iMac Lifespan

The OS controls the hardware, does it not, DazOwen? I am also tired of people claiming that Macs don't last longer because they use the same hardware as PCs. Here are three examples of "non-hardware" related reasons that Macs last longer. MagSafe: Obviously, less drops! SMS: When the laptop does drop, your HDD is protected from corruption! Unibody enclosure: Obvious reasons! Less weight when it does drop means less of an impact, so less damage. Plus, less small parts to get loose and much sturdier case.

Of course, DazOwen is right, it depends what you use it for, but on average, Macs last 6 years, PCs 4 years. In my experience though, the gap is much wider.

You cannot put a lifespan on a computer, it's completely dependant on the hardware, how much you use it and how. Nobody here will be able to give you an exact lifespan.

How do you know that Mac's are meant to last longer that PC's when they're essentially the same thing just a different OS?

They usually last 5-6 years if I am not mistaken.

Well really it depends on how much you use it, and also the advancement of technology. If you use your computer often, you won't be straining your components to much, but the advancement of technology (new OS requiring more power) can shorten the lifespan of a computer.