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The average American replaces his or her cell phone every 14-18 months, despite the fact that they are made to last about five years. Computers are replaced at nearly the same rate even though it is often simple to make upgrades. Because of the way we have been taught to replace the old with new, many people have never learned how to do simple repairs to electronics, opting instead to replace them.
But, you can save a pile of money, get a big boost of confidence, and help prevent the growth of e-waste by following a few easy guidelines. Soon you'll be one of the many who think that knowing how to keep a gadget running is much cooler than having the latest electronic on the market.
Learn basic maintenance
The first step to making your gadgets last is to learn basic maintenance, such as keeping them clean, repairing scratches, and fixing all the small problems that pop up now and again. You can check out our list of fix-it video tutorials to get started. Knowing basic maintenance is your first defense against spending money and contributing to the e-waste stream, and it will also make you handier in other areas of your life.
Take advantage of free help
Again, online resources abound with free help and that goes for repairing electronics too. If you'd like to get more in-depth with learning electronics repair and maintenance, check out your local community colleges or community centers for free courses. You can also snag a gadget-savvy friend and ask for some pointers.
It's wet, but not dead
A lot of people think that once something goes through the washing machine or is dropped in the toilet, and doesn't automatically turn on, that it's a goner for good. Actually, there's many a story where a gadget has taken a swim and works just fine after given the opportunity to dry out. There are quite a few ways to dry out a gadget, from using a hair dryer to using rice.
Replace a screen—and anything else—yourself
You can save a ton of money by replacing a cracked gadget screen yourself. For instance, a Blackberry screen can be as much as $250 to repair, or you can buy a screen online for about $12 and fix it yourself. Switching screens isn't as intimidating at it might seem. Here is a video for replacing the screen of a Treo so you can see for yourself how simple it can be. In all likelihood, there is a video tutorial online for replacing the screen and many other parts of your specific gadget. For purchasing a replacement screen—or any other replacement part—check out places like eBay or gadget part websites.
Also, making upgrades to your computers is do-able. If you're able to upgrade your hardware yourself when you want more memory, a faster hard drive, or anything else, it is far cheaper and more eco-friendly to learn how to do these upgrades yourself rather than replace an entire, perfectly good computer.
Make it look new with a banana
A big motivator for replacing a gadget is how ugly it gets from constant use. Scratches, nicks, dents, and dullness make those shiny new electronics look completely unattractive. So one way to make keeping your old gadget easier is to make it look as great as it did the day you bought it. Surprisingly enough, you can do this with a banana. Check out this tutorial video on how to use a banana to shine up your gadget.
Treat those batteries right
A gadget's lifespan is affected by how well the battery is cared for. Oftentimes, when the battery gives out, we figure we might as well just upgrade to a new device rather than replace the battery. But if we take proper care of the battery, we won't have an excuse to upgrade for a good long time. Learn how to make your cell phone battery, and all batteries, last longer in order to keep your gadget happy and healthy.
Local repair shops still exist
Should all your efforts at maintaining and repairing your gadgets fail, it still may not be time to get an upgrade. Local electronics repair shops are still around. You can help out a small business, save some cash, and keep your gadget alive by visiting a local expert and letting them work their magic. This is especially useful if your warranty has run out. If it hasn't, taking a gadget to a repair shop may void your warranty, so you'll want to decide if it is better for you to go local, or send the device in to your manufacturer for repair.
Eager to get going and fix up your gear? Check out these resources to get started:
How to Go Green: Gadegts
7 Ways to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer
22 Fix-It Videos: Prevent E-Waste, Save Money, and Keep Your Stuff
Make Stuff Last, Save a Bundle
7 Tips to Make Your Shoes Last Longer
Get Recession Ready: Manuals for the 4th R, Repair
Get Recession Ready: Learn the 4th R, Repair
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