built-in obsolescence was the original US marketing tool for selling cars , washing machines etc until customers demanded products that lasted longer but it seems we have gone completely the other way.

No sooner do you have your large flat screen digital TV and they are telling you that it will be in 3D in 3 years so it's dated already.

Is it a race to the end ? will we use up our resourses building goods that are outdated within 2 years before energy runs out ?.

I just read an interesting piece in a science review that says solar panel energy is now at the stage that computers were 10 years ago but within 5 years will have become so affordable and easy to manufacture that every house can be run by them.

But by then we may not be here..and will robots need heating, air conditioning or watch the telly ??