The high price of technology
Anyone owning a mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer – basically any form of technology – has likely had the unfortunate experience of being told that their phone/computer/tablet is “outdated.”
Of course, it’s eventually bound to happen as new products come onto the market and as technology improves. But the shelf life for something to remain current is getting shorter and shorter.
Take, for example, the situation facing students at the University of Pittsburgh. The university recently updated its Wi-Fi, bringing speeds of 5Ghz with it. But, there’s one caveat – students with devices a mere 18 months or older will be unable to access the new, faster wireless network, and will have to suffer with a 2.4Ghz connection speed. The reason? The wireless cards in devices older than a year and a half are outdated.
Ironically, some people are still forced into keeping a cell phone for at least two years in order to fulfill the terms of a contract.
It seems like we just can’t keep up. As soon as we get used to the iPhone 6, announcements and speculation begin for the iPhone 6s (which will likely be officially unveiled at Apple’s Sept. 9 media event).
As soon as we learn how to maneuver through Windows 10, we will likely be hit with something all together different – Microsoft claims that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows. But, what’s next?
Fitbit? Who needs a Fitbit when you can have all of its capabilities and many, many more in an Apple Watch?
It’s not so much the learning curve that is bothersome, it’s the money that we have to spend to remain up to date with technology. New devices, new hardware, new software, new – and of course, necessary – apps … it all comes with a price.
And when you can’t get a simple part for a three-year old computer, those prices add up quickly.