The problem with a lot of these low end Android devices is that they can't run Android 4.0 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich).

The DEA is apparently installing cameras along some freeways.

Both grass fed beef and free range chicken are available in many areas.

Many electric companies are offering sustainable options, wind power is gaining prominence, and solar cell panels are reaching a price parity with liquid fossil fuels.

All these things show what can be done with consumer and society pressure. While the solutions are not perfect (e.g. cost) an increasing awareness is clearly apparent. The point of this story is that consumer electronics is a black hole that no one really cares about.

That said, there are mentions of supply chain problems in the trade publications, and there will be increasing public awareness in light of the recent problems with widespread electronic part counterfeiting.

There has been news stories about working conditions at the large manufacturer Foxconn.

So while electronics may be escaping scrutiny for the moment, awareness does lead to alternatives, if not change in order to remain competitive.

As a suggestion to somewhat mitigate these problems, a consumer can find information about some electronics (e.g. things made in South Korea and Taiwan might be a better choice might than China). Also, buying something used locally will partially displace the effects of a possible new purchase.

And finally, no matter what you think about current politics, write your representatives about these problems.

How is this news??

From the article the parts have three leads called a source, gate, and drain which FETs have - which is quite different from vacuum tube's grids and plates.

There is 1) no vacuum and 2) there is no "tube." While there is an electron emitter, this device should be called a MOSFET.

Electronics that don't have battery compartments and no standards for rechargeable batteries that they contain.

Not too sad. Most Heathkit stuff being built by it's owners, means that it is also repairable by it's owners (and other owners as it passes hands). Especially with Ham Radio equipment, there are active communities that collect/repair them.

>Dude was drama-queening on the interwebs,

If you call complaining about not being able to ever see your daughter drama; FTA

Password: Admin

Kinda like how your UID is high??

Thanks for posting. Sorry you got modded down.

If you RTFA, there was a single point of failure isolated to a specific tool used to grind the mirror, and the subsequent mistakes made by management dealing with the error (i.e. when the mirror was on the bed of nails).