LOW-TECH LIFESTYLE

Like most nerds, I crave the latest and highest tech. But do I really need it?

A new blog called Last Year's Model is a reminder to us all that, no, we don't. Most of us will be happier (and more green, with yet more green in our pockets) if we just make do with what we have. A quick inventory happily confirms that my existing gear is very reliable.

• Cell phone: original iPhone I bought used from a friend over a year ago.
• Computer: Mac G5 dual 2.0 MHz tower and Dell flatscreen monitor (both purchased in 2006).
• Laptop: iBook purchased in 2001 (it barely runs but it's there when I need portability).
• iPods: 60 GB iPod (gift from friends) and original Shuffle (3+ years old).
• DVR: TiVo box (2 years old).
• DVD: Philips region-free player (2 years).
• TV: 27-inch Toshiba tube from 1990-something that I bought used.
• Camera: Nikon CoolPix 5700 (from 2002).
• Recorder: Sony MiniDisc recorder/player I won in a contest almost a decade ago.

I use most of this gear every day and it rarely, if ever, lets me down. Over the last year, my tech-related purchases were either peripherals (Bluetooth headset) or blank media (USB flash drive, DVD-Rs, etc). Making this list gives me a sense of satisfaction to counter-balance my tech envy of friends with swank new HD flatscreens and netbooks.

If I'm patient, I'll probably get some good deals when my friends upgrade in a couple of years. Like The Police said: "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around ..."

Comments

[etc at Fierce and Nerdy]

I was just saying to CH the other day, "I wonder if Clark still has that iPod." Glad to hear that you're still using it and using it well... I still tell people what a great wedding DJ you were.

[Brendon]

Agree on this Clark: there's a movement behind taking the original PlayStation 1 and turning it into an audiophile-quality CD player.
The "just throw it away when it's old" mindset has to change, and I think it is slowly with the Green/eco movement afoot.
Hope you're well!
-Brendon