There was an interesting article in the wall street journal yesterday
(Friday) about how companies are mere stingy when it cones to warranty
periods and how products today break so often. An example given was TV
sets: in the 1970s, a TV set could be expected to last 12 years. Now, the
average TV set is replaced after 2 or 3 (though we've had ours I think for
4 now so we're ahead of the curve!). One product they highlighted for it's
stingy warrenty period was Apple's iPod - at only 90 days. One person they
talked to had replaced a Palm *six* times (all under warrenty) because it
started having problems.
They also said how the new Palms have a rechargable battery that is sealed
inside the case - and the case can't be opened without risking damage
(it's glued or sonic welded or something - what is sonic welding anyway?).
Even cell-phones have rechargable batteries that are inside the case - so
you at least have to be intrepid enough to open it to replace it, if you
can even get the part yourself - or send it away. And the fees for
repairing things are getting almost as expensive (if not more) than the
products themselves! It mentioned a Palm's broken screen costs abuot $110
to repair, which (depending on the Palm) is almost as much as the unit
itself.
Good thing the Newton is built to last (back when Apple didn't make
disposable computers - although, I don't think they quite make disposable
computers even now, they just play the planned obselecence fame like
everyone else.. with upgrades)
Jim
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