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Looking back it's amazing how little change there was through the twentieth century in fundamental consumer tech. Radio, TV, record players, fridges, washing ma

Looking back it's amazing how little change there was through the twentieth century in fundamental consumer tech. Radio, TV, record players, fridges, washing machines & vacuum cleaners were all available in the 1930s. Sure, they became cheaper and more widely available, but IMHO, not much changed in home tech until the 1980s.

hueving 11y ago
They may have existed in some form but that doesn't mean they were good, widespread, or useful. It's like saying that since the first semiconductor was invented, nothing has really changed in computing tech.
- marincounty 11y ago
  With the exception of the '80 most of these items lasted longer, were easily repairable, or made to be repaired. As a child, when my parents bought an appliance it was a big deal, and that appliance lasted. It was partially due to practical engineering, an emphasis on longevity, and my father who refused to spend his hard earned money on a new washing machine every two years. My father believed in 15 years durable goods. And so due I. (Yes--that's a fragment Mr. Taylor.) So appliances, I don't want your bells and whistles. I want an appliance that lasts. I want a service manual attached to the gizmo, along with the warranty information. I want an assurance of a few years of the availability of repair parts. I don't need, nor want to buy a new appliance every two years, but I know you have built it into your business cycle by now. Some of us see through the scam, and just aren't buying. Everything I said here, goes for any new automobile(gas, alt fuel, electric), but that might be a loosing fight? I can't believe how people buy automobiles. They buy them like they will never break down?
  - rmc 11y ago
    Are you willing to pay significantly more for your home appliances?
    - SmellyGeekBoy 11y ago
      Some people are, and this is why companies like Miele exist (as an example)
    - JupiterMoon 11y ago
      If I can get one with a 15-20 expected life then yes I'll pay 3-4x more for it. I expect however an ~10 year guarantee and a firm promise that parts will be available for a further 10 years (or if possible the full spec for parts is published and new ones can be made from the spec.)
- pkorzeniewski 11y ago
  Just because there're new iterations of well known tech coming each year doesn't mean they're SO much better than the old one and worth the price - that's only what companies want you to believe. It's not in their business to sell you a simple refrigerator that will last 20 years - it's better to either make it last 5 years or make you believe that you're living like a caveman with refrigerator that doesn't have a touch screen and isn't connected to the Internet.

hueving 11y ago

They may have existed in some form but that doesn't mean they were good, widespread, or useful. It's like saying that since the first semiconductor was invented, nothing has really changed in computing tech.

marincounty 11y ago
With the exception of the '80 most of these items lasted longer, were easily repairable, or made to be repaired. As a child, when my parents bought an appliance it was a big deal, and that appliance lasted. It was partially due to practical engineering, an emphasis on longevity, and my father who refused to spend his hard earned money on a new washing machine every two years. My father believed in 15 years durable goods. And so due I. (Yes--that's a fragment Mr. Taylor.) So appliances, I don't want your bells and whistles. I want an appliance that lasts. I want a service manual attached to the gizmo, along with the warranty information. I want an assurance of a few years of the availability of repair parts. I don't need, nor want to buy a new appliance every two years, but I know you have built it into your business cycle by now. Some of us see through the scam, and just aren't buying. Everything I said here, goes for any new automobile(gas, alt fuel, electric), but that might be a loosing fight? I can't believe how people buy automobiles. They buy them like they will never break down?
- rmc 11y ago
  Are you willing to pay significantly more for your home appliances?
  - SmellyGeekBoy 11y ago
    Some people are, and this is why companies like Miele exist (as an example)
  - JupiterMoon 11y ago
    If I can get one with a 15-20 expected life then yes I'll pay 3-4x more for it. I expect however an ~10 year guarantee and a firm promise that parts will be available for a further 10 years (or if possible the full spec for parts is published and new ones can be made from the spec.)
pkorzeniewski 11y ago
Just because there're new iterations of well known tech coming each year doesn't mean they're SO much better than the old one and worth the price - that's only what companies want you to believe. It's not in their business to sell you a simple refrigerator that will last 20 years - it's better to either make it last 5 years or make you believe that you're living like a caveman with refrigerator that doesn't have a touch screen and isn't connected to the Internet.