What Happens To All The Obsolete Technology?
Market opportunities abound for the savvy collector
Manufacturers of consumer goods have it tough. In today’s era of rapid technological development, they feel tremendous pressure to regularly introduce new products.
As consumers, we’ve grown used to the idea that every year our gadgets are going to get significantly better. So much so that we feel compelled to buy the latest iteration.
Did you ever wonder what happens to all the stuff that just yesterday was expensive, exclusive, and state-of-the-art but suddenly has become obsolete?
I had this thought after reading some of Gareth Willey’s captivating articles about camera lenses.*
Gareth picks up old lenses in thrift stores for a fraction of their original cost. Many of them were engineering masterpieces when made, but to all but a few eyes, they are now considered little more than clunky scrap.
Does last year’s car become worthless upon this year’s model announcement? Certainly not, but it is less desirable and consequently loses value immediately.
Now consider last year’s phone, sports watch, or computer.
It seems clear the consumer goods business model is to make the current product desirable at the…
