How Much Technology Do We Really Need?

Don't blame us engineers, blame marketing and consumerism. If there was no market for the products the products wouldn't get made.

I still have my old Nokia cell phone with its original battery. Going on 8 years now I think and it still works as its supposed to, as a cell phone. If I want to watch a video or play a game I have a PC for that sort of thing. It just makes more sense to keep some things in life simple.

I am definitely a minority in my country. Everyone around me has to have the latest and greatest, regardless of cost. Me, I have had cell phones for many years now, but never have I had to pay for one. I got a free phone at my first excursion into the world of wireless communication and have upgraded always with a free phone. I am not about to spend $200 for a device that does so much more than my basic phone can do because I don't have a need for those extra bells and whistles. I question if anyone else has such a need; A desire maybe, but not a real need. Although my current phone is pretty basic, there are still features on it that I don't use nor feel a need to use. When I see someone walking around with a "Bluetooth" stuck in their ear, I wonder; What could be so important that they have to be continually tied in to a phone. That goes for most of the devices I have. Some would simply call me cheap. I just think of it as good common sense. Many of the high tech devices are just considered fads only to be replaced down the line with something just as complex and more expensive. We evolved from shellac to vinyl records to plastic CD's. Just when you thought it was safe to regard CD's as the ultimate recording medium, along comes the placing of music on chips. I'm glad I didn't build up my record collection too greatly. There is even a movement to return to vinyl records among audiophiles.

I must head down to the cell phone store and get a phone that is contemporary with the time.

Must not need with fashion. good for you for pointing out that fact.

To the OP topic, If technology is not used, it gets shelved.

We need all the technology we can get.

What you are really lamenting is that so much of the technology we are supposed to master, is so user unfriendly.

I admire "geeks", but I don't think they are good writers.

This is not a particularly new thing, since the joke about how we tend to look at the Instructions, Last; comes from the fact that most of the instructions you get with a modern machine are written in a sort of gibberish.

Myself I have not noticed that there was some kinder and gentle time.

I've been grateful that it was not general, in the neighborhood up to a point, where I couldn't dodge bullets, or had a wall to hide behind, but over my lifetime I've been beaten within an inch of my life a couple of times, had guns go off all around me where I simply lived, and think well of non lethal weapons.

P.S. Good instructions for weapons are recommended.

This is not a particularly new thing, since the joke about how we tend to look at the Instructions, Last; comes from the fact that most of the instructions you get with a modern machine are written in a sort of gibberish.

When I bought my TI-82 calculator, it came with a 200-300 page manual. My first thought was "It's a calculator. I think I can figure it out on my own."

We live in the "Information age" now. There is no going back.... it's evolve of be left behind at this point.

However i suppose one could still be a farmer in the midwest... Heck, I think there might be a handful of Amish communities left out there in the world.

re "it's evolve of be left behind at this point...."

how bout "itz ebolbr ot bw let bwjons..."

don not needz no spel-chk jus let it ryde hoo carz id yot hit a feq rong keez!

Ahhh man... i'z bien faund aut abaut miz spealin.

I don't want to burst your bubble, but the local Amish are permitted to use cell-phones provided they don't bring them in the house.

I have mixed views of the technology. Some of it is great and a daily part of my life.

However there are so many machines and devices that are made worse off from just having too much tech placed on them. I would happily trade most of the electronics crap on any new vehicle just for real solid metal bumpers and good fuel mileage!

Screw On star! Give me a bumper that can take out a poodle at 15 MPH without $2000 in cosmetic damage and will actually kill the dam dog! The rat dog yipped away and lived. Lower half of the vehicle front was trashed. (Coworkers work related incident some years a go)

Tech stuff does make some things far better and reliable but now I am seeing far to much used in place of solid mechanical and electrical engineering. Designers apparently don't understand real physics anymore (Ive been in college as an OTA student and I can see why) so they just dump loads of computer code into micro processors and then they try and force the systems to work the way they think they should not how they would naturaly work had the designer known basic physics and had applied them to the devices mechanical components.

Is tech better off? In some situation s definitely yes! But in others its the obvious down fall of the products them selves.

I ve seen new tractors loaded with so much useless drive by wire crap they cant even do field work properly. Too many bells and whistles and not enough levers and knobs! Having the built in GPS system decide its going to drive to the next field while still in the middle of this one is scary stuff. And not being to override it unless you shut off the whole tractor and then restart it is a pain in the ass. A farmer I work with had several new Case tractors with this glitch right from the factory. Hes got John Deere now. They just glitch out and shut off in the middle of the field without logging any trouble codes but at least they don't take off in a random direction!

Ronseto,

At the age of 74 you could grasp computer, auto cad, and inquisition ed into knowing latest technologies.

Well as a curious, ambitious and man of concern you can not be aloof like other retired people. Ronseto like any other man of concern is always on the learning outlook, solving outlook for universal problems and you are by nature hold that moral responsibility. It is an exemplary sign to all youngsters.

Well, coming to your point on fast changing technological gadgets and short lived user tenures- I should say, it is the vast opportunities, available avenues, improved facilities that keep triggering for the growth and release of new products and services.Every thing is for wide spread customer need and as well as providing competitive services and market opportunities.

As end user you may avail the services of expert services to understand, repair rather than trying to gulp and master yourself.

In the vast ocean of technological phase ,one can smartly adapt to use of apt devices and technological facilities. Convenience and cost afford ability being the deciding criteria of market acceptance.

The world is now triggered up for market innovations and cut throat competitions and all are indented for an improved customer service.

May be a snag on understanding the phase of it, but it is an unstoppable phenomenon.

Let us appreciate the innovation and due returns and pay criticism for lacking features. At least the newer generations may be better aware and handle it.

It is the law of the evolution process.

"Ronseto like any other man of concern is always on the learning outlook"

Technology moves so fast that we can't keep up. We are forced to "skip" over the current technology in order to learn the new. Is information from the past not worthwhile knowing? Most people 30 years or younger don't know the events that occurred even a few years earlier. Ask a kid of 14 who the Beatles or Elvis Presley were and chances are they never heard of them. I know this is not technology, but it illustrates today's mindset. It is one thing to know how to get an answer by punching a few numbers into a calculator; but do they know how the answer comes about through a knowledge of mathematics? I have a grand daughter who is 14; the other day during a casual conversation, I mentioned things like Adolph Hitler, the 2nd world war, the Holocaust; she had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. We are rushing ahead at an increasingly rapid rate. I think this rush is not in the best interest of society. Today's individual may be completely knowledgeable about today's technology, but completely ignorant about yesterday's technology. I think it is important to have knowledge of what came before; to be better able to understand the future. The speed at which this takes place, doesn't allow us to learn completely. There was a time when students had to learn the basics before going on the latest technology. It seems that the "basic" stage of learning has been eliminated and a fast forward mode prevails

Hello Ronseto;

It is one thing to know how to get an answer by punching a few numbers into a calculator; but do they know how the answer comes about through a knowledge of mathematics?

I have hired engineers like this.

Learning, yes we are all learning, and a different pace.

I am looking at making a living by applying technology. and I would like to give you a scenario.

You own a company, and need an process engineer that needs to make an immediate impact on an installation start-up.

You narrowed it down to two applicants.

One applicant is a very knowledgeable person, Up on the latest technology, answered every question satisfactory, but never had any field or practical experience. And answered these questions in that area by skirting around them and going back to his strengths.

Second applicant, is currently employed by a company for 15 years doing just this. Process start-up, troubleshooting and commissioning. His personality is rough, and you get the feeling from him that questioning him, your insulting his intelligence. But he answered all of his questions bluntly and with no frills. Though it seems that he is not on top of all the latest instrumentation, but he has solid experience on try and true configurations and methods.

Now with this brief synopsis, which would you choose?

I know this question isn't directed at me but I think the first candidate will provide more of a long term impact (you will benefit more in the long run once he obtains that field experience).

If you need the immediate impact go with the second candidate. I would think it would be easier for him to find a tech to work with and make up for his lack of knowledge in the latest technology than it would be for the first applicant to gain the field experience.

But you can make a case for either one.

cingold:

But you can make a case for either one.

possible, but that is not a decision.....is it?...you need to pick (cuz you the man). Budget is for one. I mean; Budget is for one, period.

I'll discuss it further on my take on it later, I think it has to do with the topic in a way of technology vs business

Just curious what others opinions are?

Thanks

phoenix911

I feel for you, do you realize this is the forty year anniversary of Woodstock. Remember when we used to make fun of people over thirty and their antiquated ways. I have a cell phone, it does what I want it to do which is act like a phone. No pictures, no texting, no music, no apps', no small screen crap that someone my age is too blind to see. It just rings, makes calls, and has voice mail.

I have a laptop for all the rest, and a PC at the office I do the rest of my work on. Its more efficient and is at least twice as powerful as anything I can hang on my belt.

My only question is, are we creating technology for the masses that is simply a toy and has no redeeming value? Is it truly helping the world become a better place or is it just being used to download and store games, music, and movies in a smaller space?

Advancement of technology is great. Honestly, I wish we would progress faster so I can see some of the sci-fi technologies before I die.

I don't, however, agree with frivalous spending on the "latest and greatest" technologies. My cell phone is 5 years old and I am only now considering replacing it (only because it's somewhat broken).

I remember when the Playstation 3 came out and everyone had to have it. It was $600+ for a gaming system. That's just too much money for me to spend on a gaming system, but if others are willing to spend that, I will let them fund Sony and other companies like it so I can reap the benefits of improved technology later on.

That being said, I think we will soon run into problems with technology due to proposed cuts in spending on the military. Historically, the bulk of technology has come from some sort of military.

NASA is also great for our country and the world. NASA is basically an R&D department for the US.

... before you DIE!

And that, my friend, is the point of life, whether one recognizes it or not.

All the science in the world will not answer the greatest question that faces everyone. "What will happen when I die?"

All the technology won't help either. And it's not about faith. That won't solve the riddle of life, either.

As for Ronseto's lament...

"Render unto techno-nerds what is techno-nerds and unto the Creator what is the Creator's." (Had to paraphrase a bit.) The whole world is caught up in a life of the senses and misses the most important part of themselves, which can only be found by turning within.

I wish we would progress faster so I can see some of the sci-fi technologies before I die.

but you have, you just have to reconize them....remember when its exists.....its no longer sci-fi

the communicators from Startrek........cell phones

Tri-corder also from startrek.....blackberry or i-phone, or variances of.

rest in peace.

I understand we have so far but I really want to see more. At least interplanetary travel for instance.

I am 25 by the way so cell phones were never really a sci-fi wish for me.

I was thinking the other day how depressing it was that mankind may not leave our solar system during my life. To think I could easily live another 50 years and we might still be focused on global warming.

On a side note, I have noticed that great ideas and inventions seem to come in bundles rather than one at a time (technology coming from WWII for instance). About 2 years ago, I told a friend that fuel efficiency might be the next driver for great innovations. I hope I end up being right on that. Better fuel efficiency could lead to new types of fuels which could lead to new propulsion designs which may eventually lead to more efficient and longer space travel.

back peddling are you .........your lucky I'm not death ......game of twister anyone?

cingold you're only 25......just keep in mind, of break through announcements, use your imagination on these, and appreciate it.

It all wouldn't be a 1st moon landing, but advancements are coming, and hopefully you don't have to experience medical advancements 1st hand.

but to remind you of sci-fi, mars landers, even though they are not the first, And again no longer sci-fi. But the amount of information is incredible.

phoenix911

I completely understand your feelings about that! And honestly, that "obsession" is not just with technology - nowadays it is because of the attraction it can create.

About 20-30 years ago, at least where I live, it looked like no living room was complete without a full set of little porcelain statues. Other than looking somewhat pretty, which is debatable since after visiting 3 houses, you've already seen all the different models the factory made, and after visiting 10 houses, you'd be incredibly bored, those objects didn't have any use - simply put "dust collectors".

My point is that there are people that have the need to own all kinds of stuff for all kinds of reasons that do not coincide with usefulness, and with the help of modern technology and modern marketing, it just spread like wildfire.

In front of an apartment I used to live in (at the 8th floor), there was a big tall banking complex. Inside the highest placed vent whole, a pair of falcons decided to build their nest. The crowds walking on the streets every day had no idea of their existence. And just watching the parents teach their young ones how to fly and how to hunt was extraordinary. Eventually, because of the rich supply of pigeons, at least one other family settled on top of a cathedral. Now I can recognize their call and always look up to watch them fly.

My second point is you don't necessarily have to live at a farm to enjoy moments of peace and serenity. There is hidden beauty all around! ;)

There is a saying that goes: "he who dies with the most toys, wins" and a follow-up "He who dies with the most toys dies".

or.......he who dies with the most toys, never lived.

How much technology do we need? That's a good question. The best measure of the wealth of the human race its productive capacity. To judge a technology, ask the question "Does it reduce the numbers of person-hours needed to accomplish a task?" For example, imagine a primitive village. In this theoretical village, it takes eight person-hours per day to meet the basic needs of living- food, clothing shelter. Now, add some basic technology like a gristmill, bakery, running water, etc. Now it only takes six person-hours per day to survive. The extra hours are available for whatever the residents want- religion, philosophy, invention, art, literature- you name it. The Amish, contrary to popular myth, aren't anti-technology. They just very carefully evaluate whether the latest innovation meets a cost-benefit analysis (including social costs.)

Think of it as ROI. Return on your investment. I look at a cellphone as an investment. I use a blackberry. I have invested years of data entry in ie. contacts , family and friends birthdays , passcodes , memos , added words to my dictionary , autotext as well as the personalized settings of the device. I dont want to start over from scratch with another manufactors device just to get a compass for my phone. Fortunately RIM ( Research in Motion ) who developed the Blackberry supplies software for transferring ( backing up and restoring ) as well as other device / computer interface utilities. I have found that I dont usually upgrade everytime a new model hits the street with a new feature. I can rely on these people to make sure all my investement with few exceptions is compatible with future models and I may upgrade once every 2-3 years. The devices are also made to last that long and longer. Dont be tempted by so many of the frivalous come and go apps that are really huge money makers and for the most part not supported by your next device or software upgrade. Stick with core applications and construction and oh yes " learn how to use it " and then put it to work.