Problem with that laptop example is, hardware improves over time as well, and is a key (perhaps THE key) part of improved computer performance. So unless this fictional laptop also somehow is able to have it's hardware updated, I don't see that working.
I just happen to know very well what I am talking about when it comes to laptops and operating systems, programming and so fourth. Its easy to write bad an inefficient code, if your hardware platform do not challenge you to write better code. Which is why our utilisation of the hardware through the operating system and software, today is extremely poor.
The next 10 years, if we kept the same hardware and instead optimised every bit of the operating system and all the software, we would end up with a zero sum game vs only upgrading the hardware.
Until Windows 8, and somewhat starting to change with Windows 7. New hardware was only needed because the software just turned bigger and bigger and more inefficient. It was the operating system which slowed down the computers, not the hardware. And in many cases, Windows casued damaged to the CPU unit, the CPU fan and areas around, causing deterioration of existing hardware, due to bad implementation of hardware controlling features in the operating system..
So yes, with the two models, we would have better hardware in one model, and better software in the other. The difference in speed and so fourth would be nothing. While the difference in GDP would be that it would be lower. While the difference on the garbage dumps would be significantly less garbage and the effect on peoples private economy would be less waste of money, that would then be spent elsewhere.
The key of a laptop is NOT the hardware. The hardware is important. But it is the operating system that implements the hardware and the features and enables software to be developed.
Especially since the core components of computers need updating as well, and once you do the core, you need the peripherals as well, so everything works well together.
Most of the time you have to change the whole thing. The design itself is so bad that you usually cannot just upgrade or change one component. And the designs and standards are getting worse and worse in this regard.
Even if you wanted to have a computer that could be upgraded for 10 years, it wouldn't work unless it was many times more expensive, I think.
Software is the key to unleash the power of the hardware. And if you have inefficient and badly designed software of new hardware or fanstastically designed and efficient software on old hardware, the result should be just about the same in regard to use.