7 Ways to Make Your Gadgets Last

The average American replaces his or her cell phone every 14-18 months, despite the fact that they are made to last about five years. Computers are replaced at nearly the same rate even though it is often simple to make upgrades. Because of the way we have been taught to replace the old with new, many people have never learned how to do simple repairs to electronics, opting instead to replace them.

But, you can save a pile of money, get a big boost of confidence, and help prevent the growth of e-waste by following a few easy guidelines. Soon you'll be one of the many who think that knowing how to keep a gadget running is much cooler than having the latest electronic on the market.