How long would this baby last me?

[Eyeball Tickler]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums. I'm a Mac user who is seriously thinking about switching to Linux. A local refurb computer shop is selling the following machine, and I'm trying to get an idea of how long people think it would last. The reason I'm asking here is becasue most of the estimates I've gotten so far are from Windows users, but I get the impression that using Linux might extend the longevity, though I'm not sure in that regard. Anyway, the specs are as follows:

IBM ThinkPad T40
Pentium 4 Mobile Processor 1.5Ghz
512MB DDR RAM
40 Gb Hard Disk
CDRW\DVD Combo Drive
14" TFT LCD Screen
802.11b/g Wireless LAN

My main uses will be word processing, internet and probably a little layout (might try that Scribus program, though I may use Photoshop and InDesign in Windows from time to time).

Could anyone be kind enough to offer some estimates as to how long it would do me for, running Linux?

Thanks!

[theLinuxPeasant]

I don't think that linux will extend the longevity of your hardware. For sure they will be much more stable than any windows version.

The computer they offer you is OK for the use you are planning. It is impossible to guess how long will it last.

Welcome to linux world!

[eraker]

I've got a dell C600 with 256MB of RAM and a 10GB hard drive and it works well under gentoo with gnome. Linux is great for working on older machines. I also have debian on an old ibook with a G3 in it and that computer works well too. Both seem to run (to me) like virtually new computers. Granted, I put pretty scaled-down distros on them, but I never notice performance issues on either. I should say also that I use both computers for the purposes you listed: word processing, internet, etc.