Stressful maintenance
The evolution from simple mechanical devices to “intelligent” appliances has a side effect; technical stress. When the toaster was a stick with a piece of bread riding on one end, the only risk was from fire. Now, when our toaster ovens with a set of programmable grill heights and a choice of glow levels can burn the crust, or the centre or a random combination, we’re in a whole new zone.
I’m particularly intrigued by the gamble of the flash ROM. The chips are everywhere, and with a bit of bad luck, the chips are down. All it requires is a glitch in process, and you own an expensive rock, no matter what the device. Computers, home entertainment centres, telephones, cameras; none escape.
Look at a typical warning from the manufacturer:
” If the camera turns off during updating due to lack of battery power, the
camera will become inoperable. If this happens, a charge will be made for
repairs even if within the warranty period.”
There you go, user at large. Substitute the word camera with whatever device you have in front of you. The device needs to be updated, and you are the agent. Go for it. You have a 50/50 chance of effectively destroying whatever you decide to upgrade. No backtrack; trust in the battery level and push GO. If you ruin it, well, you were warned. Now GO.
Is the whole point of this exercise to keep us interested? Stress as the new drug. Possibly. I know that I have successfully upgraded the firmware in my new camera, but the risk level was high. I am willing to gamble, confident in my technical background. But, I also know that the document should carry one more phrase… “Trained professionals were driving. Do not try this at home.” Erus emptor.
