Ease of repair and upgrading...

One of the things I consider when buying a new computer, is how easy it is to repair or to upgrade with relative ease.

I like to upgrade the RAM, or change the battery when it dies, by myself. While I could learn how to change the processor, change the screen, and other repairs by myself I don't mind having someone else doing them. Actually, I believe that is a good thing that computers and other electronics to be easily repaired or upgraded.

It's both economically and environmentally conscious that computers should be serviceable. After all, if computers could be easily made to be as new by skilled servicemen, those computers can have a longer life. This doesn't mean that the original owner can't buy a new computer if the need arises, but the computer can be used by other family member or friend whose needs are meet by that computer.

Not only that, since those computers are usually substantially cheaper than new ones more people can have access to have their own computers.

Let's be honest, the argument that you need the greatest and newest hardware to do the basic stuff that most people does is not true. And there is a lot of great Linux distros that run on that kind of machines, that actually are targeted to run on them. So, you can get the best software with all the modern safety futures that are needed for the basics that runs on substantially more affordable hardware.

Environmentally, the it makes sense to keep the computers or its components for as long as possible. This helps to keep them put of landfills as long possible, and to recycle all that can be recycled would be a great plus.

Servicemen can be a lot of help when come to be able to recycle components, since they can take those components and do the recycle process themselves. Either by using those components on other computers, or handing them to other people to do so.

But, it's important to be conscious of this, and buy only those models that are easily repaired. And when possible, try to give or sell your old computer to those who need them or can put your computer on good use.