There does not have to be a need to replace hardware.
It is not so much the hardware is old, it is more the need to upgrade the
OS.
And with that, many don't need to, they just want to.
Before upgrading anything, especially an OS, people need to thoroughly
examine the consequences.
For the most part, they can avoid problems with a little patience.
Very few would dispute there is a time when it is no longer practical to
support older hardware and software. It is the time frame that is the
issue. Obsolescence is largely a myth created not by the manufacturers but
by the buyers demanding the newest...but not in everything thus forcing the
change upon themselves. Many of those that complain about hardware
incompatible with a new OS often have no need to upgrade other than their
need to have the latest OS.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org
"Jane Colman" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Sometimes I get the feeling that there is a conspiracy amongst
> manufacturers to not provide drivers for older devices thereby forcing
> people to go out and buy the latest and greatest device and all in the
> name of profit..... 
>
> Then again, I do get rather annoyed with the expectation that people
> should go out and buy new products to replace old ones that are working
> perfectly. Such a waste of resources really. Welcome to the throw-away
> society. 
>