Worth The Splurge: Tech Gadgets That Are Built To Last
For those looking to live an eco-conscious, sustainable lifestyle, products with long life expectancy are highly desirable.
When it comes to tech purchases, careful consideration and research will lead to less e-waste in landfills and prolonged use of electronics such as smartphones, cameras, televisions and headphones.
Here are four high-quality tech items that require an initial investment but will prove to save you money and lower your carbon footprint in the long run.
Apple Products
Smartphones, tablets and laptops have the shortest tech lifespans compared to more long-lived investments such as cameras or televisions. When considering these short-term purchases, invest in Apple products that are known to be more reliable and long lasting compared to rival companies.
Apple estimates that the average lifespan of an iMac or MacBook is four years, which is roughly one year more than the lifespan of an iPhone or iPad. With proper care, it is possible to extend the lifespan of your Apple products to avoid replacing them every three to four years. This might be obvious, but start with a case and a screen protector to safe-guard the physical phone or tablet. Lower the brightness, turn off push notifications and disconnect the Bluetooth to reduce the strain on your battery and decrease the number of times you charge your device every day.
Nikon DSLR Cameras
Founded in 1917, Nikon has always been a company and brand you can trust to provide quality, long-lasting cameras to capture all of life’s wonderful memories. According to PC Mag’s best DSLR cameras of 2016, Nikon takes five out of the 10 spots, providing excellent products that will last you a lifetime. Professional photographers and techies alike encourage everyone in the market for a new DSLR camera to always buy used and never purchase new, as a result of their insanely long life spans. A DSLR camera is a tech investment that will eventually pay for itself in the amount you will save in the long run.
Grado Labs Headphones
Headphone prices range anywhere from $5 to $55,000, with lifespans ranging between a few hours and 10+ years. Ranked number two by TIME magazine when compared to 18 other headphone brands, Grado Labs is a company that promotes quality above everything. Their current models range from $79 to $1,695 and with proper care and their generous parts and labor warranty, they can last you upwards of 10 years. According to a few Grado headphone users, it is possible to see a life expectancy closer to 20 years. Think of all the cheap, busted headphones you will avoid throwing away with a quality pair from Grado Labs.
Sony Televisions
Televisions are the longest-lasting tech investment the average consumer will make, with the average wait time for a new television being seven to eight years. In fact, if it wasn’t for compatibility changes, rapid adoption of HD TVs and certain features going obsolete, a single television purchase could provide enjoyment for upward of 10 to 15 years.
Founded in 1964, Sony has a legacy of providing reliable and quality electronics for your home. Considered one of the pricier television brands, Sony has always been the undisputed king of televisions, providing consumers a familiar and distinct picture quality that always proves to be excellent. By investing in a Sony television, you’re avoiding having to replace your product more often and reducing your overall e-waste.
About the Author Staff Writer
Our writers come from all over the world, but one thing unites them - their passion for sustainability.