The skyrocketing cost of electronic components is forcing consumers to rethink how they interact with their devices. During World War II, Britain launched a campaign called Make Do and Mend to reduce clothing waste. Today, facing a similar crisis in the tech industry, adopting a repair and reuse mindset is essential.
Root causes of the component crunch
The AI bubble has consumed much of the semiconductor industry's production capacity. Only a handful of companies worldwide produce advanced chips, RAM, and SSDs, and none can keep up with soaring demand. According to consulting firm Kearney, the global RAM shortage could persist until 2030. This has led to widespread price hikes: Apple has increased prices across its lineup, Microsoft added $150 to the 1TB Xbox Series X and up to $600 on Surface laptops, and Valve's Steam Machine launched at $1,049, far above initial expectations.
Embracing a repair mindset
The instinctive reaction is to passively accept these increases, but there is an alternative: stop buying new devices unless absolutely necessary. If everyone adopted a Make Do and Mend approach, prices could drop when the AI bubble bursts. Instead, continued purchasing fuels a cycle that harms consumers.
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Taking control of your devices
The industry has long undermined our ability to keep devices running, encouraging replacement. But many failures can be repaired without buying a new product. Fairphone and Framework exemplify companies designing easily repairable devices. Local independent repair shops also make a difference. Sharing knowledge and tools with friends and community strengthens self-reliance.
Regulatory support for repair
In 2024, Oregon became the first US state to ban parts pairing, allowing third-party replacements. The European Union is pushing for mandatory repairs, and from February 2027, devices sold in the EU must have easily replaceable batteries. These measures represent significant progress.
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When a device is beyond repair, the best option is to buy certified refurbished. Flagship models from last year often sell at half price. Resisting the lure of the new is a conscious choice that benefits both wallet and environment.
The industry should not assume consumers will meekly accept unjustified price hikes, especially from companies that recklessly invested in AI. It is time to rediscover the repair skills the industry has tried to make us forget. As noted in a related article on the M4 Pro Mac Mini price hike, memory costs continue to rise, making a shift in mindset even more urgent. According to the historical British campaign, the "make do and mend" approach can be a winning strategy in the digital age.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2201848/its-time-to-make-do-and-mend
