The Endangered Repairman

[The Wizard]

13. Printers and all things related

to computers have a limited shelf life. The manufactures change formats and stop supporting the old ones.
It's the same reason automobile manufacturers don't make cars with aluminum bodies and chassis. The biggest reasons cars are on the scrap heap is rust and manufacturers stop making replacement parts.
I have three printers that can't be updated to work with the technology in my current computer, and printers are cheap. One of the biggest ripoffs is replacement ink. It's probably the highest profit item it today's computers. Think about what a small amount of ink costs at a retail store.
Myself, I enjoy resurrecting stuff I find in the trash. I have a fleet of vacuum cleaners, most of which were just clogged.
Having been an auto mechanic for 15 years, fixing stuff around the house is most rewarding. This year I fixed and reconditioned the clothes dryer for $18, and fixed the dish washer for 30 minutes of light work. I also fixed the snow blower at no cost. I originally paid $20 for it at a garage sale. Replacing it would cost $600.
In addition to saving money, I'm helping the environment by conserving resources.
The streets are still lined with gold. We just have to adjust our mining techniques. Sweat equity has its rewards.
And the last stereo I bought was in 1985.