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What Old Technology are You Still Buying

by tagiscom
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Is it Atari 2600, games, computers with Windows 95, or something else, you cannot live without?

For me, my VHS, Video Recorder, (yeah, tape) recently, after chewing its way through a few tapes, finally conked out, or the arm refused to retract, so you needed a crowbar to get the tape back out.

But l found a guy on Ebay with mint condition, mechanically speaking, ones, and got one of those, so my much beloved tapes are not destined for the rubbish bin.

So what old tech, are you still able to buy and where, (no affiliate links of course) and why are you clinging onto it instead of upgrading.

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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    I still buy real books. And CDs.

    I still prefer a desktop PC.

    Oh, and I use my phone mostly to make phone calls.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

      I still buy real books. And CDs.

      I still prefer a desktop PC.

      Oh, and I use my phone mostly to make phone calls.
      Same.

      I only read real books printed on paper.

      I listen to CDs (almost all are on marketing or selling...a few documentaries)

      I use a desktop PC. I picked it out because it had a CD player.

      And...I still have lots of VHS tapes (mostly educational), and a couple of VHS player TVs.

      And my phone? is a landline. Once in a blue moon, I'll borrow my wife's phone if I'm traveling.

      I send checks by FAX.

      Everything about me screams "Old guy who cannot keep up with technology". It's my Brand.

      Added later; Neither of our cars have a CD player. They just don't have them anymore. And I really wanted one.

      I remember when having an electric typewriter was the height of technology. I bought the first Texas Instruments "pocket calculator",. It weighed more than a pound, and if I put it in a pocket, my suit coat would get all lopsided.

      But Dammit, I had one.

      This is one of the first generations where it easy to get completely out of touch with the current technology, just by standing still.
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  • Profile picture of the author Princess Balestra
    Lipstick.

    Don't sync too well with the mask era, but you still gotta have it in your out front labial lockah sumtimes.

    An' bcs I can't hand craft it musself, prolly there is way crazy tech involved in its manufacture ('longside the dolphin adrenal glands an' aroma de Pantone).

    (For the record: I am naht red raw like a severed frickin' artery. I prefer dusky or moodsy tones.)

    Also, I so love my notebook.

    It is where the exotic spidah of my ill-defined font meets up with an arena of totally infinite zero.

    Prolly them cave paintahs an' hieroglyphic inscribahs had it purer, but ffs the frickin' shoes.

    How did those guys evah even survive?
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

    I still buy real books. And CDs.

    I still prefer a desktop PC.

    Oh, and I use my phone mostly to make phone calls.
    And CD's, from what l hear Vinyl is making a big comeback, which is good to see, even though the prices are a bit steep.

    I had a desktop PC, but last year that went belly up, (about 15 years of thrashing it, which is pretty good) and it is all laptop these days, but will get a PC again, most likely some beast that can still use Windows 7.

    Originally Posted by Princess Balestra View Post

    Lipstick.

    Don't sync too well with the mask era, but you still gotta have it in your out front labial lockah sumtimes.

    An' bcs I can't hand craft it musself, prolly there is way crazy tech involved in its manufacture ('longside the dolphin adrenal glands an' aroma de Pantone).

    (For the record: I am naht red raw like a severed frickin' artery. I prefer dusky or moodsy tones.)

    Also, I so love my notebook.

    How did those guys evah even survive?
    Notebook, l looked that up to make sure it wasn't something electronic.

    DayPlanner Dairys where pretty big, in l believe the 80's, going by a 80's music video, and 90's before computers and Smart phones took over.

    https://www.bannerbuzz.com.au/person...7lEALw_wcB:G:s
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

      And CD's, from what l hear Vinyl is making a big comeback, which is good to see, even though the prices are a bit steep.
      Yes, a comeback of sorts, but pricey, as you say. I think nowadays people mainly buy LPs for the cover art. Cassette tapes have also undergone a popularity boost, but that's just being wilfully quaint.

      DayPlanner Dairys where pretty big, in l believe the 80's, going by a 80's music video, and 90's before computers and Smart phones took over.
      I'm amazed, and just a little gratified, to see that the filofax is still available. Along with the BMW 3-series, this was the ultimate yuppie lifestyle statement in the 1980s. And easier to fit in your briefcase.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filofax
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  • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
    The only old tech I have is a clock radio inherited from my ex wife and a fully working Canon printer from 2008. My Samsung smart phone is nearly 3 years old but no plans to replace that yet.

    I have a large plastic tub of old connectors which is largely redundant.

    I have one book in my place. I do all my reading on internet devices. My Alexa devices have access to 75 million songs. buying CD's is long gone. My computer does have a CD/DVD but never had to open it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    I'm very much simultaneously a technophile and a luddite. I pride myself on keeping up with cutting edge technology. I start twitching when my phone approaches ten months old. TVs don't last long in my house either. Smart home equipment must be constantly updated. It's an expensive addiction.

    That said, I only buy physical media. Books must be paper, music vinyl or CD, movies on Blu-ray, etc.

    There's little as relaxing as the feel of turning a page, and no change in terms of service is going to brick my vinyl, cds, or Blu-rays (as long as I don't allow software updates to my components...).

    That said, I've never faxed a check. You might as well just snail mail Confederate war bonds as payment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    I'm moving across the country tomorrow and packing light. So the list of technology I'll buy when I get a place to live is simple. I have an iPhone SE. and I will be looking for a laptop under1,000. And most people a small surround sound system.

    I don't watch tv so no need to buy one.

    Then the list is digital pressure cooker, souis vide device. Magic bullet express, air fryer toaster oven. An induction plate. And a bread machine.

    I like boring technology that cut down the amount of effort I need to put in to get stuff done. And most likely produce far better results than I would.
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

    Yes, a comeback of sorts, but pricey, as you say. I think nowadays people mainly buy LPs for the cover art. Cassette tapes have also undergone a popularity boost, but that's just being wilfully quaint.

    I'm amazed, and just a little gratified, to see that the filofax is still available. Along with the BMW 3-series, this was the ultimate yuppie lifestyle statement in the 1980s. And easier to fit in your briefcase.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filofax
    I am amazed that they still sell brand new, Cassette tapes.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/40329502...3ABFBMopmv6a1f


    Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

    Same.

    I only read real books printed on paper.

    I listen to CDs (almost all are on marketing or selling...a few documentaries)

    I use a desktop PC. I picked it out because it had a CD player.

    And...I still have lots of VHS tapes (mostly educational), and a couple of VHS player TVs.
    Still have a few, reconditioned VHS players on Ebay. My one is purring, and the previous NEC remote works 100% with this NEC, (they put in a universal remote). As well as a brand new, remote, which l will use if my current one croaks.

    .
    And my phone? is a landline. Once in a blue moon, I'll borrow my wife's phone if I'm traveling.

    I send checks by FAX.

    Everything about me screams "Old guy who cannot keep up with technology". It's my Brand..
    Same here except that it has to go through the NBN, so when the power goes that does also.

    Old guy, nonsense or this is an area we can both agree, that the latest isn't necessary the best option.

    My Mother has a room full of VHS, and isn't going transpose that to DVD, or pay for it, to keep the tech, heads happy.

    Then realize in ten years time when everything is Super HD, Memory sticks only, so has to do it all again to keep up.

    My brother works in a movie theater, and all motion pictures are either streamed or sent on memory sticks, then the codecs released a short time before it is screened.

    .
    Added later; Neither of our cars have a CD player. They just don't have them anymore. And I really wanted one.

    I remember when having an electric typewriter was the height of technology. I bought the first Texas Instruments "pocket calculator",. It weighed more than a pound, and if I put it in a pocket, my suit coat would get all lopsided.

    But Dammit, I had one.

    This is one of the first generations where it easy to get completely out of touch with the current technology, just by standing still.
    Me too, but it was too expensive, so l stayed with cassettes, and my car player broke, then l stayed with radio, until that broke also. And now it is a deterrent for crooks, so they don't bother opening my car.

    I think that we may have brought the same calculator? Is this the one with the cream colored buttons, that are clumsy to press? I brought that when l was in high School, in the early 80's, for Maths.


    Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

    The only old tech I have is a clock radio inherited from my ex wife and a fully working Canon printer from 2008. My Samsung smart phone is nearly 3 years old but no plans to replace that yet.

    I have a large plastic tub of old connectors which is largely redundant.

    I have one book in my place. I do all my reading on internet devices. My Alexa devices have access to 75 million songs. buying CD's is long gone. My computer does have a CD/DVD but never had to open it.
    What you!

    Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

    I'm very much simultaneously a technophile and a luddite. I pride myself on keeping up with cutting edge technology. I start twitching when my phone approaches ten months old. TVs don't last long in my house either. Smart home equipment must be constantly updated. It's an expensive addiction.

    That said, I only buy physical media. Books must be paper, music vinyl or CD, movies on Blu-ray, etc.

    There's little as relaxing as the feel of turning a page, and no change in terms of service is going to brick my vinyl, cds, or Blu-rays (as long as I don't allow software updates to my components...).

    That said, I've never faxed a check. You might as well just snail mail Confederate war bonds as payment.
    10 Months, my last phone was 5 years before the headphone jack broke, then Telstra pulled 3G, and l was forced to update to a cheap, not very smart, clam shell one.

    And l still have a Sony Trinitron, as my tv, with a smaller one in storage.

    I know Smart tv's, are bigger, but also with a learning curve. And there have been times when l though that playing Assassin Creed on a larger screen instead of my Nintendo Switch, would be nice.
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    • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
      Smart tv's learning curve, use left, right, up or down, select app, select channel or movie, end.

      I gave an Insignia 55" Fire TV which had the Amazon app on it to my friend who is a complete technophobe. Five minutes later she could use the remote to navigate like a pro.
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      • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
        Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

        Smart tv's learning curve, use left, right, up or down, select app, select channel or movie, end.

        I gave an Insignia 55" Fire TV which had the Amazon app on it to my friend who is a complete technophobe. Five minutes later she could use the remote to navigate like a pro.
        That is good, but when she needs to learn how to get an old movie to full screen or install STAN, and or NETFLIX, on a complimentary plan, or how to find out where the memory stick directory is, then it won't be as quick and easy, (my Mother has a Smart Tv, and l have had to figure all of that out, with basic online screen instructions and a manuel l had to do a Google search for, since a actual manual with the tv is too convenient).

        And the formatting going from on screen screens to something worse over time, (updates) then having to go back to default settings, that is a barrel of laughs, going through 50 stations and numbering them all, since the original formatting is gone, unless l go and buy a new tv, (l talked to a lot of tech, heads about this one, or sometimes new, is a money grab, and a pain).

        As Claude has said, why go through all of that crap, and just stay with what works?

        Same with Smart phones, which build up crap over time, slow down, or become more annoying with updates, so you want to buy a new, one.

        Hopefully the more expensive SP are more reliable, but the cheap ones sure aren't.
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        • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
          Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

          That is good, but when she needs to learn how to get an old movie to full screen or install STAN, and or NETFLIX, on a complimentary plan, or how to find out where the memory stick directory is, then it won't be as quick and easy, (my Mother has a Smart Tv, and l have had to figure all of that out, with basic online screen instructions and a manuel l had to do a Google search for, since a actual manual with the tv is too convenient).

          And the formatting going from on screen screens to something worse over time, (updates) then having to go back to default settings, that is a barrel of laughs, going through 50 stations and numbering them all, since the original formatting is gone, unless l go and buy a new tv, (l talked to a lot of tech, heads about this one, or sometimes new, is a money grab, and a pain).

          As Claude has said, why go through all of that crap, and just stay with what works?

          Same with Smart phones, which build up crap over time, slow down, or become more annoying with updates, so you want to buy a new, one.

          Hopefully the more expensive SP are more reliable, but the cheap ones sure aren't.
          If you went out and bought a modern smart tv tomorrow, you would not even be concerned with memory sticks, Fire Sticks or Roku ones unless you are into installing rouge apps. The operating system is already built in. All the legit apps for your area would be there to click on and download without any under the hood work, (or get from the app store which is integrated) then just log in. A one time operation. The picture settings for the TV only goes as far as to choosing a screen mode like Standard or Cinema and that goes for the sound mode.

          No one messes much beyond that these days unless they are enthusiasts or Calibrators. And, as far as screen modes. There is only one these days. If you watch an old movie that is formatted for a square tv., you will just just get blank space left and right because that's the way it is made, stretching out the screen is not required or desired, and who watches movies that old these days.

          The ability to stretch out and zoom in on the screen is pretty much gone

          Also no need for Blue Ray's, DVD's or VHS. Most of the older movies are in free online libraries or on Netflix etc. You only pay for recent ones. All you really need is a wall socket and use wireless internet. I have two 65" modern TV's and that's all I really need for the most part.

          Suggest you bring yourself up to date, go to the store and get a good demo.

          As for smart phones, they are a breeze to operate. I mainly use mine for Texts and phone calls and the Uber app plus look up stuff on google.

          Sounds like you are at least 10 years out of date in your perceptions. Honestly, children can use modern smart tv's and phones. If you have half inch bezels surrounding the screen of any flat screens in the house thats way out of date. Also, every tv you would buy now would be 4k or above and be capable of upscaling HD to that. Got one of them?

          "I have a Sony Trinitron" Flip Phone and of course, still use Windows 7, Hmmmm Electronics Antique dealers would love to visit your place, Lol
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          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post


            Sounds like you are at least 10 years out of date in your perceptions. Honestly, children can use modern smart tv's and phones. If you have half inch bezels surrounding the screen of any flat screens in the house thats way out of date. Also, every tv you would buy now would be 4k or above and be capable of upscaling HD to that. Got one of them?

            "I have a Sony Trinitron" Flip Phone and of course, still use Windows 7, Hmmmm Electronics Antique dealers would love to visit your place, Lol
            Thats where we differ, l can walk into an electronics store, see a 4k, tv, and think, "why do l need to watch stupid pets around a swimming pool in 4k"?

            Or spend 1k, on a hard disk recorder, when l can, (and did) spend about $130 on Ebay for a VHS player?

            Or blow a wad, on a PS5, when software engineers are starting to double up on Graphic rendering, for a Nintendo Switch, which is on a pretty level playing field with a PS5.

            Windows 7Pro, 4 years, and zero security updates, which covers what l should call techheads, who bleat on about how important they are.
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            • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              Thats where we differ, l can walk into an electronics store, see a 4k, tv, and think, "why do l need to watch stupid pets around a swimming pool in 4k"?

              Or spend 1k, on a hard disk recorder, when l can, (and did) spend about $130 on Ebay for a VHS player?

              Or blow a wad, on a PS5, when software engineers are starting to double up on Graphic rendering, for a Nintendo Switch, which is on a pretty level playing field with a PS5.

              Windows 7Pro, 4 years, and zero security updates, which covers what l should call techheads, who bleat on about how important they are.
              Because a 4k tv is 4 times the resolution of an HD tv and around 5-6 times the resolution than your fuzzy old Trinitron. If you want to continue looking at tv with the clarity of you having cataracts, then so be it. Also, what's this about seeing pets around the swimming pool bit? 4k or super upscaled HD is great for movies and regular tv. Just about anything. No logic here! Get one and set it next to your old tube tv, you will be blown away.

              As to hard disk recording, no need for that either anymore, most streaming services offer saving stuff to the cloud for instant playback, as many shows as you want. YouTube tv keeps them for 9 months.

              Nintendo switch, yep fine if you want to game on diddly squat little screens. PS5 would mean high quality visual gaming on a large screen.

              Windows 7, yeah, but keep that internet connection button off.

              Things and tech progress for a reason, they get better and greatly enhance your experience. Despite your laptop being a few years old, you are already using an HD screen that people would have only dreamed about 10 years ago.
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              • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

                Because a 4k tv is 4 times the resolution of an HD tv and around 5-6 times the resolution than your fuzzy old Trinitron. If you want to continue looking at tv with the clarity of you having cataracts, then so be it. Also, what's this about seeing pets around the swimming pool bit? 4k or super upscaled HD is great for movies and regular tv. Just about anything. No logic here! Get one and set it next to your old tube tv, you will be blown away.
                Wider screen, slightly better picture, and 1k in the hole, pass. And that is what l see when at JB, pets around a swimming pool, harassing a few cats, or mixing paints? But the tropics one is good.

                As to hard disk recording, no need for that either anymore, most streaming services offer saving stuff to the cloud for instant playback, as many shows as you want. YouTube tv keeps them for 9 months.
                Sounds like Netflix, where a popular tv, series is gone one day and comes back in month or so.

                Nintendo switch, yep fine if you want to game on diddly squat little screens. PS5 would mean high quality visual gaming on a large screen.
                You have probably got me there, a large screen to do Assassins Creed justice would be good. But as said previously, some Nintendo games now are giving PS5 a run for its money.



                Windows 7, yeah, but keep that internet connection button off.

                Things and tech progress for a reason, they get better and greatly enhance your experience. Despite your laptop being a few years old, you are already using an HD screen that people would have only dreamed about 10 years ago.
                Lol, no, l have mainly used it online, with Norton being more than enough to protect my system.

                The latest doesn't necessarily mean better, especially when they have already done a great job on previous versions, which can result in just spinning formats so it looks different, and is worse!
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                • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
                  Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                  Wider screen, slightly better picture, and 1k in the hole, pass. And that is what l see when at JB, pets around a swimming pool, harassing a few cats, or mixing paints? But the tropics one is good.



                  Sounds like Netflix, where a popular tv, series is gone one day and comes back in month or so.



                  You have probably got me there, a large screen to do Assassins Creed justice would be good. But as said previously, some Nintendo games now are giving PS5 a run for its money.





                  Lol, no, l have mainly used it online, with Norton being more than enough to protect my system.

                  The latest doesn't necessarily mean better, especially when they have already done a great job on previous versions, which can result in just spinning formats so it looks different, and is worse!
                  "Wider screen, slightly better picture"

                  Six times the resolution, a billion more color variations, inky blacks and excellent contrast.

                  Visit to the eye doctor required
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                  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                    Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

                    "Wider screen, slightly better picture"

                    Six times the resolution, a billion more color variations, inky blacks and excellent contrast.

                    Visit to the eye doctor required
                    No, l am not going blind.

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            • Profile picture of the author socialentry
              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              Or blow a wad, on a PS5, when software engineers are starting to double up on Graphic rendering, for a Nintendo Switch, which is on a pretty level playing field with a PS5.
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  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    I have three swords from different martial arts.

    I assume that technology is old.....
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    "Those who know that they are profound strive for clarity. Those who would like to seem profound to the crowd strive for obscurity" Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Profile picture of the author IM2Pat
    Banned
    Well i still buy CD's however my new car is the first I've ever owned not to have a cd player in so I am in a pickle!!
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  • Profile picture of the author IM2Pat
    Banned
    OMG I stil have 20 of my '79 to '82 ATARI 2600 cartridges in my garage!! I've often wondered if the original versions of these are worth anything?
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by IM2Pat View Post

      OMG I stil have 20 of my '79 to '82 ATARI 2600 cartridges in my garage!! I've often wondered if the original versions of these are worth anything?
      Yes they are worth something time to clean the garage :>) Go to Ebay type in Atari 2600 cartridges' for advance items sold.
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by IM2Pat View Post

      OMG I stil have 20 of my '79 to '82 ATARI 2600 cartridges in my garage!! I've often wondered if the original versions of these are worth anything?
      You can still buy an Atari 2600, with l think about 50 games built into the unit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaqib Jamshed
    iPhone 5S which become old technology as compared to now a days technology but still I'm using ipHone 5S,and last month i purchased another iphone 5S for my brother. Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by Aaqib Jamshed View Post

      iPhone 5S which become old technology as compared to now a days technology but still I'm using ipHone 5S,and last month i purchased another iphone 5S for my brother.
      I took a look at the latest iphones, and they are thick. Which l really don't find to be cool or sexy, just clunky.

      I am sure they can remove backgrounds and other tricks, from photos, but l don't see any big, drawcards on those.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elizabeth Pit
    I have an old iPhone no longer even works properly on the old software
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