An iBook for half price? Try Computer Connection

Being on the cutting edge is tough.

The rapid rise in new technology means that brand-new computers may need to be replaced within years in order to keep up with the pace of new software development. Experts say that the time it takes to get a Penn degree is about the lifespan of the average iBook.

"If someone's in for a four-year term and they buy a brand new computer at the beginning of freshman year, it might get them through college. But by the time they graduate, they should definitely consider getting a new computer," said Jay Powell, owner of West Philadelphia-based Computer Fixer on Campus.

But if you can resist the urge to buy that sleek new computer, you might be able to cash in on some freshly obsolete goods.

At the Penn Bookstore's Computer Connection, some laptops on the market for no more than six months are already selling at much cheaper prices. The Computer Connection offers discounted technologies to Penn students and community members.

While almost every product sold at Computer Connection goes on sale when a faster model replaces it, the recent price drops on Apple products have had customers lining up.

For example, a fourth-generation Apple iBook, which sold last month for almost $1,000, is now being sold for $699.

Even the newest Apple laptops are going down in price.

"Some of our MacBooks have dropped between $50 to $300, and MacBook Pros have dropped $300 to $600," said Jeff Rusling, director of technology sales for Penn's Business Services.

Other stores nationwide are seeing similarly dramatic price reductions.

For example, at the Apple Store for refurbished products, a MacBook Pro, which once sold for $2,400, is being sold for $1,600. At Circuit City, a MacBook that once sold for $1,499 is on sale for $1,199.

These price drops came as Apple unveiled its recently upgraded MacBooks, new laptop models outfitted with new Intel Core 2 Duo processors that make the new computers run 25-percent faster than earlier models.

"Prices are reflective of new technology - as new technology is put into place, older technologies become much less valuable," Rusling said.

It's not surprising, then, that some students - like Engineering sophomore Fei Jia - are on their third or fourth machine. Having already gone through a desktop PC and two laptops, Jia expects that she will need to purchase yet another new laptop by the time she graduates.

And Jia's prediction may not be not far off.

According to Powell, the typical laptop lasts three to four years, depending on what students are using it for.

To keep up with new software, new models are released every six to 12 months.

"Computers are like cars - there's a new model every year," Powell said.

Jia, who is an ITA in Ware College House, understands this trend and has already taken steps to make sure her computer will last her.

"I did a compatibility check to make sure that my computer has enough memory" to run the new Windows Vista, which is expected to be released in January, she said, adding that "a lot of older computers would not be able to run it."

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