OT: Frightened by technology?

[TSanders]

Im overcoming fears. Fears of electronic technology. Well, maybe they arent fears, but lets say Im a bit intimidated by almost anything that relates to electronics.

I can handle technology related to music gear. Thats always remained in my comfort zone. However with music having gone in the iPod (or mp3 player) direction and the reality that my personal computer was creeping to its death more an more each day, Ive been nervous for some electronics upgrades that Ive known were in store.

All the said, Ive spent the last half of the year getting ready mentally and financially for a couple new things. I did a bunch of research and pushed my timid mindsets aside and took the plunge.

Based on my needs I wound up with:

a new 30gb iPod on my B-Day (thanks to my lady friend), and a new Dell E1405 that arrived yesterday

So far all is going well with the new gadgets that had me so nervous. Im glad I finally decided to work through my simple timid mindsets.

Heres what I want to know. Anyone else had recent fears of technology? Maybe Im the only one.

Pic of my new toys:

 

[bassmonkeee]

Technology is your friend. I bet you aren't scared of technology when you crank the AC in the Summer where you live.


I'm a big fan of technology. In fact, I've been researching 1080p 56" HDTVs for my new house.

Congrats on the new toys. Is this your first iPod?

 

[Psycho Ward]

I fear the lack of it! I'm telling ya if the broadband goes down we call that "camping out" here in Psycholand.

I got a generator so we always have power, we got 15,000 gallons of water in the backyard, but if cable goes out... we are doomed!!!

 

[TSanders]

I fear the lack of it! I'm telling ya if the broadband goes down we call that "camping out" here in Psycholand.

I got a generator so we always have power, we got 15,000 gallons of water in the backyard, but if cable goes out... we are doomed!!!

Chuck, you always manage to make me laugh. Out loud. Enough to get weird looks from anyone at the house.

Technology is your friend. I bet you aren't scared of technology when you crank the AC in the Summer where you live.


I'm a big fan of technology. In fact, I've been researching 1080p 56" HDTVs for my new house.

Congrats on the new toys. Is this your first iPod?

Thanks Jason. Lets be honest. Im thankful for AC all year round. You know that even some winter days can be mild here.

Here at home we just got a new Sony HDTV. I think its either 32" or 36". Its pretty amazing.

And yes, this is my first iPod.

 

[roburado]

I'm a big fan of technology. In fact, I've been researching 1080p 56" HDTVs for my new house.

Isn't it lame that there isn't more 1080p source material?

 

[Dr Stankface]

Trav, don't make me tell them what you had on your iPod on the way to Dallas.

I got to come over and check the new laptop sometime soon. Seeing as how you got a pretty sweet deal on it.

 

[adouglas]

Fear? No.

I do occasionally get what I call "technology fatigue," though. Things are moving so fast it's almost impossible to keep up.

Every few months there's yet another round of technological advances to figure out and absorb. The rush to HDTV and home theater is an example. Not so long ago, you bought a TV and a VCR, plugged in the cable and that was pretty much it.

Now you have to figure out the differences between plasma, LCD, DLP, 720, 1080, p, i, 5.1 surround, 6.1 surround, THX, BluRay, HDDV, optical links, digital links, satellite, cable packages, DVRs....and so on and on. And that's just your flippin' televsion. There's cameras (still, video and crossover), audio devices, computers, telephones, PDAs, navigation systems...

When I hit overload I just ignore the new changes until I really do need to upgrade.

I love the appropriate use of technology, but somethig that's been happening more and more lately is the use of technology for its own sake...technology where it's simply not necessary. It really ticks me off.

In the rest room at work we have a motion-activated electronic paper towel dispenser. WTF??? What for? It replaced a plain metal box with a hole in the bottom. You put a pile of folded paper towels in there and you're done. Just as sanitary, uses no energy, is cheap and it never breaks down.

You can now buy a refrigerator with a TV in the door. You can buy a car that parks itself, to relieve you from all the tedium of having to actually learn how to operate your vehicle properly. There are SUVs with electric running boards. It's nuts. I do not NEED to watch TV on my phone, thank you.

 

[xcental34x]

Travis, the iPod has become my best friend. Along with my T-Mobile Sidekick. Embrace it, dude.

Does your sister still have the iPod I sold her?

 

[NoFrets80]

Technology fears are self-created, IMHO. I don't need/want and can't afford a high-def TV, so I'm not fearful of the technology. I watch so little TV that it's not something I bother myself with. The messages that are spread with it are what scare me. I've been using computers since 1991, so that's not intimidating either... I think between my folks and I, we're collectively on our 5th PC or so, in total. My cell phone? I upgrade simply because it's cheaper in some cases to take the offer for the new phone with your new plan than it is to risk the old one dying and having to buy a new one outright. I don't need a camera, don't need it to play MP3s, etc. It's like the Wal-Mart mentality has invaded personal electronics... everything in one place, at one time... it's overload!

It's the job of companies/corporations to make you feel intimidated and compelled to upgrade every day to something new. You just choose whether or not to give in and listen to it. It's a capitalist/consumer culture... that's how it works. "Live simply, so that others may simply live"... that's what I always try to keep in mind. What really scares me about technology is how we forget to function without it. Buy to your needs, remember that we're human above all else, and be ready to let it all go at any time.




... just don't take away my basses. haha!

 

[GassieBall]

Travis,

Congrats on your new gear. I have to say, though, you are not a technophone by any means. Just look at how you are communicating to us! Compared to the people at my work who don't even have an email address, you are like Bill Gates.

 

[MingusBASS]

I have that same picture as the background on my PSP.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I have that same picture as the background on my PSP.

Heh--You, too?

 

[bassmonkeee]

Isn't it lame that there isn't more 1080p source material?

There will be. I think 2007 will be a year of paradigm shift for televisions. Especially if the laser tvs come out like they are supposed to....

 

[Aussie Mark]

I love technology and like to have lots of gadgets around me. However, what sucks is the wall-wart collection that I have, most of which have no indication on them as to which electronic gadget they go with. Also, things like mp3 players, cell phones and digital cameras are getting smaller and smaller, but travelling with a bunch of gadgets is a real pain because the wall-warts are still as big as they were 20 years aog! What's up with that?

 

[Randracula]

I Love Technology.........

 

[strummer]

Isn't it lame that there isn't more 1080p source material?

There i salvation around the corner Some new TV productions here in Sweden start out as 1080p/50, and that is image quality! Too bad hollywood probably will stick to 1080p/25...

 

[tiffles]

trav trav i understand. im looking at the new core 2 duo mac book, actually i would have it now if paypal didnt steal $100 of mine.

and yeah im a little nervous doing the pc to mac shift. hell it will be my first computer and not having my electronic genius brothers around makes it a little more confusing. but hell there are a billion braniacs here who im sure will be more than happy to help.
my ipod and i have a love hate relationship. at the moment i love it, although i am still a little hurt from the last time it screwed up. oh its a 30gig blackie too! be careful those things show up scratches like nothing else. grr. lol

congrats! be brave!

 

[strummer]

I love technology and like to have lots of gadgets around me. However, what sucks is the wall-wart collection that I have, most of which have no indication on them as to which electronic gadget they go with. Also, things like mp3 players, cell phones and digital cameras are getting smaller and smaller, but travelling with a bunch of gadgets is a real pain because the wall-warts are still as big as they were 20 years aog! What's up with that?

mark, there's a company that does charging on a plate or something, where you don't actually connect the device, just place it on the plate. It's supposed to work with all kinds of stuff having rechargeable batteries. I'll look the info up when I get back to work if you like.

 

[azzy_wazzy]

trav trav i understand. im looking at the new core 2 duo mac book, actually i would have it now if paypal didnt steal $100 of mine.

and yeah im a little nervous doing the pc to mac shift. hell it will be my first computer and not having my electronic genius brothers around makes it a little more confusing. but hell there are a billion braniacs here who im sure will be more than happy to help.
my ipod and i have a love hate relationship. at the moment i love it, although i am still a little hurt from the last time it screwed up. oh its a 30gig blackie too! be careful those things show up scratches like nothing else. grr. lol

congrats! be brave!

My love, you know where I live (And you have all my contact numbers and emails lol)

I wouldn't call myself an electronic genuis, but if I can manage to migrate to mac, I think we can muddle it out together!

Hope you manage to get evil Paypal sorted grrrr

 

[Melissa]

My biggest fear of technology is when the power goes out and I can't use it.

I think my biggest problem/fear of technology was transitioning from the PC to the Mac, now I'd never go back to the PC.