The invisible tax of owning gadgets: Why your devices actually end up costing more
When buying a new smartphone or laptop, most consumers compare only one number: the price on the box. Is it worth Rs 79,999? Can I stretch to Rs 1 lakh? Is there a bank discount or a sale on any e-commerce platform?
Increasingly, however, that sticker price is only the beginning.
The real cost of owning modern gadgets has quietly shifted from a one-time purchase to a steady stream of recurring expenses. Between subscriptions, cloud storage, accidental damage plans, paid AI features, accessories and repairs, consumers are paying an invisible tax that rarely features in advertisements.
Increasingly, however, that sticker price is only the beginning.
The real cost of owning modern gadgets has quietly shifted from a one-time purchase to a steady stream of recurring expenses. Between subscriptions, cloud storage, accidental damage plans, paid AI features, accessories and repairs, consumers are paying an invisible tax that rarely features in advertisements.
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