Great article. A particular bugbear of mine is kitchen scales. I have a beam balance scale, no batteries, will work for 100+ years, more accurate than an electronic scale (physics!).

Spring balances are good too, and maybe marginally more convenient.

I am not sure if I want to know anyone who uses an electronic kitchen scale. I want to say 'What is this?, Is there something wrong with you?'. The thing will go on the fritz within a couple of years, then you will throw it in the trash, plastics, metals, electronics and all. Then buy another one.

I expect 'internet of things' kitchen scales will start appearing soon. Then people can have the convenience of their cooking activities being spied on by big tech.

How did we come to this?