Technology changes fast. And new advancements are announced with great fanfare. The promise of changing how we interact with the world is just as standard on new technological devices as a power-on button. This promise sounds good to us. And so we buy and buy these devices in incredible numbers. Meanwhile, our old devices sit around because we’re not sure what to do with them. Is ever-growing device clutter inevitable?
Experts in the tech world make a distinction between technical obsolescence and functional obsolescence.
Technical obsolescence occurs as soon as your device is surpassed in its features by another device of its type—for example, the maker of your smartphone comes out with a newer model ten months after you bought yours.
Functional obsolescence, on the other hand, occurs only when your device no longer works like it’s supposed to. That happens, for example, when the software it runs ceases to work properly and is no longer supported by the manufacturer.
A lot of us are tempted to buy something new soon after reaching the point of technical obsolescence. If we find out that the cool new gadget we bought last month has been replaced on the market by an even cooler one, then we want that one!
I would argue that we should wait until we get closer to functional obsolescence with our devices. So what if we don’t have the newest thing? Who’s really going to care?
Now, I am not against the development or use of technology. In fact, I’m pleased to say that minimalism is more possible today than ever because of technology. In my phone, I carry movies, books, music, maps, a calendar, plane tickets, and an address book (just to name a few)—all things I don’t have to maintain in bulkier formats. Technology is one reason minimalism continues to grow; it has never been easier to own less.
But I fear that these days many assume new technology automatically makes things better and only adds convenience. This is not true.
In fact, when we don’t consume technology in a mindful way, it often adds clutter to our lives. It quickly drains our energy, our time, our room, and our bank accounts. Who among us hasn’t wasted an entire afternoon trying to get a computer to accomplish one seemingly simple thing?
When deciding whether to buy or to hang on to devices and gadgets—both in the present and the future—the filter we need to employ is the simple question “What problem does it solve?”
Technology should make our lives easier by solving problems both at home and at work quickly and more efficiently. But if our technology is not solving a specific problem for us, it is only adding to them.
Eliminating the clutter caused by holding on to old devices (and cords and batteries) that we are no longer using is often just a matter of taking the time to dispose of them properly. Most areas have electronics donation and recycling centers.
But what about our future purchases?
Buying a new phone just because the upgrade has become available is foolish if it doesn’t improve your life. The same could be said of cameras, home entertainment equipment, and computers. You don’t need a bigger-screen television if you can see fine with the one you currently have. Rarely do people regret waiting as long as possible to upgrade their technology. You don’t need to line up to purchase a new product just because the corporation that manufactures it says you need it.
What you need to do instead is count the full opportunity cost of your purchases. What else could you do with the money you won’t spend if you pass up a tech purchase? Pay down your debt? Enjoy a weekend vacation? Replace that worn-out mattress you’ve been using longer than your last phone?
Start asking if new technology is really improving your life or taking you away from what matters.
Hanging on to technology for a while isn’t the end of a dream. It’s the beginning of making greater progress toward what you want out of life.
“Device Advice” is an excerpt from The More of Less.
Shelby says
What can we do with our old technical or functional obsolete devices? Are there places that will buy old or broken devices or are we stuck just recycling and not getting any money back?
Linda Sand says
If they are Apple devices and still work, Apple stores will buy them back. I then give them all the cords and chargers that went with that device even though they don’t pay extra for those. Better than having them clutter up my technology drawer.
Daniel @ OneFawnPug says
Great points Joshua! This approach of determining when to replace an item can be applied to so many products in our lives – definitely technology, but also cars, clothes, appliances, etc. The longer one uses a product the lower its amortized cost becomes, revealing a true value / cost of ownership.
Jyri says
My first laptop I bought for myself worked with me 5 Years. Then I passed it for my brother when this laptop finally died after 1 Year more. I changed it because I needed Chromebook laptop.
This one worked for me 2 Years and I decided to change it for more powerful model, because it had problems with Full HD videos and had a low resolution screen. Again I passed it to my brother and it was 249 € anyway – so it worked for money I got it.
Now I have Premium model of Chromebook and I am planning to use it as long as it works. Probably five years, since I had only Acer laptops. None of these went to warranty even once. That cost me 449 € – but if it will work for 4-7 Years – worth the price tag.
Once someone asked me about my phone, I said it to be a model from 08/2016 and immediately they said oh no wonder this looks pretty old-fashion. Taking their iPhone X from pocket to show. I told him, look I can too call on my phone, send email, visit sites. My main reason having phone is 4G modem in it, camera and Play Music.
I don’t need new phone because everything I want, I already have.
Thank you.
Joyce Jones says
Great read. It’s so easy to fall into the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) trap.
Fiona says
Technology clutters our bodies’ electromagnetic fields with intrusive frequencies (microwave, radio, and other wavelengths) coming from devices, machines, lightbulbs, antennas, electric grids, power stations etc. Maintaining good health nowadays can mean learning to understand the invisible electromagnetic clutter around us and cleaning it up or shielding it off.
Annie says
What frustrates me is how manufacturers make it harder to simply replace a rechargeable battery than to buy a new item with features I don’t really need. I have a 160gb classic iPod and the battery no longer holds a charge. Searching for how to get it replaced took way more effort than it should have. Of course they push you towards buying a new version, but I don’t need all the bells and whistles it comes with and it doesn’t have as much storage, (I have a LOT of music I listen to all day long.) Replacing the battery is cheaper and I could put the extra money I would have spent on a new iPod towards my retirement and/or to charity.
John Salkowicz says
Thank you Joshua! You are so spot on with this advice!
angela says
To be honest Joshua I wouldn’t know what to do with all this tech stuff.
When our computer died 5 years ago, (yes it did die, flashing lights, dreadful sound coming from it, i actually wondered if it would catch fire) we decided to replace it. It was over 10 years old.
We looked at computers, then laptops, then an iPad, we settled on an iPad. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
We have no other device, when this one goes ( hopefully not for many years) we will replace with similar, though I know it will be more advanced.
Best wishes,
Angela UK
Gina Bisaillon says
I try to keep my “devices” (one computer, one tablet) as long as possible but the manufacturers have other ideas. My iPad mini is now so slow that I have to keep deleting stuff if I want to load a website. I really don’t want to buy a new one but I don’t have any choice!
Julia says
You are so right about that – but sometimes you just want to reward yourself with a new phone (and its great camera for example.)
Plus, you are right about the use of our devices. “Who among us hasn’t wasted an entire afternoon trying to get a computer to accomplish one seemingly simple thing?” I can not remember a single afternoon since I graduated high school (8yrs now) not using a computer/ phone even if it was only for music, unless I was on vacation…
April says
This is what I’ve been saying for so long. I get so angry when precious time (that we never get back) & energy goes into solving some computer, phone, or whatever tech gadget glitch. How is that more convenient & time saving (as is advertised over & over)? It’s not worth it & i’m Happy to go back to old-school ways to make life easier. I use a paper day-timer for my appointments & scheduling since my phone has proven to be an unreliable source to hold my information. Technology isn’t better in so many ways. There’s nothing wrong with kick’n it old-school!
laura ann says
April, Julia: agree, I’m on my comput’80’and ’90’s. because they are busy with electronic gadgets, game stations, etc. Next I will get a chrome book to simplify even more, (no updates, etc). I still use a calendar for appointments, etc. Also, use a flip phone, hate the other kind, too much hassle to operate and I don’t need the online stuff and am retired.
laura ann says
Correction: am on my computer every day (laptop); circle of friends has shrinked since 80’s and 90s’ for everyone, (somehow part of sentence was deleted)
Stacie Bussey says
I’m so happy to hear that I’m not the only one who uses a paper calendar & day timer. I, too, have found my phone appointment calendar to be unreliable. As a matter of fact, my friend who does everything on her computer, has missed birthdays because her phone didn’t remind her. So now, after looking on my paper calendar, I text her the information:)