[throw-qqqqq]

I haven’t bought new hardware since I was a teenager. Second hand is cheap and good for the environment. I never received a broken part and everything has worked reliably for me.

2-3 years is not a lot. My daily driver laptop is from 2011 and still going strong.

Sure, there are “lemons” out there, but there are also a lot of people who just replace their hardware often.

[nisa]

I concur. Doing this for almost all my technical equipment and mobile phones and never had a problem. For important/expensive things you can buy on refurbished stores that offer a 1-year warranty in EU.

[amelius]

Are you still using the same battery?

[throw-qqqqq]

Haha yes, but it doesn’t last for more than 20-30mins now. Used to be 7-8hours for the first five-six years, then dropped off.

I also only buy used phones (I don’t have high requirements) and as with laptops, batteries are the “weak link” - as you correctly point out.

A brand new battery for my laptop, can be had for ~30-65 USD though, and the battery is easy to replace (doesn’t even require screwdriver). I never use it untethered anymore though, so I don’t bother..

[amelius]

Ha, ok. I sometimes read that old batteries pose a physical risk, but I thankfully haven't experienced that. Maybe something to keep in mind though.

I'd like to see some numbers on it.

[throw-qqqqq]

For me they usually just lose capacity and/or ability to charge. Most laptops will keep functioning when tethered.

I think most batteries must puncture or corrode to pose a physical hazard. Alkaline batteries can corrode, but I’ve never seen issues with old Li-Ion unless exposed to violence and/or water.

EDIT:

Some numbers found quickly: https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2024/lithium-ion-...