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Technology is changing at an incredibly rapid pace. Innovations in tech and new products are seemingly everywhere. Now, with the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s unclear what the future will look like. Though many are happily embracing this uncertainty, others are sticking to what they know best—tried and tested products.

Reddit user u/blankblank sparked an interesting debate after asking everyone to share the outdated or obsolete tech that they still happily use to this very day. Check out their responses below, Pandas. You might find that you have quite a bit in common with these internet users. Personally, we're still pretty big fans of buttons and paper...

We reached out to consumer psychology specialist Matt Johnson, Ph.D., to get his thoughts on why some people still cling to 'outdated' technology and products. You'll find Bored Panda's full interview with him below. Johnson is the host of the marketing psychology blog and the author of 'Blindsight' and ‘Branding that Means Business.' 

#1

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Wired earphones.

Cheap, don't have to charge, don't need to worry about losing them.

Bring 3.5 back for phones dam it

acidus1 , freestocks Report

#2

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things A *light switch.*

I just moved into a new house, which has “smart switches,” which I swear to god are the dumbest f*****g light switches anyone’s ever thought up.

On. Off. That’s what I want in a light switch. Maybe a little miniature fader bar on the side if you’re into romantic mood lighting. (I’m not.)

*These* f*****g switches: Tap up to turn the lights on. Tap and hold to fade them up. Double tap up to turn them on maximum (This is different than turn them on, because reasons). Tap down to turn them off. Tap and hold to fade them down. Double tap down to turn them on minimum (a function nobody, in the world, has ever used deliberately, ever).

And just to make sure you deeply despise whoever thought these things up, the sensitivity SUUUUUUCKS. So as often as not, you tap down to turn them off, and the light switch reads that as “tap and hold to dim,” and your light just decreases by 20%. So then you have to turn around and go back into the hallway (because you’ve already passed it - because you should not have to *PAUSE* at a light switch to f*****g operate it), go back, double tap up to turn the lights back up to maximum (otherwise next time you turn it on, it will helpfully remember that you “wanted” it at 80%), and then tap down to turn them off again.

**ON.** F*****g **OFF.** That’s what a light switch should do. **It cannot be improved upon.** My light switch should not be trying to *interpret* my *intentions.*

Meanwhile, these light switches all flash a little orange LED under them. I looked up in the manual that this means they are not connected to wifi. I have no intention of changing that, because I am never… *EVER*… going to be driving home in my car and say “Hey Siri, dim the lights to 40% and put on some romantic mood music. Daddy’s going to slip into the tub with a glass of *wine* for a little *Me Time.*” 🤢 🤮

But there is one light switch in my house that does not flash orange; It shows a solid blue. Which means it *IS* connected to wifi. *Whose* f*****g wifi? Not mine. I never gave it my password. So which of my neighbors is hosting the online profile of my f*****g **light switch?**

I’m going to spend hundreds of dollars this winter to replace every “smart” light switch in the house with a real, functional light switch, designed by and for actual human beings, and it will be the happiest money I’ve ever spent.

CSWorldChamp , jaye_haych Report

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Lauren S
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well this individual has made me hate light switches I didn’t know existed.

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#3

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Physical buttons. Not everything needs to be touchscreen for goodness sake.

SXOSXO , Grey_Coast_Media Report

Johnson, a consumer psychology specialist and the host of the marketing psychology blog, explained to Bored Panda that there are several reasons why people often cling to seemingly outdated technology.

"First, familiarity and comfort play a role, as people may be resistant to change and prefer tools they're accustomed to. Second, cost can be a massive factor as well, as upgrading to newer technology can be expensive. It's the classic line: 'No one has ever been fired for going with IBM,'" he said.

"Many business leaders are excessively loss averse, and so if an old technology is working (even sub-optimally), there is little incentive to change. An upgrade is seen as all downside, and little upside," Johnson noted.

#4

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I still take a notepad and pen into every meeting

VFP_ProvenRoute , kellysikkema Report

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BlindAres
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taking physical notes prevented my a** from searching for the "Id-10-t form" in the very beginning of my USAF career. Thankfully I took notes and was observant to what I wrote.

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#5

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things A good cast-iron pan is still superior to anything that has been invented since.

r0botdevil , kkhoey2004 Report

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Matthews
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even more so if the handle is not plastic, so you can sear a steak on it and finish it in the oven! And finally you make a pan sauce with it as well.

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#6

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I own my music. I have 100s of CDs so I still use my CD player and MP3 player. And, to be honest, I still have about 150 vinyl albums I play on occasion.

Silly-Resist8306 , victrola Report

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Snowy Ashton
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Physical media will always be better than digital. I don't mind digital, but when the cash runs out or the internet/power fails (could be short or long term), what's going to entertain you? Your phone won't live forever. Board games fall into this category too!

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"In some cases, older technology may also be more reliable or durable, making it a practical choice for certain tasks."

On top of that, Johnson said that in the case of fax machines still being widely used in Japan, "cultural factors and industry-specific standards can further perpetuate the use of older technology."

We also asked the consumer psychology specialist about why people feel pressured to update to the latest gadgets. For one, you have social pressure and the desire to fit in with your peers to consider.

"Advertisements and marketing create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a perception that the latest technology is essential for staying connected and efficient. Additionally, software updates and app compatibility can incentivize upgrades as older devices may become obsolete," the specialist shared with Bored Panda.

#7

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Some things don't need to be smart when the regular push button or k**b version works fine. Simpler and less things that could go wrong.

Like kitchen appliances. A kitchen faucet doesn't need voice commands. My air fryer doesn't need wifi connection so I can control it from an app.

hammysandy , AnnaStills Report

#8

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Watches that only tell the time. Maybe the date, too :)

buffalo__666 , misakyanovich Report

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PlatinumThe8-BitCat
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t really understand the purpose of watches with screens anyway, it’s basically just an even smaller phone

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#9

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Textbooks bro. Not even technology. Why is everything online now. I need the ability to highlight something

jennsnotscary , ijeab Report

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Me. Just Me.
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who went through high school and college with notebooks and physical text books (late Gen-Xer), I am actually grateful for the technology we have today. I am quite comfortable with and enjoy my Kindle, I love my iPad, and I had to learn OneNote for work. I don't think I would go back to school without having a notebook and pen with me, but the idea of not having to pay $500+ for a 65 pounds of textbooks that I have to lug around everywhere and panic when I can't find them is truly a dream for me.

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"The pursuit of new features, improved performance, and enhanced user experiences also drives this pressure for constant technological advancement. This is exacerbated by the fact that many products are deliberately designed and marketed to be desired, enjoyed briefly, and then replaced. This is especially the case with mobile devices, where we constantly seek out the newest, 'most advanced' version, despite modest changes from model to model."

Johnson also drew attention to a set of studies from Columbia Business School that he also discussed in his book 'Blindsight.' "Researchers found that you’re much more likely to be careless with your phone if there’s a newer, better version of the product on the horizon," he noted.

"Examining a dataset of over 3,000 lost iPhones, the research team found there was a curious spike in losses before a new model was released. Over 600 self-reports of iPhone neglect and damage followed similar timing. Even our physical dexterity becomes unconsciously attuned to this need to upgrade."

#10

Does EVERYTHING have to be powered by sensors? I swear that everything I own breaks only because of a sensor gone bad. My car's A/C, my washing machine's cycle sensors, even the coffee warmer I received as a gift.

Maybe I'm old but I would just like to turn something on, it do its job, then turn it back off. It doesn't also need to blow me.

oheyitsmoe Report

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#11

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Physical media in general (DVDs, CDs, video games, books, etc.). Yeah, it adds to clutter but most digital services have it in their terms of service that they can remove content (even paid for) at any time with no refund to you. You're basically paying a float rate to rent it until they can no longer rent it.

Come try to remove the physical stuff, it's a felony in most states and you can have my Buckaroo Banzai BluRay when you pry it from my cold and dead fingers.

draggar , rhamely Report

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Daniel Atkins
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree there is only so much streaming services can have available and if they decide to remove it from rotation then you can’t see it. Or some entertainment company decides they want to get into streaming and take all the content they own from other platforms. Then you have to pick and choose which ones to subscribe too or wether to add another subscription. I’d rather pay a one time fee for a copy I can watch at almost any time.

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#12

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Pen and paper for notes and lists. Calendar and address books. For that matter, books in general. I've tried reading a digital book and I just don't get the appeal.

WoolaTheCalot , behy_studio Report

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kitten levels tokyo
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The appeal is you can bring 40 books on vacation without filling your luggage up.

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Khavrinen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And ( once your eyes get to a certain age ) the ability to change the font size so you can read longer before your eyes start to get too tired.

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Torben Møller-Nielsen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing beats the feeling of actually touching nice paper and turning the pages, then putting in a bookmark and leaving the book on your nightstand with the satisfying feeling of still many hours of entertainment to come.

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Kise Miarse
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find the paper calendars/planners so much easier to read. I don't want to have to click through multiple screens on a tiny device to see all my info.

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Tabitha
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not into minimalism, so don’t mind calendars and notepads and stuff in the office, and I hate having to switch from one screen to another for basic information, as opposed to having it next to me to refer to. I can flip through a printed list, or spread out paperwork on a table, and glance at a calendar or printed note—-and multiples of each of those things too—-just fine, and not forget what I saw, without having to write it down, if the computer’s acting up and it takes a while to flip to the screen I was originally on. Now, don’t go thinking I’m some kind of a Luddite. I admit I’m of the age where I didn’t grow up with computers, but they did start becoming affordable and really common by the time I was in my very early twenties, so basically I started out by working with the most basic computer systems, and simply evolved with them. The fact that I started out working with nothing more sophisticated than a cash register at my first full time job at 18 (1979), then computer systems that were merely internal and not internet at my next job at 21 (1981), and finally full internet systems by the time I was pushing 30 (late eighties), may be why I prefer a hybrid system. I don’t know. I mean, I CAN work either 100% manually OR 100% online, if I have to. But now that I’m working from home, running the office for the company my husband started, I can use whatever hybrid methods I’m most comfortable with, and I love it.

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hwatinternation
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The digital book thing isn't just for the sake of being digital. Lets you have *more* with you at a time.

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howdylee
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do like my Samsung Note phone though, with the pen. Now I don't have to search for pen & paper, my phone is always there. And can save old notes and have them with me to reopen whenever. I think the key is that I'm still writing a note, just happens to be digital.

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JessieJ&LilyLovebug
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The appeal is they are cheaper, and sometimes free. And you can bring the entire library to most places on Earth.

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Jennie Drake
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only appeal of ebooks for me is that I can increase the font by 80% I'm getting old

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MisGra
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It'll never be my favorite, but I went from never wanting to read on an e-reading device, to using one at times due to the benefits. I can read at night without a light on (my eyes done work well with just a book light). I can take MANY books with me, I read too fast, and often underestimate how many books I will need. In a small home I don't have a lot of storage, I have granted myself a small shelf that can hold my books - when I get something new, an old one has to go, I don't have to worry about that with e-books. I can search up a characters. And when I forget who it is (which seems to happen more frequently the older I get - short term memory is terrible). When I one more chapter myself all the way to the end of the book and am no longer tired I don't have to worry if I have another book on hand, 'cause I can have access any time of day or night to new ones without even leaving my house.

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Mistiekim
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Going into a book store is one of my favorite things to do. Being able to pick up the book before you buy it and the smell of the paper is just something I’m not ready to give up I guess. I’ve tried the e-books and they have their place, but a physical book will always be my choice between the two.

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Rens
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't read books anymore, so I love my Audible subscription so I can enjoy "reading" again.

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longlivethequeen554
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone gave me a kindle or e-reader, I think I'd cry! Not being ungrateful, I'm strictly a book girl

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Elizabeth Tayler
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

& the added bonus of getting a wicked headache (in my case anyway).

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Marie A (Blondebat)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You probably don't want to read an Ebook in anything but an urban setting with an outlet no more than 2 feet away. Paper dries if it gets wet...

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Lynette Hannan (Lyn)
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a genXer, and I like all this stuff as well. My problem is that I also have arthritic fingers, so holding books is areal pain for me. I LOVE books: they are my escape, my entertainment in waiting rooms, my boredom fighters, my distraction from rambunctious kids and hubby, and the last thing I do before sleep! I was given an e-reader for my 40th, and it's still going strong 15 years later! Mine is not backlit, so the battery only needs charging every three months! I have nearly 5000 books in many genres!

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Dennis Adrian Middendorp
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I write all my appointments on my good old fashioned wall calendar which hangs in the kitchen.

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Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was anti Kindle for the longest time - until I started reading "Game of Thrones" and had to cart a 9 pound book on the trolley. I have over 600 hardbacks in my library and have downloaded 589 to my Kindle, so yeah - I never would have been able to do that with hardbacks.

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Faith Arnold
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can read at night without having to direct a light - and remember to turn it off!

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pamela nichols
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read everything digital, physical the food labels. I just love to read.

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Dawnieangel76
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to be a voracious reader, 1-2.5 books per week. My mother once asked if I wanted an e-reader & I asked if she wanted 1 less kid. NOTHING compares to a book, especially an older one!. The weight, the feel, the smell...and you never have to recharge them.

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Heather Talma
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The appeal is you can check it out from the library without having to walk or take the bus there in -10 degree weather

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Eunice Bentley
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the library app and my Kindle on my phone I always have a book to read no matter where I am and the books don't take up a lot of space in my bag.

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Christine M Quigley
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to turn physical, paper pages while reading. I guess Kindle does have advantages, like vacation reading, I personally find it cold.

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Lorraine Tilston-Brookes
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a calendar in my kitchen and everything I need to remember/do/want goes on it,otherwise I just forget

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Rebecca McManus
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Moved house in August, forgot to take the calendar, now I have to keep checking my phone calendar rather than just glancing at the one on the wall, roll on January 1st

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April Pickett
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't either until my authors had a rage to publish short stories in digital format only. It seemed like all of them had the same publisher who would only do digital. I now have both paper and digital, and no complaints about either.

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Jenny Sullivan
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read a LOT and have a huge library of both physical and digital books. I also write in them - the physical ones anyway; bit difficult and rather annoying to play editor and give commentary with digital.

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Chris Moffat
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a number of e-books, but I still love my paperbacks. They each have their place, but when I'm not travelling I prefer a physical book. On the other hand, I no longer have an address book, or calendar/diary. My phone is some much more convenient!

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ROSESARERED
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Books definitely...home library in the making, 1000s of hours of joy

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Keley Babs
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooooh nice! This calendar starts on MONDAY!! That's a rare find!! I love it!

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LinkTheHylian
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with the first one. I knew a guy who had an Apple Newton and when he tried to take a memo that read "Beat up Martin", the Newton corrected it to "Eat up Martha". And that's why I stick to Android.

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R. McTavish
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually prefer digital books. I use red print on black background so I can read in bed at night without the blue-light screen issues. Incredibly handy to just be able to pull a book out, anywhere. Waiting for the kids to get out from school and make their way to the car? Book. Dentist's office running a bit late and youre stuck in the waiting room? Book. Kettle taking an eternity to boil? Book. And my phone is lighter, and more ergonomic, and it's searchable. I own tons of physical books, but honestly, I barely touch them anymore. Phone is more streamlined.

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Kaye
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always have a physical calendar on my kitchen wall. It's a LOT easier than having to look things up.

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Chickens are fluffy
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like digital calendars because I don't have to physically walk up to a calendar and look then forget it two minutes later

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Kar Red Roses
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still use a paper wall calendar because it’s another way to display art & photos I like.

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Jorie
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually have a little black address book and a Rolodex with paper cards. They will never be replaced.

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Jackson
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before electronic calendars, my wife and I had one in the kitchen for our children to record school events and other activities, and my wife and I had portable calendars that we used to record work related events and, in my case, business trips. Theoretically, we updated everything so that all of the calendars were synchronized. You can guess how well that worked.

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend gave me a Kindle and it was fine until I found out I'd need to pay to download a book on it. Sometimes it was more expensive than buying the book! The I tried downloading books at the library. Half the time I couldn't find the books on any library system. At that point, I'd be reading the few books I did manage to download and then in the middle, I'd have to charge the Kindle. So my friend bought me something I could charge the Kindle off of and it also needed to be charged when it ran down. Finally, there is absolutely nothing that irritates me more than seeing spelling errors in books and on Kindle, the few books I read were saturated with spelling errors, along with a host of other mistakes. I went back to buying books on eBay. So much better.

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Child of the Stars
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer digital for my contacts and calendar. Especially the calendar. I use the alarms regularly.

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Timbob
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Enjoy returning paper books to the library in the rain or snow, do you ?

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DeoManus Argentem
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love physical books, but now I'm in love with my Kindle w/ Kindle Unlimited subscription! But I read an average of four books a week, sometimes one or more a night if it's really good or I can't sleep. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. I have hundreds on the shelves in my office, which, let's face it, the vast majority will never be read again. But I don't know what to do with them - it feels like a crime to throw them away, but nobody seems to want them as donations anymore. My kindle holds thousands, takes up no space, has a battery that lasts weeks (even with my high usage - and recharges to full in a couple hours), you can highlight and take notes on it, if you don't know a word you just long-hold over it and the definition pops up... And more, so handy!

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pocwaddler
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love reading books on my iPad. Besides the fact that you can load multiple books if you're on a long trip, when I'm reading and the character says he's flying a certain kind of airplane or driving a certain car, or worked with a certain figure, I can switch right over to Wikipedia and look at what that plane/car/person looked like.

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Phil Vaive
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me and my new ADHD diagnosis (yeah I know, I'm mentioning it a lot in this article lol), the reminders app has been a lifesaver. Just figuring out how to use it effectively and always having my phone on me makes my life SO much easier now that I don't have to rely on my ever failing brain to remember to do something.

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Phil Vaive
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've tried doing the daytimers, post it notes, white boards, etc. but all of those have the disadvantage of having to go buy something new, and then remember where it is and that you have to use it. It's much more effective for me (and a lot of other people with adhd) to be able to modify a tool we already have with us. And the fact that the reminder app syncs with my phone, watch, laptop, and desktop computer means that no matter what I'm doing, I can always set a reminder for myself. If I'm cooking dinner and realize I'm almost out of an ingredient, I can just say "Siri, remind me to get soy sauce when I get to walmart". In the shower and ran out of shampoo? Just yell at Siri from the shower! In the middle of work on my laptop and remember I haven't watered the plants in two weeks? Add it to the list for tonight.

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Rosie Red
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get such satisfaction from crossing things off a list.

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Jods
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Kindle and the Kindle app on my iPad have been absolutely wonderful for when I go into hospital (every 6 months for up to 2 nights stay). When I had to stay for over 2 weeks I didn’t have to give the family a list of more books to bring and take the ones I’d read back home.

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Aisling Raye
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg yes to the calendar especially. I use the calendar on my phone and laptop to schedule things and then I write them up on a whiteboard because I need to visualize them. I can't keep track of things if I have to open an app every time I need to look at my schedule while I'm in the middle of doing something else.

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Dee Rutherford
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of us have vision issues and a digital device lets us make the print larger.

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Awesome At Being Autistic
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope nope nope. I love my calendar on my phone. It's always with me and I can set reminders. Ditto my phone's notes app. I can keep all sorts of lists on there and I am much more organized. I do prefer real books to Kindle, but Kindle does amazing offers where I can get books for free, or 99p. So yep, if Kindle is cheaper, that's what I'm going with.

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keyboardtek
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For us old nearly blind folks enlarging the font so I can read is wonderful with ebooks.

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ॐBoyGanesh
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obvious didn’t read a digital book with e-ink, like Kindle Oasis or Paperwhite. It looks almost exactly like paper, but can be read in any light. Oh, and you can hold thousands of books & newspapers on it. I get the appeal of tree pulp versions and have my own substantial library of my favorites, but I’ll always grab my Kindle or iPad first. For convenience & ease. Some things, like light switches vs virtual, are so easy to adapt to and offer benefits that really outweigh the traditional option. But it get it. Not everyone is easily adaptable with any level of change.

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Daya Meyer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not the best of both worlds? I prefer my smartphones' contact list, but there ist a paper backup in a drawer. I love to read real books but I have an e-reader to get books from the library for it. And our sharedcalender with all birthdays and appointments is still hanging in the living room.

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BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading on a Kindle is super convenient and the screen is very easy on the eyes. Physical books are superior but they are bigger and weigh more sometimes. For note taking and calendars, pen and paper is the best

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Em
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simple lists (ie, I need 5-10 things from the store) are fine in my notes app. Anything more complicated than that is getting fully bullet journaled, and I'm not even a bullet journaler.

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The viral Reddit thread is proof of a few things. First, folks have a tough time letting go of the things they already own and have grown to love. Nostalgia and money that’s already been invested in the tech are both key factors here.

Secondly, it shows that some people are perfectly fine using products that work adequately, while they’re still functional. They don’t see a need to upgrade to the ‘latest mode’ just to be fashionable or chase trends. This might be out of ecological concerns, the desire to save money, or the simple realization that simple functionality is better than an overabundance of options.

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#13

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I store my passwords in a physical pen-and-paper notebook. I am not impressed at the notion of storing passwords in some sort of cloud-based solution.

Bizarre_Protuberance , marcospradobr Report

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pinkpie
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t you know that you are supposed to have a complex and unique password for everything, and change them all regularly, but never write them down! Because you are a robot

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#14

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Printers that could print without a subscription....

OnSaturdaysWeWearRed , mahrous_houses Report

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Daniel Atkins
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who sell them with a subscription? I work in the primer copier field never seen a company that requires a subscription to print.

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#15

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things A pen. Works just fine when I need it.

Knucks_408 , lilartsy Report

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Erin Ward
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just bought a box of 10 green pens to write notes and in my journal. I was super excited that I wouldn't have to buy pens for a really long time. Made me really happy, lol

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Third—and many of us have witnessed this firsthand—products made in the past seem to stand the test of time far better than new ones. They’re more resilient. Newer tech, on the other hand, seems to become outdated far more quickly. Thanks, planned obsolescence!

You’d genuinely be surprised by how abundant old tech still is in this day and age. For example, the Tokyo Weekender points out that in 2020, a jaw-dropping 34% of all Japanese households still had a fax machine. It’s quite a contrast with public perception when you consider that Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries on Planet Earth.

#16

What I would give to have back the headphone jack in my phone...

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#17

my dial phone. I love it and will never ever get rid of it. It's in my kitchen, it's yellow and my grandpa built a little wooden picket fence around it, with fake flowers in tiny clay flower pots.

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#18

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things A calculator. You know - with buttons and a screen.

glory2mankind , ijeab Report

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Mark
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to replace my TI graphing calculator with a Casio CAS. I really hate the fact you need a goddamn STYLUS PEN for a calculator.

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It’s not just fax machines that Japan has a tough time letting go of! Cash is still prevalent in the country. According to data from 2022, merely 32% of all payments in Japan were cashless. Compare that to a whopping 93% of payments in neighboring South Korea, another extremely technologically advanced nation.

CDs, business cards, and websites that overwhelm you with information are also a part of daily life there. Many of these things look like they belong in the latter half of the last century, but there you have it—nothing’s obsolete or outdated while it’s still in use! And changing habits, traditions, and social mores is harder than you think, even with all the fancy new tech up for grabs… 

#19

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things manual transmission

A5CH3NT3 , MikeShots Report

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Sebastián Rodríguez
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It gives you so much more control than an automatic one! Although... the automatic one is nice for long traffic jams.

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#20

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things ~25 year old Honda Accord with a manual transmission.

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Miki
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if it's true that in US manual is the best anti-theft device :D

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#21

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I'd rather use my mp3 player with wired earbuds than play music through itunes on my phone.

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#22

A plastic freaking card! I just called Sam's Club and got into a fight with them. I am NOT using a freaking app on my phone!!! I want a damn card!!!

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Trish
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do know that the person you 'got in a fight with' has no say in the matter, right? You're just ruining an employees day.

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#23

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I have an offgrid cabin in the woods, I have a small pc responsible for recording/saving images from security cameras, and also serves as a data logger for my weather sensors - it all runs on Windows XP and it’s rock solid.

oceanhomesteader , zachaery Report

#24

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things DVDs. Sadly, most modern computers have no drives, so external is the only option.

Tricball , lucky_alamanda Report

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Thomas Olsen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got a floppy to usb too, friends and families borrow it to check their old floppies before discarding them, think i gave 15/20 eur well worth the price for me,

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#25

On the farm we still use some old equipment like a 1952 Ford tractor and a ride-on sickle mower for cutting down tall weeds. I plant a couple rows of sweet corn next to the regular corn so when I plant that corn I use an old 2 row planter thats probably 100 years old. Still works great for planting 600 feet of corn.

Both pieces of equipment were meant to be pulled by horses or tractors. We just use a garden tractor.

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#26

I'm a Xennial and I still pay my bills via mailed check. That means I have checkbooks, envelopes, and stamps in my home.

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featherytoad
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate all this modern technology s**t but, paying online is the best thing that ever happened. Checks are expensive, cuts way down on stamps. Not to mention the tedious writing of checks and you don't have to worry about the PO losing it.

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#27

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I have a hand crank can opener. I also have a lawn mower without an engine.

Edit: I also drive a stick shift.

iremovebrains , rsnxmt Report

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Barbara Kelly
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hand crank can opener is a life saver when the power goes out in the house, and you will be cooking on the barbecue or fireplace/fire pit.

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#28

A radio.

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Andrej Rizer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a rad tech actually. Back in old days radio could even work without any power source by just self powering from long AM radiowaves

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#30

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things my film cameras

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Temporary Dork
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh look at that Yashica! Wonderfully lightweight durable camera that took Carl Zeiss T-lenses.

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#31

Wired internet connection. I love wires, so much more reliable.

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iseefractals
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ethernet and display wires are the only wires i'll never get rid of. Everywhere i've lived for the past 20 years, i've run ethernet wires through the wall to every room.

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#32

Manual toothbrush


Keep them electric shits away from me

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hwatinternation
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing wrong with an electric toothbrush. Some have a feature of vibrating after about 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth, many can do a better job brushing and encourage people to not apply quite so much pressure when taking care of their teeth.

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#34

I use a double edge razor to shave and I've just finished polishing my shoes with wax and a stiff brush. In both cases it takes a little longer than using an electric razor or those shoe polishing pens, but I enjoy the ritual and I don't mind it taking a bit of extra time.

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LeeAnne B
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a certain peace felt with the ritual of shaving. I bought my partner a shaving brush, potted cream and a citrus aftershave. He now enjoys something that he previously considered a chire

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#35

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I still download music. I don’t trust streaming sites to always have what I want to listen to. Plus, I have some very obscure stuff that most don’t have anyway.

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Daniel Atkins
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah streaming sites are limited then they tend to repeat within an hour of streaming.

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#36

Anything that still comes wired. Mice, keyboard, controllers, whatever, I'll still want the wired option.

I'd argue typing is almost obsolete, but I'll still type over using speech to text.

I also have a 30 year old vacuum that still works like a dream! Weights a shitload but it has an auto-drive system and you can still buy the original bags and parts. Tried using a modern vacuum and it didn't come close in cleaning ability compared to my old one.

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#37

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I ordered a charger for my old DS lite (came out 2006) last week and damn did I miss it. The DS age of empires, old Pokémon games I’m having a blast

Mysterious-Pizza-462 , horaceko Report

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a retro gaming system with the original Nintendo, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Sega, Atari, Arcade games.... Enough of them work well enough that I'm very happy with it. I'm a Dragon Warrior extraordinaire.

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#38

the Atari Asteroids machine in my basement. I try to play it often as possible.

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#39

Wood burner for home heating.

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#40

"dumb" phone with no internet app, GPS, etc.

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#41

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things I am still transferring mp3s i downloaded from the internet to my phone. I tried Spotify premium for a year, was not satisfied and many old songs i like are not available. But by manually downloading flac, mp3, or so, i can get many unusual things like: my country's flag carrier playlist, remastered bass boosted, remixes, covers, etc.

fikri_inter-business , ilias_cgb Report

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Osito Panda
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The other night I found that I was the only one in my group of friends (12), that has music stored in the phone, everyone else's using Spotify or YouTube...

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#42

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things My sega genesis and PlayStation 2 slim are still pluggin along fine and still are fun

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wishing I'd kept my Atari 2600. Plus all the games I'd bought.

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#43

iPod classic, CDs, and DVDs.

What can I say? I like owning things.

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#44

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Adobe CS4. Screw the monthly subscriptions.

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Potato Whisperer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Affinity (they offer photo, design, and publisher software) is fantastic and very affordable, no subscription.

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#45

70's turntable

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Rostit. .
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a 60s Sansui tt hooked up to my Macintosh/klipsch rig, Then an AR turntable on my harmenkardon/advent rig. Then a technics 1200 on a pioneerlklipsche rig. I use my flac player the most out of all of them.

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#46

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things iPod classic - 160gb.

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moggie63
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the 80GB version. I don't use it because I loathe iTunes and I can't get music on it any other way.

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#47

I’ve a 12 year old pc that I use often. It had 16gb installed about a day after I got it, and about a year ago I replaced the HDDs with SSDs. It runs very well for use as a file server and word processing, WWW, etc. I’m not a gamer anyway, so it’s fine.

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#48

Mp3 players

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Bored something
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a 17+ yr old Samsung mp3 player that I love. Have to use corded headphones with it but it's worth it.

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#50

“I’m Having A Blast”: 50 People Are Not Ashamed To Admit They Still Use These Obsolete Things Still love playing the Nintendo GameCube.

KrakPop , marcogomes Report