When does that shiny new device become junk? How long do you hang on to superseded gadgets? Do you still have a video cassette recorder in your home?
We’ve got a box of old mobile phones at home and several other outdated bits and pieces either in our shed or stored elsewhere in the house. The VCR is still connected to our TV, along with new technology like our recently purchased Blu-Ray player.
A new study by Australian telecommunications company Optus says that here in Australia we don’t like letting go of old technology.
While Australians sit at 127 per cent with mobile technology penetration ahead of countries like the US, UK and Japan, the research revealed 72 per cent of Aussies are hoarding tech products for up to 11 years.
74 per cent find it hard to part with a product they paid big money for years earlier despite the fact the device is out dated and no longer useful. – TechGuide
In the past we would buy something, keep it for years and even have it repaired if needed. These days, even before we’ve taken our latest purchase out of the box there’s a new improved version on the shelves so we tend to keep upgrading and moving on.
It would seem that part of the problem of keeping old technology hanging around is that around 60% of Australians don’t know how to dispose of outdated technology.
I’m wondering what old gadgets you have at your place. Do you still use old technology or is it just sitting there? Are you the sort of person who throws old devices out as soon as you upgrade? Does the fact that we live in a disposable society worry you or is that simply the price of progress?
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Yep, plenty of it!! A radio/cassette player, another that has a CD player that won’t work and our 5 disc CD player that no longer opens so we can’t play anything on it. All are over 20 years old (maybe closer to 30) but it doesn’t seem right to throw them out when the radio still plays 98.5fm!! Haven’t bought an i-pod or MP3 player yet. Might have to move into the 21st century one day….
I do have new technology like my iPod but it still doesn’t replace some of the older technology I have. I love the portability of the iPod but I still love the sound of CDs played through a big sound system.
I’m surprised that “up to 11 years” is considered a long time. In my place I have:
TV from 1995 – still in use (with set top box), picture still perfect
VCR from 1995 – still in use
Microwave and washing machine from 1993 – still going strong
Palm PDA from 2000 – still going strong, but not used as much now
Radio/cassette player from 1982 – still used sometimes
Portable black & white TV from 1978 – not used, but it still works; I’m keeping it for “heritage value”
And until last year:
Nissan Pulsar from 1986 – retired after 25 years of reliable transport.
I don’t consider something outdated if it still works and does what I need it to do.
I’m with you, Graham. If it still works and it still has a practical function I’m not going to throw it out just to get the latest.
My dad is a firm believer of hoarding old technology in the vein hope that some collector will come along and make him an unbelievable offer for it…I don’t fancy his chances. Although I am keeping my spectrum 48k and even an old sega megadrive to show my kids just how hard I had it as a kid!!