The principles of buying tech that lasts, according to an expert
You should buy gadgets and tech devices less frequently, argues technology writer Whitson Gordon. Here’s how.
Whitson Gordon
Whitson Gordon
That said, it’s also wise to keep from overbuying for specs you won’t really use. An iPad Pro, for example, is probably overkill if you’re just using it for eBooks (or audiobooks) — but give yourself enough wiggle room to stave off upgrade-itis later on.
Whenever possible, I recommend buying a product that you can upgrade down the line. Laptops are a prime case: Thinner, lighter models often sacrifice the ability to upgrade RAM and, in some cases, storage. That means you’ll be stuck buying a new machine later on when all you’ll really need is a $50 memory upgrade. You sacrifice a bit in portability, but if long-lasting tech is your primary concern, that may be a sacrifice you have to make.
ThinkPads may not be the sexiest laptops around, but don’t discount them as boring business machines. Not only do they have incredibly well-built trackpads and keyboards, but the T series is extremely repairable: With a simple screwdriver, you can: replace an aging battery, upgrade the RAM and hard drive or even replace the entire keyboard.
You’ll also want to take the availability of replacement parts into account. Buying from a known brand like Dell, Lenovo or HP is usually a good bet for this reason since they’re popular. You can often buy spare parts by calling the manufacturer or finding a reputable third-party seller.
Longevity isn’t just about the physical components. Keeping your software up to date is also important since it keeps your system secure, not to mention it keeps your system compatible with the latest apps. This usually isn’t so much a problem on laptops — phones are another story.
Apple is great about keeping old phones updated — you can still use the current iOS 13 on the almost-five-year-old iPhone 6s, for example. Couple that with screens and batteries that are relatively easy to replace and you’ve got a phone that’ll last a good long while, if you let it. Also consider this similar and refurbished iPhone 11.
Most Android phones don’t get software updates for as long as iPhones do, but if you prefer Google’s ecosystem of software and apps — like I do — the Pixel line is a great bet, since it gets quick updates straight from Google. The original Pixel got those updates for about three years, which is pretty solid for a phone. Also consider this similar and refurbished Google Pixel 4 Smartphone.
Finally, buy products that won’t fall apart on you. You don’t have to buy the most ruggedized tech meant for hardcore job sites, of course. The ThinkPad above is a great example of a product that’s designed to take everyday beatings while maintaining decent portability. Moving parts, like the hinge on a laptop, are prime failure points. You want to make sure they feel sturdy enough to last before you buy.
The ATH-M50x is well-loved for a reason: It sounds great, it’s affordable and it’s very well-built, especially for the price. Its moving parts swivel smoothly, for example, without creaking or feeling flimsy. And unlike wireless headphones, they don’t have a battery that will degrade over time.
When gadgets just aren’t designed to be extra durable — like a lot of modern smartphones — invest in a good case and screen protector to keep them safe. It’s a lot cheaper than having to replace the screen after a fall.
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