Final answer:
Notebooks are typically more expensive than desktop PCs due to the specialized, compact components required for their design. The cost increases for components and labor when it comes to repairs. A shift towards valuing durability could change the current trend of disposability, making repairable designs more popular.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the cost differential between notebooks (laptops) and desktop PCs, several factors come into play. Notebooks are designed to be portable, compact, and energy-efficient, requiring the integration of specialized components that are often smaller and more expensive to produce. Desktop PCs, in contrast, can accommodate larger, more economical parts that are easier to produce in bulk and replace.
Notebooks are subject to considerations such as form factor and the necessity of battery life which influence their design and the cost of their components. As a result, when a part of a notebook fails, replacing it can be more expensive due to the specificity of the parts and labor involved. This is exacerbated by the industry practice known as planned obsolescence, where devices are designed to have a limited lifespan, pushing consumers toward purchasing new models instead of repairing existing ones. However, there's a growing appreciation for goods with long-term value, where high-quality and repair-friendly designs could alter the dynamics of consumer electronics.
Ultimately, if the economic model shifts towards valuing durability and repairability, we could see a departure from the trend of disposability. Items would be designed to last and to facilitate upgrades or repairs, as opposed to being replaced entirely at the first sign of malfunction or obsolescence.