This concept is very understated. We need more options.
Broken
The original zune. The one that could compress all the music of the universe to fit on it's 30GB drive.
I still have mine in a drawer. I replaced the battery (which is probably dead again) and it lived through my entire family using it.
It'll start as a feature. When you need gas we'll automatically show you the cheapest gas stations around you. People will gobble it up.
My hybrid dash is anything but minimal. I have a zillion selections to show me a slew of random things. None of them are an engine temperature reading. So frustrating.
Print out and laminate this entire post.
Plus references that it leads to the answer to the super secret nobody would believe, and untraceable riches to boot.
I agree that there is survivorship bias, but I disagree that its "just" that.
Things are made cheaper today, regardless. There are $400 toasters, but I guarantee that one wouldn't last as long as a 1950s toaster.
Plumbing fixtures are a better example, as essentially you can't find one that is equivalent of a 50 year old faucet, no matter the price. They just don't make them like that.
Electronic components are another factor. First off, we stopped using lead in solder which results in weaker, more brittle connections. They just don't last as long. True, we have advancements that make components run hotter in certain scenarios (so those connections get more stress) but even disregarding that the fact still stands it's not as good.
Then we added those electronics into everything to make them "better". Old washing machines were essentially all mechanical so they would run forever, and be easy to maintain or fix. Now they have computers running them that are designed to not be fixed.
Its hard to find a company today that wants to make a good product. They just want to make one that is good enough. Our culture has shifted to that mindset. Things don't last as long, so we switched to a disposable mindset.
I remember when the EGAs came about. Damn, it was like stepping into the future. But I didn't have a color monitor so it didn't matter. I was probably more envious than your friend.
"Most" is optimistic. I don't have statistical information proving otherwise, but anecdotally I am not so sure. A big company like Disney with their own team of IT and official policies and this still happened is exhibit A.
I'll second the recommendation for GrapheneOS. One of the available options I use is to keep mic, camera, and location off at all times until I need them. That simple toggle ability changes your privacy stance greatly.
Prefect. It can click buttons and complete tasks.
No sir, I did not accept your terms and conditions, my browser did.
This sounds like something I would do. So don't be too scared of losing it, there are others like you out there that would carry on just like you.
I must say though, the romantic in me sees this as a movie or book. Story of your life's struggles and ups and downs, but the wallet keeps you grounded. You finally make it to visit his grave and a woman walks up, daughter of Arnold. Ends up being the love of your life.