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I don't quite get why "entry level" products are being made. In almost every conceivable category, if your budget is limited, buying used premium products is mo
by michalf6 6y ago
I don't quite get why "entry level" products are being made. In almost every conceivable category, if your budget is limited, buying used premium products is most likely the best option. A few years ago I would consider myself rather poor (think ex-eastern block), and me and almost everyone I knew was buying used stuff - be it cars, phones, computers, tools etc.
If you aim at the entry level market, you either make something that will soon be obsolete, or cut corners on manufacturing - both options lead to the landfill rather soon.
- 5555624 6y agoBecause "used" is not the same as "new." The definition can vary. What one person defines as "normal wear and tear" is not necessarily what someone else would define it as. A small crack on the corner? A dead pixel? A loose hinge? Scratches? In addition, buying used is fine if you can support it; but, what if someone can't? A warranty can be a good thing, as can tech support. I've bought a number of used Thinkpads and it takes work.
- michalf6 6y agoGood point about support - I think this scenario could be more realistic if there were regulations in place which force manufacturers to enable third party repair (schematics, sale of parts etc). It's working well already with cars - in places where labor is cheap things like older BMWs get extended life, as the same repairs wouldn't be affordable in other places, and as a consumer you get the benefit of driving a decent car for a reasonable price. I see quite a bit of refurbishers in my area selling ex-leased laptops for a low price with a warranty, so it looks like the market finds a way. My point is, there are upsides to buying new, but I think the environmental downside is much much greater.