Back
132 days ago

🔋 Device Longevity vs. Planned Obsolescence – Are We Being Forced to Upgrade?

Hayden from NZ IT Lab

🔋 Device Longevity vs. Planned Obsolescence – Are We Being Forced to Upgrade?

Have you ever felt like your perfectly good device suddenly became “too old” overnight?
📱 Slower performance after a software update.
đź’» New apps no longer supported.
đź”§ Repairs becoming impossible or uneconomical.

This isn’t always coincidence – it’s part of a broader debate around planned obsolescence. Manufacturers often design devices with a limited usable lifespan, whether through hardware limitations, restricted repair options, or forced software upgrades.

But here’s the dilemma:

Longer-lasting devices = better for consumers and the environment.

Shorter product cycles = faster innovation and company profits.


As IT professionals, we see both sides: the need for reliable, up-to-date systems versus the waste (and cost) of constantly replacing hardware.

đź’ˇ Should we push for stronger Right to Repair laws and longer support windows? Or is rapid hardware refresh the price we pay for progress?

👉 Where do you stand? Are we being forced to upgrade too soon – or is this just the natural pace of tech?

#DeviceLongevity #PlannedObsolescence #RightToRepair #Sustainability #IT

More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

Image
Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.1% Yes
    41.1% Complete
  • 32.8% Maybe?
    32.8% Complete
  • 26.1% No
    26.1% Complete
326 votes
6 days ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
13 hours ago

Closing for the festive season

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

Kia ora

Our Office will be closed from Friday 19th December 2025, reopen on 19th January 2026.

Wishing everyone a Meri Kirihimete /Merry Christmas and a safe and wonderful New Year.
All the best for 2026

Marie & Wendy
Volunteering New Plymouth

Image