Sad truth of consumption.

User experience.
The feeling we get when we use something, the impression carved in our minds about the thing we use. A coctail mixed from ease of use, aesthetics and functionality. Something really important, yet really difficult to get right.

The first thing that comes to mind when speaking of UX is UI, the user interface. While it is the window through which everything is operated, but it is just that - a window. And you don't buy a house by looking at the windows. You also look inside, you look at the components, you look at the potential just sitting there, you look at the nooks and crannies, and by doing that you also look at the soul of the house.

And the soul can be just right, and it can be really terrible. A case in point, modern gadgets.

If there is one thing you should know how to do with your computer to lengthen its lifetime, it is cleaning. The outside smudges and fingerprints aren't that bad, but crumbles under the keyboard and heaps of dust blocking the cooling fan are threats to be reckoned with. Obviously, the problem is even more severe in the case of laptops, where the components are pressed tightly together, increasing the probability of short circuits and mechanical damages (bending, breaking, scratching). Cleaning the innards should be a simple process anyone can do. Alas, with the newer machines, it is something a desperate person would do. The cooling fan should be accessible by removing a couple of screws, not by disassembling the whole computer.

And this problem affects the user more than one would think. The fact that the fan is not accessible also indicates that air flow inside the computer is somewhat lacking. This leads to high temperatures and a shorter lifespan for the components. Sure it might last for a couple of years, but 4 years is a stretch. The thing is, computers should last longer. They cost a pretty penny so an average user would prefer not to make a payment like that very often. This is excluding those who always want the latest technology (or whatever Apple shoots out).

I like to be the master of my computer, and I do not want it to unexpectedly die on me because of poor construction planning. Alas, this is not so good for the current economy - that wants people to buy, accumulate, and buy again. And that sadly leads to somewhat lacking user experience.