machines that were returned for warranty work. Have done this several times, only one had a problem with the display, they replaced it the next day.

3. Check your mail order catalogs, they will also deeply discount discontinued models. You should save enough to pay for the shipping. ($30 - $50)

4. Mac clones are out and offer a lot, for less than Apple. I've not tried a clone yet.

5. Check the net. I just bought my new system off a web site. Saved over $700 dollars from local prices and $500 from the two big Mac mail order companies. Be sure to use a credit card.

6. Do you like your display and keyboard? If so look for a system that doesn't include them.
Ok now go and talk your self into buying a system.