Final answer:
The average computer is replaced frequently due to rapidly advancing technology and planned obsolescence, with replacements for mobile devices around every two to three years and computers potentially within a similar time frame.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how often the average computer is replaced cannot be answered with a precise number of years because it varies based on several factors, including technological advancement, user needs, and the concept of planned obsolescence. However, some indicators suggest that individual components of a computer may have a longer average lifespan, such as 10 years, but complete systems are often replaced more frequently. Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are designed with a limited lifespan so consumers will need to replace them at a certain point, which seems to be getting shorter over time.
Moreover, technological innovation keeps accelerating, partly due to Moore's Law, where the capabilities of electronics double approximately every 18 months to two years. This has led to a rapid evolution of computer power and efficiency, prompting users to upgrade more frequently than the actual lifespan of the hardware.
In summary, while individual components of a computer might last for decades, the average computer system is often replaced due to technological advances and planned obsolescence, typically observed to be within several years. Companies expect their electronics to become obsolete as new models are introduced and encourage consumers to upgrade. The exact time frame for replacement varies, but with current trends, people may replace their mobile devices every two to three years and their computers potentially within a similar or slightly longer time frame.