On the other hand, rapid advances in technology condemn us to a treadmill of rapid obsolescence.

In the meantime, rapid obsolescence is fueling a burgeoning reuse network working to provide computers to those who need them.

"Companies are faced with the increasingly rapid obsolescence of products, so they have to develop new products faster," Mr. Olesen said.

Also, areas of this market are increasingly being fueled by the rapid obsolescence of high-technology gear.

At some point, most PC owners question whether they are suckers for buying into this constant game of rapid obsolescence.

A decade ago, worries about such rapid obsolescence led many investors to shun technology stocks, which became ridiculously cheap as a result.

Committee members said the discussion was not about Microsoft, but rather about the best antitrust policies in an environment of rapid technological obsolescence.

They worry about potentially big things, like computer viruses, hard disk failures, electromagnetic field risks, compatibility problems and rapid obsolescence.

The technology for electronic sound production, though indisputably improved in the last couple of decades, is changing fast and therefore prone to rapid obsolescence.

He plans to have few exhibits that depend heavily on computers and simulations, which are less active and prone to rapid obsolescence.