My issue with this is this is an opportunity for someone with money to start up alternatives that are built on the principles of “it lasts”!
It’s not that hard, make the OS open source, we already have alpine linux, busybox, debian, etc, then build the basic functions in and those who can extend things, will!
On the hardware side, use screws rather than clips, offer downloadable pdf’s with schematics, all this used to get done and dropped because profits! If I had the money I have a decent idea on how I’d start this up so who knows, there’s a few small things I’d like to learn to design/build and think maybe it’ll be sellable so who knows, maybe in 6/12 months and i’ve paid off a few debts i’ll build something useful.
Do they though?
If i buy a TV for £600 and it lasts ~20 years, is that more expensive than the TV the cost £300 and lasts 3 years?
Cheaper to buy doesn’t mean its cheaper and this is what capitalism has brainwashed people with. The biggest issue right now is theres so much cheap crap that needs replacing, we don’t all have the means to replace it with decent stuff that actually lasts.
And the other cost no-one ever factors in is cost of time! When all this crap breaks, how much time are you wasting chasing up fixes or replacements? Time catching up on all the jobs because your washer broke, again!
People need to stop thinking cheap is cheaper! 🙄🤦♂️