One-time use technology or
throw-away electronics are becoming increasingly popular with consumers and product manufacturers. Apart from the disposable cameras offered in the 1980s and into the late 90s, tech-based companies could rarely offer such convenience due to the cost of certain parts required. The main reason why companies can now offer inexpensive products, including smartphones and computers, without compromising on modern technology or quality is due to the wide-spread production and availability of
transistors – a major component of computers or any microprocessor (shown above).
A comparison of laptops prices. Left: Macintosh Portable M5120 [1989] Right: Typical ASUS laptop sold today A
transistor is simply an on/off switch made ...