Folks,
I just finished teaching a new class (for me) The Technology of Everyday Things at Dartmouth. This class fills a lab and technology requirement for non-engineering students. We study the underlying physics and technical principles behind everything from automobiles, airplanes, DVD players, computers, and even why a curve ball curves. In addition to labs, classes, homework and two tests, the students have to purchase and take apart a technology product of their choosing. They must write a report and give a presentation discussing how the product works.
Two of my students, Christina Chen and Amanda Watson, purchased a DVD player from WalMart for about $30. The attached photo shows all that is inside the DVD player and its remote. Considering that the unit cost $30, it is likely that the total manufacturing cost of the DVD is $15 or less.The manufactured costcould not be to much more than $15 and still be sold for $30, as transportation, packaging, the usermanual,and profit are not insignificant. It is impossible for me to look at this photo and not marvel. Consider the many injection molded plastic parts, multiple assembled PCBs, a precision electrical motor, screws, fasters, etc., etc. Truly modern electronics delivers a tremendous amount of value for each dollar!
Cheers,
Dr. Ron
