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Hoping This Helps Me In The Future - Blog Posts

gooseygooseyartstuff

1 month ago

By the way, you know how sometimes on this site we talk about right to repair and preventing excessive e-waste? If you're a visual learner, I have an example for you.

I replaced my computer fans today. Technically only one needed replaced, but I wasn't sure if it was one or both when I ordered parts, so I replaced both and the older-but-still-working fan will be stored in case I need a backup.

Here's what capitalism would have liked me to throw out.

an acer gaming laptop. it covers the space from my fingers back to my elbow and is about 2/3 that length in width. the side is visible and about the depth of three cell phones stacked on top of each other.

Here's what's actually going away.

the original, damaged computer fan. it fits in the palm of my hand. most of its very small bulk is made up of a flat metal plate that protects the fan blades. the whole thing is only as tall as my little finger is wide.

Oh, and also it cost $19 and an hour of my time instead of $900 and many hours doing setup and import.

Fix your stuff. I used a combination of my roommate's IT knowledge and a YouTube tutorial and now have a functioning fan (and my computer's guts are much cleaner). If it's a thing you can't do--for example, you have an iPhone and need a new screen--there are professionals out there who would be delighted to have your business and it'll still be cheaper than buying new most of the time. Sometimes you may have to convince them that yes, you really do want the $250 repair on the five-year-old laptop because you're not interested in shelling out a grand for a new one. Do it. It's worth it.