How Long Do You Expect Electronics To Last?

9 September, 2009 - 07:00 AM - 12 Comments

I was reminiscing on how my PlayStation 2 lasted 9 long years with an average of 20 hours per week play time over that entire span without ever needing a repair, only a manual cleaning of the read lens head which I could do myself. Meanwhile my Wii (which I enjoy) required repair and to be sent into Nintendo two times since I bought it back in May of 1998. This has me thinking, no computer really lasts more than four or five years at the most, and few last more than two these days.

What is a reasonable amount of time that you expect your electronic device or appliance to last for? Does it depend on the price of the product, brand, or type of product? How long do you think your MP3 player should last to get your money’s worth? Your computer? Your gaming console?

I would expect most electronics to last at least 5 years honestly, with big appliances lasting 10 or longer to be reasonable. Because technology changes so rapidly most electronics and tech gadgets will probably be replaced before they break down or wear out but still not everyone upgrades to the latest tech when it comes out.

What are your thoughts and opinions readers?

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Written by Justin Germino (1518 Articles Published)

Working in the IT Industry for over 10 years and specializing in web based technologies. Dragon Blogger has unique insights and opinions to how the internet and web technology works. An Avid movie fan, video game fan and fan of trying anything and everything new.

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Johnny@Fashionable Dog Beds

My buddies PS3 lost the HD in 3 years, so he bought the new slim. My PS3 is 2 years old, played about 10 hours or less a week, so it should have many years left, although I may by an 160gb SSD for it, still thinking about it.

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i like cake

still have my mega drive, works like a charm :) im a little taken back about the lack of fan, was so wierd <:0

shebs@mini dv camcorder

It comes to a point when you need to upgrade, you always want the latest model which has cool new features and has extra functionality the old model doesn't have.

Cool Gadgets@gifts2gadgets

I think the biggest problem is often the dreaded upgrade or new model, great that Playstaion 2 lasted so long but of course no youngster will want anything less than the PS3 or whatever the latest model is. Manufacturers dont need to build in life cycle as fashion and society has changed the game to making it obsolete by peer pressure no respect if your model is the old one, even if old is only just bought.

RyanJ@ Backup PS2 Games

I agree with you that electronics should last at least 5 years, and large appliances at least 10. I want my stuff to last much longer than that. I still play my PS2 everyday, for example.
It seems like things are built to break more easily these days, so we have to replace them more often. I wonder if that's being done on purpose, or if it's just a result of companies using low quality materials to increase profits margins.
.-= RyanJ@ Backup PS2 GamesÂ´s last blog ..Backup PS2 Games updated Fri Nov 27 2009 7:26 pm CST =-.

Paul@Canon HG10

I guess a lot depends on the item and how you use it. I'd expect things to wear out due to wear and tear on moving parts or mechanisms rather than the internal electronics failing.

paul@hd camcorders

it definitely depends for me. first, it depends on the type of electronics. i don't expect a video camera to last as long as my desktop. that's just because the desktop stays put and i maintain it very well. the video camera i carry around and it is subject to bumps and knocks and the elements. my desktops last 5-10 years. my cameras last 3-5. but i'm also not a proponent of buying new things to have the latest always.
.-= paul@hd camcorders´s last blog ..Sony HDR-XR520V HD Camcorder =-.

Klaus @ TechPatio

I think I read/heard somewhere once that mobile phone manufactores doesn't expect their phones to last more than just a few years, they don't build them to do so, at least. Simply because most people will have it replaced in a matter of a few years anyway. I don't know if it's true though?
.-= Klaus @ TechPatio´s last blog ..Caroline Wozniacki Breasts =-.

dragonblogger

I know somebody who still uses a 5 year old Blackberry, it has lasted, yet i have been through 3 in 2 years. So not sure if maybe I am just tougher on my phone.

Blazing Minds

I must admit there is nothing worse than the day when your trusty electrical gadget decides to give up and fight on no more, at one time they would last 10-15 but now they seem to pack in after around 5.
.-= Blazing Minds´s last blog ..Review: Infected Mushroom â€“ The Legend of the Black Shawarma =-.