Quoting Franko: "For me it seems to have proven true as I very rarely (if ever) switch things off and have had very few electrical items break down on me over the years. Sure all things degrade and wear out eventually but older computers, tvs etc... suffer more from this mainly due to the size and amount of large (in comparison to more modern stuff) capacitors they use... "
I'd have to disagree here, as I've seen plenty of evidence older appliances with their larger components (including capacitors) only last longer. They're not as susceptible to ESD damage, nor voltage surges. It's the modern ultra small, ultra sensistive components (surface mount, fine pitch, integrated circuits) that are fried by the tiniest voltage that larger and older components would have no problem with. I have some experience and knowledge in this area from working in electronics manufacturing.
Also, I hadn't used my A500 for 7 years, but it powered up flawlessly when I did break it out again. The old technology of the A500 isn't even surface mounted, it's plated through hole, and not so fine pitch as even an A1200. I haven't had too much trouble with electrical/electronic devices either. Electromechanical ones, it seems to be the mechanical parts failing far more often and much sooner.
I guess you leave even the monitor on 24/7? I sure wouldn't want to foot your electrical bil
. And can you imagine how much worse a worldwide carbon footprint there'd be if we all left everything on 24/7 also. The world already uses problematically much energy, nevermind if the norm was leaving everything on all the time.
No offence Mizar but it's not what I or my brother in law think nor is it based on average lifespan ratings, it's based on both scientific tests that were carried out by the manufactures & experience...
The tests and results proved that the more times a capacitor is powered up the shorter it's lifespan as explained previously and that also a simple thing like leaving an item for years without ever being powered up at all, the damage done in the first initial power up after all those years can and often does significant damage to the capacitors or blow them altogether...
If I were to believe the lifespan ratings that you speak of then both my Microvitic Monitor and my 1084 Monitors should have had needed most of their capacitors replaced years ago with the length of time I've been running them virtually non stop (not to mention my Amigas) but they haven't...
Of course lots of other factors come into it too, mainly the quality and formula used in the manufacture of capacitors, just ask Apple about that one in regard to their problems with capacitors a number of years ago...
That wasn't me who you quoted, and then addressed me as if I had said it
. But he is correct that electronic components have a limited lifespan, which was my original point. However, anything mechanical is likely to fail long before anything solid state. I didn't fully disagree with what you said, I just said it wasn't entirely correct. Some of what you're claiming about these tests could be true, but probably not the parts I'm disagreeing with
. I have direct and 1st hand experience and knowledge with them, I'm not just making it up.
Leaving a device unused for years and then having a problem with it is easier to believe, as the old attage "use it or lose it" applies to so many things. And so many things can happen to something in storage, like harsh temperature extremes, dust build up, etc., that wouldn't with something that's being used relatively often.
My 1084 lasted a very long time too, but eventually after 15-16 years it wore out. And you're right there's lots a different factors. Quality certainly is one, like you say. Like I previously said, the high-end nature of Amiga hardware always helps with the enduring lifespan.
