Media Convergence Question – Jamaur Bronner

The Sterne article presents many of the spatial and economic challenges that accompany the storage of obsolete computers and recommends a “convivial digital infrastructure” to replace the current system of selling machines with short-shelf lives.  Sterne adds that “we expect our cars and computer appliances to work for a decade or more” and that building a computer of similar fortitude is not beyond our technical capabilities.  Sterne suggests that such a computer does not demand a new economic system, but wouldn’t the economic system have to be substantially changed?  It appears that applications and hardware have a symbiotic relationship of economic success where advancements in one industry drives the sales of the other. As Sterne says, “computer trash turns digital technologies into ‘new’ media”.   For example, a computer that has a faster processor is able to install a more resource-demanding operating system – which drives up sales for that operating system.  Perhaps to cover the costs from this shift in market dynamics, computers could just cost as much as cars since they will be as durable.  Do you think the average American would be willing to pay $20,000 for a long-lasting computer?  If not, how can we solve the inherent challenges of revenue loss that would be heaped upon the computer hardware manufacturers?

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