Re:Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
by nradov on Friday December 10, 2021 @12:22PM
(#29512584)
That's simply wrong. In the US at least, prior to 2010 cell phones were typically replaced about every 3 years. The Motorola Razr flip phone was absolutely a fashion accessory in 2004; watch some music videos from that era. Motorola and other brands did push out new models every year.
Re:Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
by reaperducer on Friday December 10, 2021 @03:41PM
(#29515208)
I'm not "simply wrong." I just has a cell phone long before you did.
Re:Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
by nradov on Friday December 10, 2021 @04:21PM
(#29515584)
So you're describing your own behavior, not the typical consumer. I'm on my 10th cell phone since 1996. Most other consumers are about the same.
Re:Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
by kalleboo on Friday December 10, 2021 @08:49PM
(#29517642)
> Only if you define "always" as post-2010
They were already disposable items in 1999 when I got my first GSM phone. Every other year carriers would push you to upgrade to the latest and greatest with "free phone with contract extension" to get you onto the hot new technologies like WAP, color screens, cameras, MMS, 3G video calling, etc.
> It was only when they became fashion accessories
Nokias with Xpress-on covers were totally a fashion accessory! And there was always that d-bag with a Vertu phone.
Only if you define "always" as post-2010.
Cell phones were for a very long time considered long-term purchases, along the lines of washing machines and refrigerators. It was only when they became fashion accessories and certain companies started relying on pushing out new models every year for no reason other than to boost the balance sheet that they became "disposable."
You're right about the recycling, though. We need more places to recycle e-waste.
I was surprised a couple of years ago when I wanted to recycle an old PowerBook. I assumed that every Apple Store would take used gear. But it turned out that none of the Apple Stores near me would take it. I'd have to drive it four hours away to another city in order for it to be recycled.