Tech vendors (and consumers) have traded the ability to repair/upgrade their hardware for more frequent releases, greater portability, and lower initial cost. Why upgrade your tablet when you can buy a new one every 2-3 years? Why repair your phone when the carrier/vendor will replace it--so long as you buy their insurance plan? The consumers desire for disposable technology isn't a new phenomenon (think razors and razor blades), but trends in consumer tech have accelerated its acceptance and made it more widespread.

Unfortunately, the disposable tech mentality can have significant downsides--improperly disposed of e-waste harms our living spaces, consumer may end up paying more over their lifetime, and the model may not be sustainable as raw materials become more scarce.