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Just because there’s a host of fancy new gadgets and devices constantly being developed doesn’t mean that everyone’s rushing to embrace them. Many people are perfectly happy relying on the things they have and what they’re used to. New doesn’t always mean better… especially when the ‘ancient’ alternative is so reliable.
Case in point, the r/AskReddit online community recently had a blast opening up about all the ‘outdated’ technology that they don’t plan to stop using any time soon. From Windows XP to good old pen-and-paper, scroll down to see what they shared.
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#2
Doors with physical keys. I don’t like the idea of every door needing technology to open. It feels less safe.
SonicAlchemy 1 year ago (edited)
Agreed, not so much on safety, more by function. If someone wants to break your door down, they'll break your door down but technology malfunctions and fails. Similar to keyless cars with "push to start". If there's something wrong with that button or the communication between the electronic key fails, you're screwed.
#3
Physical books. I tried to get into ebooks but it’s just not the same as a physical book. Plus books have that fresh paper smell that’s so nostalgic
‘Outdated’ and ‘obsolete’ tech is harder to root out than you might think. Case in point, Japan is notorious for relying on practically ancient technology, from fax machines to floppy discs. Recently, the nation declared ‘war’ on floppy discs, on which 1,900 law, government, and ministerial procedures still rely.
Meanwhile, fax machines are still used very widely in Japanese workplaces, instead of using email. One of the most technologically advanced and innovative countries on our planet still very much depends on ‘outdated’ tech structures.
#4
It will be a cold day in hell before I get a fridge or a dishwasher with a computer built inside of it.
Donkeywheel 1 year ago (edited)
Dont mix up « computer » with « connected » Modern fridges have some computing capabilities to adapt to their environment and the contents, decreasing a lot the consumption. And that’s different from connecting it to the internet which is another trend.
#5
Real buttons. Not everything has to be touchscreen-compatible and there's no comparison to gaming on a keyboard vs something touchscreen.
Melissa Sawicki 1 year ago
Gaming keyboards are the best. I have the same in until he picture. Click Clack
#6
Physical calendar on our kitchen wall, with all our family and friends birthdays on it. We transfer the dates to the new calendar every year. Outdated yes, given our phone apps can easily remind us of important events, but the calendar is very visual and makes it easy for us to remember birthdays! Seeing who is coming up in the month, allows for better present organisation.
It’s our personal experience that so long as a piece of technology is reliable and does its job well, there’s no need to replace it with the newest model—or a fancy digital alternative. That’s why some of us (hi!) still listen to music on our iPods from two decades ago instead of using wireless headphones linked to our smartphones.
You’d also be surprised by how useful a simple notebook and a simple pen are even when you’ve got computers and fancy programs for work. Of course, we’re not discounting the power of tech or innovation: these are hallmarks of human advancement and development. But simpler is—at times—better. And something freshly developed by tech engineers doesn’t instantly invalidate what came before (though some companies would love for that to happen).
#9
Physical media. Ain’t no copyright/license b******t can delete anything from my library.
censorshipsucks 1 year ago
Yep for this reason I keep my original CDs even though I play them as mp3s. Not going to stream. You do not know my taste, and no streaming service is clever enough to figure it out. My range is far too wide and my playlist is mood dependent.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting the latest and coolest gadgets. However, it does help if you actually understand why you want them. For many people, buying new tech and programs is a (not-so-subtle) way to show off their wealth, status, and power. Whether they realize this or not, they’re signaling to those around them that they have access to the best of the best.
Because human beings are social animals, many of us highly value our reputations. What our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers think of us can impact us in a big way. Whether or not you’re a trusted (and trustworthy) member of society plays a huge role in the quality of your life.
#10
Line dried laundry. Not exclusively as it's winter here and I have a dryer, but line drying is just so much better in every way.
#11
Wired ear buds. Much cheaper, last for decades, don't require charging, and much less likely to lose one.
Only downside is cable management which is easy if you take 5 secs to properly bundle it up after use.
Ban-One 1 year ago
True, except many devices are missing a 3.5 audio jack nowadays (I know there are connecting cables to HMDI-mini...but another thing I gotta buy extra).
Bobby 1 year ago
If the only thing you use them on is your phone, they make wired earbuds with usb-c plugs instead of 3.5mm
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Rob Williams 1 year ago
Where are you getting your wired ear buds that last for decades? I used to have buy new ones every 6-8 weeks!
Lindiwe Ngwevela 1 year ago
With wired earbuds, if one falls out, at least it's still connected to the other one so I don't have to pick it up off the ground. Even if both fall out, at least they're still physically connected to the device.
Sven Horlemann 1 year ago
Yeah, losing them is a PITA. My ears seem to have a non-compliant shape, ha ha.
Paul Brown 1 year ago
Yea, I just got a new phone and didn't realize it had no audio jack until I wanted to use my headphones. Not happy.
Keira Pendragon 1 year ago
okay maybe for SOME people these can last decades, for me they survive a week. My existence is not really compatible with those, they're much to delicate for my ADHD zombie a*s. Then again, I generally avoid all audio except on my computer and then very very selectively, and with that I do use wired headphones, not ear buds, they still do not last as long as they would for someone who was less of a chaos agent than my sorry a*s.
Cj Churchall-McKenzie 1 year ago
i find wired headphones have better sound than the earbuds or beats one
Madonna Rose 1 year ago
I have to wear hearing aids, so to keep from having to turn the volume up on my tablet and bothering others I use earbuds that I couldn’t be without! And no one complains. I call it convenient respect for others.👍👏
Teresa Spanics 1 year ago
I second that and agree with you 100%! I had to buy an adapter for my Samsung phone so I could use my headphones.
Strega Nonna 1 year ago
Within the last few days, I read a review of wired ear buds. The title of the article was, "Wired Ear Buds are Coming Back."
CG 1 year ago
Never used air pods, but I do have wireless headphones. I feel the headphones last a but longer than wired earbuds, but them needing to be charged can be a minor drawback. I personally prefer my headphones, mostly because I use them at the gym and they don't restrict my movement, but I used wired ear buds at home.
Glen Ellyn 1 year ago
Not that I would ever get wireless earbuds, but a lot of them don't fit in my ears. Apparently I have small ear canals.
Flora Porter 1 year ago
Wish I knew which ones last for decades. Mine always break in a few months at best.
Evelien Stijger Martens 1 year ago
When i work i constantly pull them out of my ears accidentaly, so i kost many if them that way, bow i never have that problem anymore
Šimon Špaček 1 year ago
I have to say that I adapted to wireless really fast. Sure, cable still has it's place, but for everyday life I just moved to wireless.
#12
Cash
Bored something 1 year ago
As long as there are black outs and internet outages or connection issues cash will never die.
However, it’s not through fancy gadgets that you’ll get other people’s respect. It’s our decisions, actions, values, and character that truly matter. How you connect to people—and doing so in a non-superficial way—is what you should focus on. Cool tech, fancy clothes, and overwhelming wealth can create a powerful first impression. But what matters is what lies beneath all of that.
If your reputation hinges on whether or not you’ve got the best car, the newest phone, and access to whatever new and exclusive AI app is trending, then you’re on shaky ground. On the flip side, the things you own and wear can filter out superficial people, too.
Someone who treats you poorly because you drive an old but reliable jeep, have an older-gen smartphone, and a durable but tired wristwatch probably isn’t worth getting to know beyond some polite small talk.
#13
Desktop computers. Mouse and keyboard for life. It’s so much easier to be productive.
#15
Cars that dont have TVs glued to the dash.
What 'outdated' technology and software do you personally still use and plan to continue using in the future, Pandas? What advantages do you think older tech has over newer inventions? Feel free to share your thoughts with all the other readers in the comment section at the bottom of this article.
#18
CDs. Nothing beats having a physical copy of my favorite albums
#20
Handheld can openers. Dependable, fast, and portable.
#21
stick shift
Ban-One 1 year ago (edited)
I drove a stickshift for many years. Did my drivers licence in a stickshift car. And it was really fine. But for most drivers - including myself - the technology nowadays with the automatic transmissions is really more than fine. They shift well, run smooth, are fuel efficient with 6-10 gears and are really comfy in slow traffic and traffic jams. Except you really are a sporty driver (but where can drive drive as such?), then you won't need a stickshift no more. At least I'm not missing it.
#22
Writing letters. With paper & pen, through the postal service!
#23
Corded tools and appliances. So many things I don't use enough to make it worthwhile if it only lasts as long as the battery, and then I have to decide between spending to keep using something old or to just get something new.
That battery powered weed whacker I only need a few times year? The battery is done after a few years anyway. If I get a corded one that sucker will last me decades. Same with lawnmowers, snowblowers, drills, screwdrivers, vacuum cleaners, etc.
Brian Hawley 1 year ago
If you have a lot of infrequently used tools that share the same battery system (eg Ryobi) you only need one or two batteries and you’ll get full use out of the battery.
#24
For me, manual brooms/sweepers come to mind.
Robo vacuums just don't interest me. I love advanced tech when it makes sense, but for me this feels like a case of overkill. Not everything needs to be smart/automatic. I'm a big believer the future should be one of mixed-use tech.
Anna Drever 1 year ago
We have a Roomba because I have fibromyalgia and suffer from fatigue. Admittedly it doesn’t do stairs or cobwebs but I’m happy with it. 🙂
#25
I have a 1947 Singer model 15. Sure I need attachments to do button holes and zig-zag stitches but, I couldn't imagine using a modern machine.
Film, while I do have digital cameras as well, despite the incredible rise in cost I have still find myself shooting both 35mm and medium format film. I develop all my black and white film myself too, because the local lab charges more for it.
Vernier calipers, micrometers, etc: Why add a screen to something that never needed one?
Natural fabrics, I sew clothes out of wool, leather, cotton, linen, and silk. The only synthetic fabrics that ever made sense to me was nylon and kevlar, for normal clothes I just don't see the point in polyester, viscose, PU, etc. It is like we have a whole chemical industry researching worse materials to make things out of.
Bored something 1 year ago
Viscose is made from wood fibres I believe. While it definitely has been processed it is made from natural fibres. Otherwise I agree about synthetic material for clothing. They end up smelly and don't breathe.
#26
My film cameras
#28
Since I work in an industrial setting - Probably Windows XP
#29
Tube guitar amplifier! I know digital is getting better and better, but you just cant beat the warmth and response of a good tube amp.
#30
Clock radio w/alarm
What do you think ?
Astro 1 year ago
Not obsolete, but most have a more “modern” version (cordless/digital/connects to the internet/etc) that is becoming more popular these days, and these folks don’t want to switch :)
Load More Replies... Rocco MZ 1 year ago
I'm 55yo. I keep handwritten lists. If I don't write it down, I don't remember it.
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
I save used envelopes and write my grocery lists on the back.
Load More Replies...
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
FTW. The output is legible, AND they work instantly, no bootup sequence. Plus, send someone a laser printed letter, and they'll likely ignore it. Send one written on a typewriter and they'll react like it was written by hand, done just for them.
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zovjraar me 1 year ago
wired mouse and keyboard. i do NOT want to be in the middle of something and have that s**t die, have to go searching for batteries, ugh what a pain.
Rachele Stoops 1 year ago
I have ADHD, and if I kept my notes and lists on little scraps of paper I’d never find them when they’re needed. I also much prefer having a library of books to read in my phone, instead of lugging 10 paperbacks with me. My key fob lets me get into my car and start it without digging through my purse, and line dried laundry is stiff and scratchy. Preferences are fine, but there’s nothing inherently noble about choosing older technology. It was once the newest thing, too!
Astro 1 year ago
Not obsolete, but most have a more “modern” version (cordless/digital/connects to the internet/etc) that is becoming more popular these days, and these folks don’t want to switch :)
Load More Replies... Rocco MZ 1 year ago
I'm 55yo. I keep handwritten lists. If I don't write it down, I don't remember it.
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
I save used envelopes and write my grocery lists on the back.
Load More Replies... Guess Undheit 1 year ago
FTW. The output is legible, AND they work instantly, no bootup sequence. Plus, send someone a laser printed letter, and they'll likely ignore it. Send one written on a typewriter and they'll react like it was written by hand, done just for them.
Load More Replies... zovjraar me 1 year ago
wired mouse and keyboard. i do NOT want to be in the middle of something and have that s**t die, have to go searching for batteries, ugh what a pain.
Rachele Stoops 1 year ago
I have ADHD, and if I kept my notes and lists on little scraps of paper I’d never find them when they’re needed. I also much prefer having a library of books to read in my phone, instead of lugging 10 paperbacks with me. My key fob lets me get into my car and start it without digging through my purse, and line dried laundry is stiff and scratchy. Preferences are fine, but there’s nothing inherently noble about choosing older technology. It was once the newest thing, too!
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