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Home Office Part II -- The Dilemma

My home office equipment is aging. For the most part, this isn't a problem, and I don't care whether I have the latest and greatest computer equipment. However, this summer, I will use a function that has been very convenient in my freelance work, both for me and for one of my clients. It's Apple's iDisk, which allows the client to send me files without having to schedule a meeting and physically exchange flash drives or CDs. This June, iDisk will no longer work for Apple users who haven't upgraded to iCloud, which will not work with my 6-year-old system software.

I'm weighing my three options:
  • Do nothing. I've looked into other ways that my client and I could move files back and forth, but so far, I haven't found any that would allow the clients to access it without having to sign up for an account of their own, something I'm trying to avoid.
  • Upgrade my system software so that I can get iCloud. Overall, this is probably the best option, as long as everything else on my computer continues to work as well as it does now. However, I worry similar issues will keep arising because the computer itself is 6 years old. How soon will it become un-upgradeable? Also, will the desktop publishing software I use now still function as it should? If I have to replace the software, too, this can turn into a pretty pricey choice.
  • Buy a new(er) computer. If I go this route, I will probably get a refurbished unit to help keep the cost low. This would still be the most costly option, though, even though I could get a bit of a rebate for turning in the computer I have now. Plus, the potential that the desktop publishing software I currently use would no longer work still exists. I've researched some free desktop publishing software online, but I don't think it would be as functional as what I currently use.

I have until June to make up my mind; hopefully, whatever transition I make goes smoothly.
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