What accommodations have you made for not-quite-fully-functional gadgetry? [more inside]
posted by collectallfour on Mar 4, 2009 - 27 answers

What proportion of books in the library will never be opened again? [more inside]
posted by escabeche on Aug 7, 2008 - 29 answers

Help me build a device to last the ages - and still function! For a hobby/art project, I'm building a pocket-sized gadget comprised of electronics, gears, metal, glass, wood, plastic, etc. Is there any particular book or other source that stands out as the bible on issues of long-lasting methods and materials? Ie covers questions like how transparent and strong various plastics remain after X years/decades of sun and UV? Which material/method of lubrication for gears will best last decades under X conditions? Which soldier alloy? [more inside]
posted by -harlequin- on Oct 17, 2007 - 7 answers

I bought a 20" G5 iMAC two or three weeks ago, and now Apple has just released the new Intel based iMACs for the same price. They annoyingly brag that they're 3 times as fast. Is it worth it for me to try to return it and get one of the newer models?
posted by apetpsychic on Jan 13, 2006 - 30 answers

I own a digital point-and-shoot camera, and was looking to upgrade to a "nicer" camera for some more ambitious photography. But I was wondering if it makes sense to spend a lot on a digital camera, as it seemingly will be a bit archaic, if not outright obsolete, in a few years. E.g., old Leicas or even manual Nikons still fetch fair amounts on Ebay, while digital cameras a few years old sell for a fraction of their original value. I know digital cameras are supposed to making analog obsolete, but I'm just wondering about the obsolescence factor of digital. In other words, should I buy the new digital Leica or a vintage analog Leica? Any thoughts?
posted by jgballard on Jan 27, 2005 - 31 answers