[rasz]

>I would never guess that a piece of even consumer hardware was designed with such low tolerances as to develop such issues.

It wasnt, the explanation in the blog is nonsense. 10 years is a good lifespan for capacitors working in hot environment, and that is what failed. Electrolytic Capacitors are perishable, they age even when not used.

>I ordered a set of new ones and appropriate tools, but I can't imagine doing this every two years. My previous laptop lasted around seven, after which both the battery and the power socket gave out.

then use better quality replacement mechanical part. People arent surprised when servicing cars, why different expectations with modern electronics?

[Tade0]

> Electrolytic Capacitors are perishable, they age even when not used.

But not that perishable. I have some old electronics, along with fully analog devices (guitar effects) and they, along with their power supplies(which get hot) still work.

> People arent surprised when servicing cars, why different expectations with modern electronics?

Because they have orders of magnitude less moving parts - if any.at all. Is it unreasonable to expect something that has one moving part to not fail after two years?

Actually, I wouldn't want a car exhibiting mechanical problems after such a short period.

[rasz]

Old gear didnt depend on low ESR (simplified resistance at high frequencies). Every time you turn on a piece of electronic with linear power supply electrolytic caps will slowly reform and start working better and better with time. Modern gear is DC-DC converters all the way down. Aged cap means no supply voltage at all (doesnt turn on), or crazy ripple (crashes, produces funny sound or visible artifacts).

>Actually, I wouldn't want a car exhibiting mechanical problems after such a short period.

Nobody would, thats what scheduled services are for.