[Tfug] Western Digital "red" drives?

[Bexley Hall]

Hi Timothy,

On 4/1/2013 1:13 PM, Timothy D. Lenz wrote:
> Quality on nearly everything has gone down.

I think that is generally the case with consumer devices -- but,
primarily because consumers put lots of emphasis on *price*
AND *want* to replace things, often.  They don't want to be
seen with "last year's iPhone", etc.

They also don't want to be bothered with *investing* any time
to understand/maintain their "possessions".  And, cringe at the
costs associated with letting someone *else* do that on their
behalf!  ("Sheesh!  I might as well buy a NEW one...")

Short term focus sums it all up!

We have a pair of cheap "sound systems" (those plastic blobs
that try to *look* like "component stereos" but are really
just one large box with everything inside -- CD, cassette,
radio, EQ, amp, etc.).  They see almost continuous use.
The first is 25 years old, the second -- identical model -- is
probably 22 or 23.

Approximately every year or two, the little plastic worm
gear that drives the CD changer spins off it's motor's
shaft rendering the CD useless.  It takes about 20 minutes
to disassemble (7 screws), fish the worm gear out of the
bottom of the case, put a drop or two of super-glue on it
and push it back onto its shaft -- followed by the expected
reassembly process.

I can invest those 20 minutes *or* spend several *hours*
researching a replacement device, purchasing it, setting it
up, learning how it works, etc.  (and, end up with another
device that has some *similar* problem "pending")

> Stuff that used to outlast
> it's usefulness, now barely makes it to the next "updated" version, let
> alone the end of the warranty.

There are still lots of things that have good quality and long
useful lifespans.  But, are you willing to make a *commitment*
to them?  Or, will your interest wane when the next "pretty little
thing" comes along to turn your head?  :-/