Dr. Chiu's Answer: No, this is not a problem. Laptop & computers age fast enough themselves and begin to slow for unknown reasons making replacement within 3-4 years. On the island, computers and workstations from 1998 are still operational. If you're looking for durability, Fujitsu makes the hardest and most durable laptop shells: http://www.fujitsu.com/global/services/computing/

Question #2: How about the vehicles? How do they do in this environment?

Dr. Chiu's Answer: This is not a straightforward answer. Paved roads definitely affect the lifespan on the vehicle, most vehicle problems are created by driving off-road with a regular vehicle. In the Caribbean, an honest dealership is only part of the 'other' problem. The main cause is the distribution and sales of problematic vehicles even before they are driven or arrive on the island. The following attachments are problems coming directly from the Mitsubishi line of cars. Only after multitude/decade of consumer losses is a trend identified and a case study observed.

Question #3: What should the consumer do?

Dr. Chiu's Answer: With the internet revolution, talking about your problems has always empowered the consumer to keep businesses honest. Consumers don't deserve the short end of the stick. In modern society, trust online communities of information creates alternative solutions that are here to stay. One solution that arises from a decade of dishonesty is that saavy consumers will just buy direct via online auctions (i.e. importing your own). In the link provided, for a rough & easy conversion, just knock off the two zeros and you've got US dollars (actual:daily rate). As of today, you can get a 2005 used Honda Accord with 50,000 miles, good 4.0/6.0 rating at 200,000 yen = 2239.51 USD!! You ask why? In today's economy, sometimes people just want to get some cash for emergency purposes and these kinds of deals happen all the time. And how much is the import tax for used cars ? (~30+% and the price then is 3,000 USD ... it really makes one wonder about the prices of vehicles). Is the international bailout of the US & UK auto industry happening because `perhaps` smarter consumers are no longer willing to overpay thousands of dollars for their vehicle(s)? The new cars in the auto industry will not work with small customers buying direct but in the used market ... there are no such rules. And as long as you avoid certain toxic brands, you're home free!