My opinion:
The article implies the hardware is fine, it's your workflow that's too heavy. I want a machine that fits my workflow, not the inverse.
Even though the article implies that there isn't much difference, the difference in productivity can be HUGE. Specially for workflows that depend on crappy^H^H^H^H^H^Hdemanding applications.
From the perspective of a company:
The cost of laptops relative to salaries is minimal - Salaries are usually close to six figures/y, a very good laptop is $2~3k, and can last multiple years. The productivity increase will most probably cover the investment (not only in terms of direct return, but business value: could be time to market, fulfilling a tight deadline, etc).
From the perspective of a freelancer:
You are selling your time. A laptop that costs $2~3k will free some time (time saved) and be used for years. Time saved = FREE MONEY.
The only reason I see to don't upgrade a laptop/desktop used to work is if it's performance it's already close enough of a new one.
BONUS REASON: newer versions have keyboards that self-destruct.
The article implies the hardware is fine, it's your workflow that's too heavy. I want a machine that fits my workflow, not the inverse.
Even though the article implies that there isn't much difference, the difference in productivity can be HUGE. Specially for workflows that depend on crappy^H^H^H^H^H^Hdemanding applications.
From the perspective of a company:
The cost of laptops relative to salaries is minimal - Salaries are usually close to six figures/y, a very good laptop is $2~3k, and can last multiple years. The productivity increase will most probably cover the investment (not only in terms of direct return, but business value: could be time to market, fulfilling a tight deadline, etc).
From the perspective of a freelancer:
You are selling your time. A laptop that costs $2~3k will free some time (time saved) and be used for years. Time saved = FREE MONEY.
The only reason I see to don't upgrade a laptop/desktop used to work is if it's performance it's already close enough of a new one. BONUS REASON: newer versions have keyboards that self-destruct.