While there are some incredible current innovations, such as GPS and smartphones, there are also some that can be really annoying and cause us to miss ostensibly outdated technologies. So, check out these old-fashioned tech some people still use today because they cannot stand the modern versions.
1. DVDs
“I own so many DVDs. I have streaming services, but there are some films you just can’t get on them. Plus, they can take them off at any time.”
2. Fax Machine
“As a physician, fax machines are still the best way to communicate with other doctors. The replacement options are more expensive, don’t result in a paper referral that can be easily read, and have more confidentiality problems.”
3. Paper Grade Book
“I use a paper grade book and attendance log in addition to the online grade book. One semester the online system went on the fritz and deleted entire classes during finals week. I was the only one of my colleagues not in a full panic.”
4. Coffee Pot
“Good old Mr. Coffee. I even went as far as to get a used one off of my Buy Nothing group because the newer one I bought at Target overwhelmed me when I was trying to figure out how to work it.”
5. Rolodex
“My Rolodex is still in use today to keep addresses, phone numbers, business contacts, and every doctor we have ever seen. The phone can be lost, the cloud may disappear, and the computer can crash, but Rolodex has every number we need.”
6. KitchenAid Mixer
“My daughter is using her grandmother’s KitchenAid mixer, which has to be at least 35 years old, and it’s still just like new.”
7. Paper Newspapers
“There is nothing like grabbing the newspaper in the wee hours of the morning and reading it in a quiet house while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. It just reminds me of a simpler time.”
8. Windows 7
“It horrifies people when I tell them, but I’m a Sims 2 girlie, and I’ve seen too many people who can’t get their games to work on newer systems. I’m not risking my 2012 underhood until I absolutely have to.”
9. Notepad Calendars
“I’ve been buying the same brand of notepad calendars from Staples for the better part of 15 years now, and it’s always hanging from the wall right next to my desk. Much easier to deal with than the calendar app on my phone.”
10. 1970s Iron
“In two years, I went through two ‘high-quality’ irons that leaked constantly and just weren’t very good. When a relative died, and we cleaned out his house, I claimed his rarely-used 1970s iron. I still use it 15 years later, and it’s never let me down.”
11. VCR
“The Disney and other VHS tapes were cheap at thrift stores, and my kids couldn’t scratch a VHS tape. I bought the VCR in 1997, and it has worked up until this year. I am going to take it apart and see if I can get it going for a few more years.”
12. Mercury Thermometer
“It’s been handled with extreme care for decades because it’s dangerous if broken but incredibly accurate and easy to read.”
13. Books
“As an avid reader, I still prefer to hold a physical copy of the book in my hands. Additionally, I take notes faster by hand (and I can also use shorthand) than typing.”
14. MP3 Player
“I prefer to use an MP3 player rather than listening to music on my phone. My MP3 is smaller and more portable, clips onto things, and the battery doesn’t run down as quickly as my phone. Plus, I can put music from my CDs on it, which I can’t do with my phone”
15. Corded Power Tools
“Corded power tools, drills, saws, vacuums, and routers, preferably more than 20 years old. I often buy them at estate sales. Cordless battery-powered junk will last two winters, tops.”
16. Automobiles
“I do not like the new way to start cars using a push button. More cars are stolen than ever before. Give me the keys! I’d also like to be able to crank a car window down in case of an emergency. That’s gone forever. Now, you have to carry a special tool that will break your window into a million little pieces.”
17. Watch
“I started wearing a Fitbit-style watch this year, and I have since lost it. I can’t tell you how much I miss having a watch. Just look at your wrist; you’ve got the time and date! No need to find your phone, punch in a passcode, and search on a screen for the time/date!”
18. Fountain Pen
“My all-time old thing to use is a fountain pen and old-style ink to write letters and cards that you send in the post/mail.”
19. Smaller-Sized Round Dishes With Lids
“Pyrex used to make these smaller-sized round dishes with lids that are perfect for single-serving casseroles, heating up leftovers, or steaming veggies in the microwave. They’re oven and microwave-safe and have no plastic! I buy them at thrift stores and garage sales whenever I see them because of how useful they are.”
20. Checks
“I prefer to pay my bills via check. A hard copy of expenditures is quick and easy to access. Most places keep trying to force an online/electronic payment. I also find that writing a check or paying cash makes it much easier to stay within budget.”
21. Clock Radio
“I found one from the 1980s in a discount store. It has dials and knobs to make things work. I don’t need WiFi, and it works great.”
22. Knobs In The Car
“So much safer than screens. I read somewhere that VW is going back to more analog buttons rather than everything touch screen in an upcoming model year.”
23. Any Non-“Smart” Things
“Light bulbs, doorbell, washing machine, fridge, etc. I don’t need any of them to connect to the internet. Just do the basic job and don’t break or quickly become obsolete, please.”
24. Paper Menu
“Why are you making me use my phone, take a picture of a square, and go to a website to see what you got to eat.”
25. Can Opener
“The manual ones work just fine, I don’t know why an electric one that takes up space on the counter 24/7 when it gets used for all of 10 seconds is necessary.”
26. Washer
“I still use a washer from the early 2000’s. It’s very analogous. Parts are easy to replace and it keeps chugging along. We have a local appliance shop that still stocks parts.”
27. Printer With No Wi-Fi
“As much as people love Apple devices, they don’t play well with non-Apple devices and I have found this to be particularly true with printers.”
28. Double Edged Razor
“Much better and closer shave, it eliminated razor bump and ingrown hairs for me, new blades are $.10 when purchased 100 at a time from many online vendors.”
29. Wired Mouse
“And wired controllers for gaming. Why would you want to bother with having to change things that you always only use in one place anyway?”
30. Old “Dumb” TV
“Turn it on and it works. My smart TV takes minutes to turn on and load, download and install mandatory updates, freeze up, restart, play ads, then freeze up again when I try to select what I want to actually watch.”
