Top 10 Outdated Tech Products We Still Use Today
There's tons of old technology that still works – and, we still use it even though there are better options out there. Do you still play retro video games on an old console? Is there still an AM/FM radio in your house? Or how about a standard definition television? If so, you're as guilty as the rest of us of using obsolete technologies that refuse to die. WatchMojo takes a look at ten out-of-date tech products that we still use (for some reason).
Special thanks to our users ViolaCello, ninou78, Brendyn Robertson, Alexander David Bourns and jonwil for suggesting this idea! Check out the voting page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest/Top%2010%20Outdated%20Tech%20Items%20We%20Still%20Use%20Today
Script written by George Pacheco.
#10: AM/FM Radios
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From YouTube to Spotify to satellite radio, there seem to be unlimited methods to check out music these days, yet many people still listen to classic FM and AM radio stations to get their fix. Part of what’s kept AM/FM radio going for so long is its standard inclusion on the dashboards of the cars we drive. But FM radio sounds so much better than AM – why is AM still around? Well, AM radio has way better signal range than FM. Of course, some of us only break out our old boomboxes at home in a power failure. But whatever the reason, AM and FM radio waves shouldn’t be shutting down any time soon!
#9: 3.5mm Audio Jacks
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Apple may’ve dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack for the iPhone 7 in 2016, but this convenient plug and play system continues to be popular for devices around the world. The 3.5mm jack actually has a history that dates back to the 19th century; it served as an upgrade from the quarter inch jacks that were utilized on old telephone switchboards, for example. It’s a remarkably reliable and effective system, which sees one of its most popular modern uses in the aforementioned headphone systems on portable music players and mobile phones. Apple might want to switch customers over to Bluetooth and its own Lightning connector system, but for many others around the world, the 3.5mm audio jack is still king.
#8: Retro Video Game Cartridges & Consoles
With retro gaming, it doesn’t matter if you spent your childhood on an Atari 2600 or an N64; everything old is new again when it comes to playing a blast from the past. In an era of digitally distributed, always-online, early access season pass DLC, breaking out a classic console and popping in a cartridge is therapy for adult gamers. Even kids who weren’t alive during the cartridge eras can appreciate the simple gameplay, creative artwork and clunky controllers that make up such an important part of gaming history. Even though modern video games have some serious advantages, childhood memories will always be something worth digging out of the closet or picking up at a garage sale.
#7: Standard-Definition Televisions
TV technology has come a long way since the days of adjusting rabbit ears to get the best reception. Today’s televisions are sleeker, smarter, and display a more defined picture than ever before. So why is it that, as of 2015 at least, roughly 30% of people were still watching their shows on standard-def TVs? Well, for some it might be a matter of money, but others might not feel that hi-def matters that much – especially if their tastes in entertainment lean towards the classic. Since many older programs were shot for television’s old-school specs and smaller aspect ratio, some consumers may decide to wait it out and see if that high definition fad just phases itself out (P.S. It probably won’t).
#6: Digital Cameras
These days, just about everyone carries a pretty powerful camera around in their pocket at all times. This is great news for the average shutterbug; it’s now a breeze to take simple shots on the go. Professional photographers, or those with a serious passion for creativity, however, may want to keep using a separate digital or film camera for their needs. Data from Japan’s Camera and Imaging Products Association revealed in 2015 that camera sales had actually stabilized after an initial free-fall from competing smartphones, so maybe folks out there will continue to give their cameras some love in the years to come.
#5: Fax Machines
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One very simple reason why the fax machine continues to thrive is the business world: some companies quite literally could not survive without one. Sure, you may be thinking: “but we live in the age of email, digital signing, and cloud storage, surely sending a fax is obsolete?” But everyone from small-town businesses to multinational corporations continues to use this technology in their daily routines – especially in places where internet service is spotty at best or when higher levels of privacy are desired. Or sometimes, a physical document is needed where an email attachment just won’t do. That’s when the fax machine comes into play, transmitting these documents and keeping businesses running smoothly around the world.
#4: Landline Telephones
You probably don’t need us to tell you this, but age and income affect landline phone use. In fact, in 2014, Time Magazine reported that people the majority of people over 65 retained their landline phones, while young adults were much more likely to use their cell as a primary phone. Additionally, those who were living at or below the poverty line were less likely to keep two separate phone lines so keep costs low. Beyond these numbers, however, there are some benefits to landline phones that make them attractive options: there are no contracts, they’re reliable, and call quality is great. Plus, like the trusty old payphone, they’re nice to have in case of an emergency.
#3: Wristwatches
Smartphones have replaced more than just the digital camera; they also act as our go-to when we need to know what time it is. So, why haven’t wristwatches gone the way of the dodo? Perhaps it’s because the watch is a status symbol; an image of prosperity and success that projects a certain impression to the world? Or maybe it’s because you think of a watch as a fashion accessory rather than a tool to tell the time. Or maybe it’s a more utilitarian reason, like you scuba dive and need to tell time while underwater. Whatever your reason for wearing one, the wristwatch is still a ubiquitous accessory – whether or not you actually use it to tell time.
#2: Vinyl Records
The vinyl revolution has been in full swing for years now, with many bands and record labels catering to vinyl fans with pressings of albums both new and old. Nowadays, major retail outlets like f.y.e. and Barnes & Noble stock vinyl records in their stores, while record conventions and online trading sites like Discogs have continued to represent vinyl as one of the most enduring forms of physical media – after all, the record’s ancestors were invented in the 19th century. So why do we continue love vinyl? It’s bulky and scratches easily. Well, some point to the medium’s warm sound when playing back albums recorded in analog, while others love the LP’s place as a canvas for album art.
Before we reveal our top piece of outdated tech that’s still in use, here are a couple of honorable mentions!
- Overhead Projectors
- Incandescent Light Bulbs
#1: CDs & DVDs
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The longevity of CDs and DVDs proves there’s a segment of the population that just likes to hold things in their hands. CDs rose to prominence in the 1980s while DVDs were adopted a bit later, but once they hit the market they were the preferred method of consuming media. When Blu-rays made their debut in the early 21st century, people were still getting used to DVDs and had brand-new DVD players that would’ve gathered dust had they made the switch right away. So today, people have movie and music collections across many forms of media. Besides, you can’t fill a room with a carefully curated collection of digital media files, now can you?
Do you agree with our list? Which outdated tech items do you still use? For more savvy top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com!
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