Upgrade OS or buy new Macbook?

Hi,
I'm contemplating upgrading my eMac to the latest OS and adding more memory. I'm noticing that some software isn't compatible with my current OS, but other than it being a lil sluggish, it's worked fine for my everyday needs (email, web). It is still stock since purchasing it in '04 (10.3.9, 256 MB RAM).
My dilemma is that even if I add more memory & upgrade to Leopard, that won't change the fact that it's already 5 years old. How many more years could I expect out of it? Would it be worth it to just splurge for a new computer? I have to admit, I would rather just get a new system and not deal with upgrading and potentially losing any work/programs (would I have to buy an external HD to backup?), but we are talking $150 vs. $1K.
Thanks in advance!

Hello,
I have an eMac as my only computer and gee I must say I have had it for 7 years and it's still a workhorse. I mean it has a 750GB HDD, and a 900MHz (700MHz overclocked) processor and 512MB of RAM. Let me tell you. It is running Leopard. No hacks. Just Installed it. I have a HD-DVD-RW-R DL Super Drive with LiteScribe (It didn't come with it, I added it myself) but yeah, I love the **** out of this Machine. I'm thinkin about getting a 1.42GHz Mobo to replace it's 900MHz one to make it pump out another 5-8 years of enjoyment. I have the PowerBook G4 too. It is 1.67GHz. I love that Macintosh too. I guess like roam said, go with what ever you feel is right. I think I'm stickin with PowerPC for another 10 years or so because the economy is all F*ed up and until Obama does something about the economy, I can't afford a new Macintosh. I will just make whatever I have last a good while. I love the eMac. And I agree with roam. The iMac's are sweet. I use them at school (I'm a Junior in High School) all the time and they are extremely fast (We have the 24" models loaded.). Well sorry to just enter your post to just ramble on. But I gotta say DO NOT BUY ANOTHER PC! Get to know a Mac and trust me you know what they say "Once you go Mac, you never go back." It's all true. I've been around Mac's since the iMac G3 came out in 1996. I have one. (I just don't use it much. It has OS X 10.3.9 on it.) It is decently fast. My eMac is way faster though. My eMac is only 900MHz with 512MB of RAM with Tiger, and It is faster than my mom's Dell she bought in Dec. 2008 With a 1.6GHz processor and 2GB of RAM running Vista!
Mac's Are just too good I guess. Well I wish you luck!
Your Fellow eMac User,
Matt K.

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