August 25, 2005 10:37 PM
Replacing versus repairing electronics
During my childhood everything was repairable. Cars, electronics, almost everything could be repaired. Now I am seeing the complete opposite. Things are so integrated that if it malfunctions there is no way to repair it without replacing the product entirely or a significant part of it.
Applying it to PDAs: unless it is something really simple, such as a dead battery, usually it is much more expensive to repair a PDA when compared to just getting a new one. Also, since these repair services are very specific, one has to factor in the cost of shipping the device to a competent technician.
I wonder if this is good for the consumer; sure it is cheap to buy a cordless phone for US$20, but I feel bad to simply throw away an equipment that is almost perfectly working. It just doesn't seem right. The same goes for a lot of computer equipment, kitchen utensils and just about everything that is electronic.
Here's an article to help decide whether to replace or repair.
Posted by leo at August 25, 2005 10:37 PM
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