I hope this is in the correct section....

Question

I have an opinion to put out here into the community to see what everyone else thinks.  I've been a huge Mac fan after switching over in 2006, but I haven't spent a lot of time here.  I'd like to hear what some of the more experienced Mac users think.
I bought my late-2006 model iMac in 2006.  It came with good ol' Tiger - don't remember what version it was.  But, I did use it until 10.4.11 I think, or maybe 10.4.12?  It wasn't until early 2010 that I went up to 10.6 (when the updates stopped for 10.4).  10.6 was flawless for me until I just recently moved to 10.7.  It's been flawless as well - so far.  So now I'm reading that 10.8 is next summer.  Apple seems to be moving at lighting speeds on these OS versions.  I have seen no real improvements since 10.6.
As of this summer, OS X 10.8 will say goodbye to my computer, and I love my white iMac.  It has served me well, and it still does serve me well.  I no longer participate in the gaming community, and I suppose if I did I wouldn't be using an all-in-one machine likely anyway.  Six years of computing bliss, at least compared to my Windows days.  (Actually, I hate it when people compare "Macs" to "Windows".  You can't compare computers to OS's - that's a different story altogether, but I'll leave the reference here for the sake of making my point.)  My iMac still looks as new as it did the day that I took it out of the box, with it's still-shrink-wrapped remote sticking to the side of the monitor like a forgotten toy.  But now I'm a little perturbed, and you might expect it's because I won't be receiving any support for my computer after this summer arrives.  That's not exactly it.
My machine is an Intel machine - not a Motorola.  10.7 has already cut the throats of those who use Rosetta-based software - now with 10.8 they are cutting off their first line of Intel-based machines.  And for what?  Do you mean to tell me that the limited variety of hardware in these machines is too much to support for a new OS?  I could see if these machines were 32-bit, but they are 64-bit!!  My little Core 2 Duo runs just as fast with 10.7 as it did with 10.4, maybe faster. 
I planned on buying a new iMac soon before all of this anyway, but now with all of these OS releases every year it makes me wonder how long my $1500.00+ investment is going to go next time.  If I buy a new iMac today, will I get six years out of it?  I know that six years is a lot of time for a machine these days anyway; much longer than most will stick with one.  But I'm one of those people that don't fix things that aren't broke.  As long as my computer does what I need it to do, and it's not bogging down all of the time, I'm not buying a new one.  I just can't see disposing of my iMac (or selling for almost nothing) because I can't update it anymore.  I wonder how long they will release updates for 10.7?
I suppose this is just all new to me because with the way budget PC's work with Windows, you don't get cut from OS support because each piece of hardware is replaceable.  (Driver support)  And, it's a very long time in between Windows versions where CPU is going to cut you out, or Microsoft just quits providing updates.  So, it this basically how the Apple guys and gals work?  I feel sorry for those who bought a G5 iMac.  They were cut off after 10.5 I guess, with no more than three years of OS support.
As I said, I know that it's time for me to update my iMac anyway, and I don't want it to sound like I'm speaking ONLY because my machine will be left behind.  I just don't see why it's necessary.  And just for fun, I think I'll pull out my 12 year old PC and install Windows 7 on it tomorrow.  (Sorry - couldn't resist.)       

Answer 1

Well, I was asked when I posted the message whether or not the post was to be marked as a "question" and I answered no.  And as such, it is more of an opinion collection sort of post.  But then, I did decided to include some questions.  I went back and skimmed my message and counted four questions.  The question marks are dead giveaways.
I understand this message board is commonly used for topics such as, "How do I boot my computer?" or "What's the best way to back up my computer?", and so I chose the message topic carefully.  If this type of dialog doesn't belong here or is not accepted in this community, please feel free to move it, have it moved, or delete it.  I just thought I might get some feedback from those who have been using Macs for some time.  The tone of the first response suggests that I may have struck a nerve somewhere.  Rest assured, it's only an observation from an individual that has been involved with computers for 28 years.