THE ARTICLE
It looks at the topic from a consumer rights point of view, but the effects on the environment from the production of so many gadgets and their subsequent chucking that ultimately leads them to some cancer-ridden, polluted third world country, are just as significant.
See also: Ψηφιακά Νεκροταφεία
I wrote about planned obsolescence in consumer electronics at some length when I got the laptop I’m typing this post from. Getting my smartphone (which I’m still not using as a phone) a few weeks back was more a matter of overcoming the sensation that I’m being led into some trap than anything else.
How long will these gadgets last? Where will they ultimately end up? Will I be strong and responsible enough to make a different choice next time I need new electronic gear? Is there a responsible choice that would differentiate a user from a mere consumer?
