My first computer was a Packard Bell from PC World, which I bought in 1999 for £1000.
It still works, but I had to abandon it in 2007 because it didn't have a broadband port (yes it was a pre broadband computer!) Still, I got a lot of use out of it.
We used to have keep to keep upgrading, but I find a computer can last longer these days unless you are a gamer or do other intensive work.