I get the idea behind some travel accessories being "disposable"... I wear a $15 eBay mechanical watch and carry $15 surf-shop sunglasses with me solely because I'm aware that at some point they'll be forgotten, lost, stolen, etc (I've forgotten/lost nicer watches and sunglasses and don't want to again).
That said, I don't see this as being a driving force for something like a laptop. Buy and carry what you need... take care of it and it will take care of you.