There is never an ideal time to get new hardware and software–it will always take time away from other tasks to learn to use it. So, if you’re going to invest the time and money in a new system, find a new use. For example, I got a new computer to create videos (it requires more computer power than my old one had).

My suggestion when buying hardware, is first to know what you are going to do with the it (possible uses, too), then find the software that will do those tasks. The software will tell you what hardware you need. Get one level higher than you need right now to allow room to grow.

And, before getting rid of an old computer, make sure you fully wipe the hard drive with a software shredder (not just delete files). Identity thieves have discovered the wealth of information that can be recovered from old disks.