My Obsolete Technology

Part I: Products and Lifespans

1. Dell desktop computer
a. 2 years
b. Technological Obsolescence- my family replaced the desktop computer with a laptop so we could have the option to transport the computer.

2. Acer laptop
a. 1 year
b. Planned Obsolescence- the battery stopped charging and purchasing a new laptop made more sense than paying to fix the laptop.

3. HP laptop
a. 3 years-present
b. Technological Obsolescence- I will likely replace this laptop and upgrade to a newer model in the next six months.

4. Motorola Razr
a. 2 years
b. Planned Obsolescence- my cell phone carrier allowed me to upgrade my phone when I renewed my contract.

5. LG Shine
a. 2 years
b. Planned Obsolescence- my cell phone carrier allowed me to upgrade my phone when I renewed my contract.

6. LG Vu
a. 6.5 months-present
b. Planned Obsolescence- I will likely replace this cell phone in a year and a half when my cell phone contract expires.

7. Sony 32” TV
a. 7 years
b. Technological Obsolescence- my family upgraded our TV because we wanted to view high definition channels.

8. Sony 60” HDTV
a. 3 years-present
b. Technological Obsolescence- this television will probably be upgraded to a newer model in two or three years.

9. iPod nano
a. 2 years
b. Technological Obsolescence- I replaced the iPod nano with an iPod touch because the newer model has Wi-Fi.

10. iPod touch
a. 2 months-present
b. Technological Obsolescence- I will probably replace my iPod touch with a newer model in two years.

11. Nintendo Wii
a. 3 years-present
b. Technological Obsolescence- I do not plan to replace the Nintendo Wii for another few years. When I replace this game console, I will upgrade to a newer model.

Part II: Trends and Patterns

According to Slade (2006), there are three types of obsolescence: technological, psychological, and planned (p. 4-5). Technological obsolescence occurs when innovations result in a product’s replacement (p. 4). Psychological obsolescence results in products being replaced due to changing trends (p. 4-5). Planned obsolescence involves the “techniques used to artificially limit the durability of a manufactured good in order to stimulate repetitive consumption” (p. 5).

I noticed that the lifespan of most of my communication technologies is determined by technological obsolescence. A majority of my communication technologies are replaced after two years. At this point a newer model of the technology is available with features that are more appealing than my current model. Even though the technology is still functional, I replace it to gain access to the features of the newer model. For example, I replaced my iPod nano with an iPod touch because the iPod touch has Wi-Fi capabilities. Although my iPod nano still worked, I replaced it because I found the features of the iPod touch to be appealing.

I replace my cell phone every two years because of planned obsolescence. I have the option to replace my cell phone with a new or different model when I renew my cell phone plan. I replace my cell phone even though it is still functional because the new cell phone plan makes it attractive to do so.

In my experience, there are certain lifespans associated with different communication technologies. Cell phones, laptops, and media players tend to be replaced every two to three years. I replace these products because of the updated or innovative features offered on newer models. Televisions and gaming consoles tend to have a longer lifespan. As long as these products continue to function normally, they could have a lifespan of ten years or more.

Part III: Personal Responsibility

I was surprised by my reasons for replacing communication technologies. I did not realize how often I replaced functional products simply to gain access to new features. Personally, I can reduce my e-waste by only replacing products when they are no longer functional and recycling old communication technologies instead of throwing them away or storing them. While I can make a small, personal dent in the problem of e-waste, I do not believe that society at large would be willing to go this route. I think that the Government and manufactures need to make efforts to deal with the growing e-waste problem.

Reference

Slade, Giles. Made to break: technology and obsolescence in America. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2006. Print.