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135 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.
💻 New apps no longer supported.
🔧 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.

💡 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
25 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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3 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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