In this fourth article, patterns within the consumer electronic industry, used as a case study on applying patterns across industries; therefore, it is assumed that you read the previous articles.
Why consumer electronics? Because it seems to take increasing space on our newspapers- as if choosing a mobile phone or netbook were to be a critical issue for our well-being; therefore, a case using to see how patterns delivered through technology are influencing our everyday life.
Since at least late 1980s, replacing is cheaper than repairing: ask to repair your digital camera or the screen of your netbook, and you will be asked amounts often exceeding the replacement cost- with a newer and better model.
And what happens to the old one? It is dumped somewhere- often in developing countries, while all those “recycling” symbol on boxes that make us feel eco-friendly forget to say where and how it will be recycled.
