People want cheap goods, not long lasting ones. There's no point getting a DVD player that will last 30 years if it will be obsolete in 10. If you want something that will last a long time, pay the extra money for it.

Freediver,
yes, unfortunately development doesn't stop, that's pretty normal. what is a pain is the fact that so much unecessary stuff is produced when it could be standardised such like voltage etc. Look at batteries, they still sell throw-away alkalines despite the fact that rechargeables are getting better & cheaper by the day. With all the technology available nowadays manufacturers should really be pressured into reducing multiple mass production. Anyone know how to kick off such a campaign ?

I could accept obselete in 10 years, but not three or four.

Thanks a lot Sony and Panasonic, the cheap one outlasted both yours.

So paying extra does not guarantee that the item will last longer.