The misery of upgrades
@allknowing (130066)
India
March 20, 2013 5:18am CST
I find there are more disadvantages than advantages in companies upgrading their products at the drop of a hat. As long as there are no upgrades we are satisfied with what we have but the moment we see an upgraded version we rush to own one. The additional features provided are hardly used. Those who prefer their old models are in deep trouble too as no spare part seems to be available in the market should the gadgets need part replacements or repairs. I needed some replacement of a part for our washing machine which they say is out dated. What do I do?
What are your thoughts on this.
What are your thoughts on this.2 people like this
5 responses
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
21 Mar 13
So true, allknowing. it is such a waste of money sometimes to be having all those upgrades when not all can really afford them. So those who are left with the old ones tend to buy a newer model just to be able to have something to use. what to do with the old one? Give it a drive to the junk shop! 
But really, that is the only place where it can go.
But really, that is the only place where it can go.1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
21 Mar 13
The manufacturing industry is contributing to piles of garbage which will one day even take our place. So much of junk which is not biodegradable. There are so many aspects that put fright in me. What about youngsters just going in for the upgrades for the sake of being upwardly mobile. If you and I can understand this why not those that matter. Why upgrade when the old versions are doing a good job. I have piles of garbage in my yard so to say knowing not what to do with it. I do not have the heart to just dump it as they all look as good as new with just a part or two not working but those parts are no longer available!
@allknowing (130066)
• India
21 Mar 13
Not many artists really jenny to gobble up that garbage. We still have a problem on our hands. You and I see it but those who really should give a blind eye!
1 person likes this
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
21 Mar 13
That really is the sad part. And I guess those who can benefit from those junks are the creative artists who makes use of them to make their arts. Nothing much for us to make use of.
1 person likes this
@srisahara (4508)
• Indonesia
21 Mar 13
yes friend. There are many products in the market which are its factory never think about spare parts of their old products, even they have been forgotten their products. They just think to make new products for increasing their sale. I think they just think about their advantages but make disadvantages for the customers. I think you cannot do anything other than buy new product. In my country this case also often happen, and we cannot do anything except receive this condition. It is so sad...
@allknowing (130066)
• India
21 Mar 13
May be consumers could alert the powers that be who could then study the situation unless they themselves are hand in glove.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
20 Mar 13
'Gadgets' are my nightmare and I may sound outdated but I prefer to have some sturdy ones [especially those meant for utility] rather than sleek ones.That is why I am reasonably careful and I shudder to see something mishandled.If something has served me well I will stick on to it till it wears out and won't even get tempted to buy any new one. When the need arises, I will buy the same model.I would literally be blind to a new upgraded product when I am satisfied with the current one be it mixie, grinder, washing machine; however, as you have pointed out if some spare part needs to be replaced then we are in trouble.
I have a benchmark for this; if it has served me well and has done justice to the money paid then I will dump it and get a new one, and it would be close to the same model if the original type is not available.I am comfortable with the ones I have grown used to and just do not care about any new feature included, if it is not relevant to me.If, by chance the company has upgraded it to a new kind, I will still stick on to the 'there thereabouts' old model and mostly, the companies do not drastically change a price range totally. Minor changes can be handled ; I won't go for a serious upgrade.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
21 Mar 13
We all are comfortable with the ones we are used to. The sad part is they are no longer available. We have to dump them or exchange them for which we get a pittance and the exchanged model is no where near our 'so loved' model. We have to live with this madness kala. I have scores of gadgets and it is the same story. Even the new faucets specially the mixers do not fit into the old place. I am living with the old faucets which I need to constantly repair but I cannot get new ones as they will not fit in the existing holes
These upgrades one sees in every nook and corner. Even the shoe repairer will tell you that!
These upgrades one sees in every nook and corner. Even the shoe repairer will tell you that!
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
20 Mar 13
Built in obsolescence has more than caught up with our "disposable" mentality, and we are paying "big time" for smart marketing by the manufacturer. Make it un-repairable, obsolete as soon as it enters the market and they are insuring their financial future...YOU must replace, not repair. Creating an economy for their product! That's my take!
@allknowing (130066)
• India
20 Mar 13
Good to see you in Box No. 1. Welcome!
There is more than just replacement perga. The present generation will stop at nothing to acquire the latest whatever at any cost. Not all parents can afford to throw away stuff and go for new items. So much of unrest in homes all because of these upgrades.
I have 3 mobile handsets out of commission. I have loads of head phones, speakers all that need to be thrown away. Where does one throw this stuff. I saw an image on the Net of garbage piled up only of computers somewhere - frightening.
Look at windows 8. I believe it is not at all user friendly. I could go on and on about the upgrades.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
20 Mar 13
I fully agree...this would be more than a "one cuppa" discussion!
Current generation wanting the latest...marketing once again!
Being garbage sensitive, is foremost with me, living on a small Island, as it all has to be taken OFF. And disposed of somewhere!
Aside from manufacturers...there is government and Crown Corporations pushing products down our throats with NO forethought of disposal! Case in point..CFC's with Mercury in them...toxic, and dangerous...NO where to dispose!
Saw a National Geographic show, somewhere in India, poorly paid citizens dismantling Transport Ships (from all over the world)loaded with TOXIC insulation and disposing of it in the ocean...but this insulation, was the GO TO in it's day...but now declared toxic.
I know, I have somewhat veered from the original topic, but it is all interwoven!@allknowing (130066)
• India
20 Mar 13
You are within the 'topic territory'. I am surprised that none have evinced interest in this rather serious topic. There are so many issues involved in this perga. Do you think it is necessary to upgrade when what is already there takes care of our needs? Why is everyone quiet about this when you and I know what this is doing to the world.
1 person likes this
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
21 Mar 13
Oh I hate how companies bringing upgrade after upgrade, it's so confusing. Especially since mos tof those upgrades doesn't really equal better quality, more like an excuse to make people buy a totally new machine (because it's told to be better, because you can't buy older spare parts anymore etc). I also feel the same with some computer programs, too. It's awful how frequently they upgrade web browsers, download programs etc. Especially when I don 't see any development, just my computer nagging me every 3 months to download the new version. Sometimes the upgrade only consists of a whole design revamping, when I'm really used to the old one. That's why I don't use LimeWire anymore... the newer designs just didn't impress me... the older ones seemed easier to use.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
21 Mar 13
What I feel is that these manufacturers need to keep their staff employed and if they do not make new models they would only have to have their maintenance department working. There are people who look for upgrades.They also need to do this to keep up with competition. Fair enough. But they should not close down their maintenance department for old models as there are equal number who are satisfied with their old models and would only want some servicing done as and when it is required.They should keep a stock of spare parts for the old models. The sad part is this is what is not available forcing consumers to go for new models.
There is concern in general about the dumped goods. Where would it all go?
