The 17-Year-Old ThinkPad: A Case Study in Robustness vs. Fragility
This article contrasts a 17-year-old ThinkPad with a modern MacBook, exploring the relationship between product longevity and design philosophy. The ThinkPad, with its modular design, easy repairability, and open ecosystem, demonstrates remarkable resilience, allowing for easy repairs and upgrades even when things break. The author leverages Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Lindy Effect, arguing that products that have withstood the test of time tend to have longer lifespans. In contrast, the modern MacBook, while powerful, suffers from a closed design, difficult repairs, and dependence on Apple's software ecosystem, making it fragile and short-lived. The conclusion highlights the ThinkPad's durability stemming from its modularity and extensive community support, giving it a significantly longer lifespan.