Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
30submissions
Finished
“NO Ads”: 30 Nearly Obsolete Items People Prefer Over Modern Alternatives
Article created by: Ieva Pečiulytė
If it works well, why bother replacing it? In the Digital Age, many of us are used to constant innovation and progress. But just because something is newer doesn’t automatically make it ‘better.’ In fact, many folks from different generations prefer certain older or analog inventions and technologies to newfangled MacGuffins. (Who needs smart locks, fridges, and toasters anyway?)
Inspired by internet user u/Tall_Mickey, the members of the r/AskOldPeople online community opened up about the seemingly ‘obsolete’ and old-school things that they’re glad are still around. Scroll down to see what they had to share, from physical maps to stick shifts and beyond. It’s a blast from the past and a reminder that it’s not all digital, even in this day and age!
Bored Panda reached out to marketing psychology speaker Matt Johnson, Ph.D., the host of the branding and human nature blogs, to hear his thoughts on the topic. From his perspective, there will always be a niche for analog technology because of the experience it offers. We also got in touch with the author of the captivating online discussion, redditor u/Tall_Mickey, who shared their perspective on the pros of older devices, as well as why search engines are actually a great invention. Be sure not to miss both of our interviews below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Day planners. Yeah, we can add events, appointments to our electronics, but I like the paper ones.
RELATED:
#2
Knobs in cars. I rented a Ford Bronco last week, and while I would never buy one, I was amazed that it HAD KNOBS for EVERYTHING. No f-ing touch screen. So much safer and that tactile response was like a warm hug. Kudos to Ford for the knobs on this model!
#5
Stick shift. I drive twisty roads in my Miata and I like having control over my car. Paddle shifters are an ok alternative but I really like the feel of the actual shift.
#7
I still love the radio. Baseball on the radio while you’re outside in the yard or doing chores - heaven.
#8
Pencil and paper.
If I ever get lucky enough to teach math, that's all I will allow to be used!
No pressing a button to get the answer!
#9
Apparently printers are becoming obsolete. Mine isn’t going anywhere, though I don’t need it as much as I used to.
#10
Double-edged safety razors - a much better shave than the currently multi-bladed monsters. They have experienced a resurgence with many smaller companies creating lovely artisan versions.
#11
Glass glasses (Photogray tri-focals in my case). They're optically clearer, don't de-laminate, and don't make me motion-sick from the changing diopter into the bi-focal. I've had (much) younger optometrists fight me on it. "I've been wearing glasses for 50 years. I know what works." Getting harder to find, but I found a shop that carries 'em.
#13
I love maps, we keep an actual map of the states we travel in all of our vehicles. Yes we use navigation apps, but you can't always depend on them, so an actual map is great to have on hand. Plus one of my special talents is folding maps, how would anyone know about this talent if I didn't have maps to fold.
#14
Not ‘obsolete’, but out of fashion with younger generations - physical media: books, CDs, records, blurays etc. My house is overrun with these things, but it’s nice to actually own things I buy.
#15
Physical keys. The push start and keypad deadbolt of my daily driver and main house door are nice, but there is something about turning a mechanism with a key that I hope never fully goes away.
#16
Wooden spring-hinge clothes pins.
they're cheap and perfect for holding bags closed (chips, cookies, popcorn, cough drops, etc.).
#17
I love pinball machines. So physical and visceral and more interesting and dynamic than a lot of computer games.
#19
I still use a crockpot from the seventies. I heat water in it every now and then to test the temperature and it’s still perfect.
#20
And when the power goes out for longer than a few hours, longer than a few days even - what will people so dependent on tech do then? I can read a map, read a compass, read a non-digital clock; use a watch, do basic math in my head, build a campfire; set up a tent, etc. A lot of lost and soon to be lost life skills.
#21
CDs. No matter what , my music is MY music. Of course I put the music on my computer, phone and tablet but it's easy to lose that stuff so I'll always have backup. I can make my playlists on PowerAmp, listen to what I want, when I want and jam to my heart's content with NO ads!
I may get verbally stoned for this but I took advantage of Napster and ensuing iterations of file sharing until my ISP threatened me. I have always been a very poor girl and though many of my CDs are purchased, I would have nowhere near the collection I do without the wild west era of file sharing. I wouldn't have access to some of the beautiful long versions of the best classic rock. I also was able to expand my tastes in music. Napster I miss you! But they cant take away all my burned music.
#22
Postage stamps. There’s something really satisfying about affixing a stamp of Uranus to hate mail, and pretty stamps on nice mail. (Law office. We use a LOT of postage.).
#25
Printed bills. It just makes it easier to track. I get the bill in the mail when I get home, pay the bill, and throw it away when it's paid. I know the bill is paid because it'd be in the trash if it wasn't. And I've established the process of getting the mail, and paying the bill. This is largely credit-card bills, and utilities.
#26
I recently bought a "boom box" that plays CDs and cassettes. I was surprised that I found it. But very pleased, because I have a lot of music I like on both media.
#27
A regular coffee maker, that you only have to Puggle on and off one switch. Lol. Even though I have a Keurig, because it was given to me, because some family members got a new one. Lol. I still kept my old coffee maker just in case.
#28
**Calculators.** Yeah, I have a few calculator options on my smartphone. But it's nice to have a dedicated hunk of solar-powered plastic/metal to do calculations on. No pop-up/pop-over messages or interruptions on the calculator's screen.
#30
Face to face meetings.
I like zoom...but sometimes being in the same room makes life much easier.
Related on Bored Panda
