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You know, you have a really good point there. That's all that seems to be available at this point: the cheap and the now. When it breaks, throw it away. So many products seem to be made with a 'shelf life' in mind. And none of these products are made here. This is especially true of tech products, like cell phones, computers, etc. My touch-screen phone (was the 'latest and greatest last year) randomly shuts itself off, and I'm told that "it's time to upgrade". Gimme a break!
My friend just replaced her PC, after being told that her computer is 'functionally obsolete' at less then 4 years old. No mention of upping the RAM, etc. Nope, replace the whole thing instead. And this is just a HOME computer we're talking about. Yet somehow, a computer that I had built to my specs back in 1999 still runs every day, and provides all the computing power that I need for 'downtime' (editing pictures, etc). Sure, I've replaced the power supply a couple of times swapped out a couple of floppy (a) drives.
I also have an RCA floor-model TV, bought in 1986, the last year before RCA was taken over by GE (Of course, RCA is no longer US owned or operated, but was sold off piece by piece to foreign companies, by GE) The wood is still in beautiful condition, as is the screen. It was made in USA. The kids play video games on it--perfect because they like to sit on the floor or bean bag chairs to play. I'll be sad when I have to get rid of it and replace it with some flat-panel piece of junk that will probably last a few years at best. I bought one a few years back, and in just over a year (after the manufacturer's warranty expired) I noticed a couple of dark pixels, which have now grown into a line a couple of inches long. Do these TV's get repaired? or replaced?
We have become a nation of consumers and not creators or producers. And that will be our demise...
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Originally Posted by pirate_lafitte
I needed some time to think about this. I also forgot about this after awhile. This is my take on it. It would be beneficial to buy a product that is of higher quality, no matter which nation it was made it. The thing is, the main idea right now is "cheap" and "now". The reason? I think the trend has been going towards "disposable". It isn't about having it years down the road. It is trending towards "use now, and toss it". I think many people are not looking towards the future or buying for the longhaul because many people can't see that far. The vision for the future isn't there. It is a "now" mentality because of the "survival" mentality.
Last edited by Valerie C; 11-30-2010 at 12:00 PM..
Reason: I realize that this post strays from where it began... oh well..
Val, I bit that bullet on my very first Dell Hell. never again. I made that win 98 system run till last spring, but I way over spent for it, Stupidly thinking it would be like my cars. I still drive cars and trucks from the 80's.
This no name pc I have now I can't tell you what it is because i don't know, was free. I got this last spring because some people think I am a nice guy. It has xp and has a 3 pack somehwere inside. I looked in there but found no 3 pack of anything. I would complain, but it was free.
Maybe the 3 pack is just virtual beers huh?
I just learned to be cautious with digital cameras. By buying a SONT 350 shirt pocket camera for $159.00, I see what windows systems it will work on and so know that when 7 ends support the camera is trash no mater if it still can work.
For so long as 35mm film is sold i can still use my early 70's vintage cameras. Odd huh? Film is going out of style however, and I know the days are numbered.
This makes me wonder about the purchase of anything in quality, since it is all dated and has a number whether or not it runs. I see no point in seeking high quality in something that will be dated out in a short time. Some very high quality metals are used in all these systems, very hard and very rare metals so I hope these are salvaged.
Are you sure your not trying to surf the INTERNET on a refrigerator?
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'functionally obsolete' at less then 4 years old.
That's what happens when you listen to sale people. If your needs are satisfied by your current cpu, why upgrade? Prices are so low that upgraded more than one or two components is not cost effective. A larger hard drive and some new memory can almost equal a new unit. But the older one can always serve as a backup or secondary unit working off a a wireless LAN so common today.
I upgraded after several years (it was time and gave my old unit to a friend's son who did some light surfing and mostly word processing. Perfect for him.
build your own computers, its much much much cheeper.
use linux instead of microcrap. there is a huge savings. linux is free!
What if you don't know how? Where do you get the parts? Furthermore, I don't know anything about Linux. In a way, I don't trust Linux for that reason either.
I can see folks not wanting to build their own computers. It is usually very simple- but it *can* be tricky. To that end I think what is important is to make sure that whatever computer you buy has some key components that will last you awhile, and is upgradable for other components in the future without too much hassle.
IE- installing a hard drive & RAM is easier than building a hall machine, etc.
The other thing people forget is that its not only the hardware that gets old. Many computers are fine hardware wise- but get crippled after several years of usage by software issues, etc. Maintenance on this end is important:
1) Always have a backup of important files, pictures, etc...
2) Physically clean the computer/remove dust from the interior (modern processors will slow down when getting hot)- do this periodically, more periodically in a dusty home or one with pets.
3) On a windows machine, use tools like disk cleanup, defrag, etc (built into windows)
4) Don't keep worthless files/e-mails, etc.
5) Every few years, make sure you have a good functional backup and then completely wipe your computers hard drive, re-install the operating system, re-install the programs you use.
If you follow those steps even an old or non-upgradeable PC will run significantly better than one where routine maintenance was not done.
oh you can get stuff from TigerDirect, or Mouser, lots of places to buy bits and pieces. True, Linux isn't for anyone - you have to be the sort who likes to 'tinker under the hood' and be in control. However, it does have an advantage that it is nearly virus/worm proof!
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