[bestwriter]

Mobile_phone_evolution.jpg (30.94 KiB) Viewed 112 times

We see upgrades with every gadget under the sun. Every upgrade means no spare parts made available for the older versions leading to mass garbage of gadgets that are out of commission. Nor does anyone make use of all those additional features that are made available in those upgrades.

My thinking is that the only reason why manufacturers do that is to stay in business.

Do you upgrade and what was your latest upgrade?

[raaman]

I think we can. Upgrades only bring us the latest developments in technology and ease our life. Anyway, I don't go after 'upgrades' every now and then.

[bestwriter]

I think we can. Upgrades only bring us the latest developments in technology and ease our life. Anyway, I don't go after 'upgrades' every now and then.

Going by the statistics there is no improvement in health both physical and mental on account of these upgrades.

[ladyninja]

I was just having this conversation with a friend the other day. Do we really need yet another new update on that cellphone? I think companies are just after their bottom-line profit and we get drafted in after continuous advert bashing.

[Happyland]

Good question in this thread.
Upgrades have been around since the beginning of time. Whether it is upgrading a meal in a restaurant, a television package or a tech gadget, there is usually an upgrade in almost any situation. Upgrades tend to benefit buyer and seller. The seller benefits through increased revenue and profitability (assuming the upgrade has a higher margin).

Despite the stats isn't there a mental benefit for the buyer?
1. People associate an upgrade with a benefit. An upgrade is a mental thing that makes some people feel good. Upgrades can help some people feel better about themselves. They define themselves by their possessions. Pricier possessions can set them apart. I have heard that even salesmen sell better when they feel better or look better. It is a mental thing. Human psychology is powerful because the brain is an amazing organ.

2. If you say that " Nor does anyone make use of all those additional features that are made available in those upgrades"--then that means people are paying too much and buying more product than what they really need. Then why are they doing this?--it must be because of the perceived psychological benefit. This makes them feel better and is like a good cup of coffee or an energy drink that gives them a boost. Similarly if a company acquires another company in a merger situation and pays more than what the company is worth, this is called goodwill. Goodwill is real and accountants make entries in the books for it. Goodwill can consist of patents, great technology, a good brand name, access to a certain customer base etc.

There are better ways to define ourselves. We have to look deep within our souls and spirits and cling to a Higher Ideal.

Can we survive without upgrades? Yes
One of the richest men in the world is worth over $74 billion. Warren Buffet still has the same modest house and the same modest car from years ago.

Will upgrades continue to be offered? Yes people like their coffee.

[bestwriter]

I was just having this conversation with a friend the other day. Do we really need yet another new update on that cellphone? I think companies are just after their bottom-line profit and we get drafted in after continuous advert bashing.

And to think most of those additional features are not even touched.

--- 25 Jul 2017, 17:33 ---

Good question in this thread.
Upgrades have been around since the beginning of time. Whether it is upgrading a meal in a restaurant, a television package or a tech gadget, there is usually an upgrade in almost any situation. Upgrades tend to benefit buyer and seller. The seller benefits through increased revenue and profitability (assuming the upgrade has a higher margin).

Despite the stats isn't there a mental benefit for the buyer?
1. People associate an upgrade with a benefit. An upgrade is a mental thing that makes some people feel good. Upgrades can help some people feel better about themselves. They define themselves by their possessions. Pricier possessions can set them apart. I have heard that even salesmen sell better when they feel better or look better. It is a mental thing. Human psychology is powerful because the brain is an amazing organ.

2. If you say that " Nor does anyone make use of all those additional features that are made available in those upgrades"--then that means people are paying too much and buying more product than what they really need. Then why are they doing this?--it must be because of the perceived psychological benefit. This makes them feel better and is like a good cup of coffee or an energy drink that gives them a boost. Similarly if a company acquires another company in a merger situation and pays more than what the company is worth, this is called goodwill. Goodwill is real and accountants make entries in the books for it. Goodwill can consist of patents, great technology, a good brand name, access to a certain customer base etc.

There are better ways to define ourselves. We have to look deep within our souls and spirits and cling to a Higher Ideal.

Can we survive without upgrades? Yes
One of the richest men in the world is worth over $74 billion. Warren Buffet still has the same modest house and the same modest car from years ago.



Will upgrades continue to be offered? Yes people like their coffee.

When spare parts are not available and older models are not sold any more buyers have no option. Having said that there are a few who are gizzmo crazy.

[Fergal]

[Moving topic to appropriate forum section!]

[morgoodie]

I believe we can live just fine without upgrades. I don't upgrade very often only when it is needed. I still have my first cell phone and let my kids play with it as a toy or at least they did when they were younger. I think sometimes upgrades are seen as a trophy for hard work or as status symbols in some case. I have never understood why some will pay so much money for clothing and such when you can find other clothing that is just as good for way less money. I guess it is just what makes us happy and feel fulfilled in our lives.

[bestwriter]

I believe we can live just fine without upgrades. I don't upgrade very often only when it is needed. I still have my first cell phone and let my kids play with it as a toy or at least they did when they were younger. I think sometimes upgrades are seen as a trophy for hard work or as status symbols in some case. I have never understood why some will pay so much money for clothing and such when you can find other clothing that is just as good for way less money. I guess it is just what makes us happy and feel fulfilled in our lives.

I am more concerned how much garbage is collected when there are upgrades. Be it fridges, washing machines, tvs, computers - the works, there are upgrades everywhere.

[DudeThatsErin]

I believe we can but companies want to make money and this is a way for people to make money so why not?

[bestwriter]

I believe we can but companies want to make money and this is a way for people to make money so why not?

Wisdom will soon dawn on users just has it has on me (lol)

[chikitta]

Actually I agree we can do without upgrades, because when I think about it there is so much that is going to 2aste at the end of it all. Having all those gadgets thrown out and bringing in others. But we've indeed come a long way.

[raaman]

Going by the statistics there is no improvement in health both physical and mental on account of these upgrades.

Yes. You are correct. Indeed, I read in newspaper that it only makes us more lazy.

[peachpurple]

I still have the button Nokia handphone, the one that cannot go online, just make phone calls and SMS message and alarm only. No camera and no Whatsapp. I just need to change the battery . My dad is still using this old Nokia handphone. He is reluctant to change to the smartphone series because he is not used to finger swiping. and touch screen. Yes, you can use gadgets without upgrading it.

[DudeThatsErin]

I believe we can but companies want to make money and this is a way for people to make money so why not?

Wisdom will soon dawn on users just has it has on me (lol)

Hahaha didn't know that was wise but okay!

[bestwriter]

I still have the button Nokia handphone, the one that cannot go online, just make phone calls and SMS message and alarm only. No camera and no Whatsapp. I just need to change the battery . My dad is still using this old Nokia handphone. He is reluctant to change to the smartphone series because he is not used to finger swiping. and touch screen. Yes, you can use gadgets without upgrading it.

I have a Samsung with similar features such as yours and it serves my purposes well. I have a camera a great one that takes care of my photography passion.

[cmoneyspinner]

* * When something works just fine, I'm of the opinion “If it's not broke, don't fix it.” But more often than not, when it comes to upgrades, you're not really given the option to say “Nope! I'm good!” The providers make you upgrade!! I hate it. But what can I do about it? It's progress!

[bestwriter]

* * When something works just fine, I'm of the opinion “If it's not broke, don't fix it.” But more often than not, when it comes to upgrades, you're not really given the option to say “Nope! I'm good!” The providers make you upgrade!! I hate it. But what can I do about it? It's progress!

Is there nothing one can do to see that spare parts for old models are made available? Is there no business ethics kind of law?

[cmoneyspinner]

* * When something works just fine, I'm of the opinion “If it's not broke, don't fix it.” But more often than not, when it comes to upgrades, you're not really given the option to say “Nope! I'm good!” The providers make you upgrade!! I hate it. But what can I do about it? It's progress!

Is there nothing one can do to see that spare parts for old models are made available? Is there no business ethics kind of law?

* * I sort of asked something similar and my kids told me to stop being so resistant to change!

They're like: Change is good, mom!!

I'm like: I DISAGREE!!

Especially, when my brain was just getting used to working with the old system. Why do I have to accept the changes? Can't they leave me in the dust and move on without me?? I'll manage on the slow track somehow.

[bestwriter]

* * When something works just fine, I'm of the opinion “If it's not broke, don't fix it.” But more often than not, when it comes to upgrades, you're not really given the option to say “Nope! I'm good!” The providers make you upgrade!! I hate it. But what can I do about it? It's progress!

Is there nothing one can do to see that spare parts for old models are made available? Is there no business ethics kind of law?

* * I sort of asked something similar and my kids told me to stop being so resistant to change!

They're like: Change is good, mom!!

I'm like: I DISAGREE!!

Especially, when my brain was just getting used to working with the old system. Why do I have to accept the changes? Can't they leave me in the dust and move on without me?? I'll manage on the slow track somehow.

More when I see the almost perfect gadget being thrown away just because a tiny part is not available for replaclement