If you’re a nostalgic person, it’s hard to say goodbye to things. Tech is no exception: according to a recent CNET survey, 31% of U.S. adults still have their old smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and other accessories because they aren’t sure what to do with them.
Others keep them for nostalgic reasons, and since CDs, DVDs, and wired earphones are becoming trendy again, they might be onto something. Like the Sony Walkman collector Mark Ip, who spent around $10k on the three Tiffany Walkmans he now owns.
Whether it’s because we’re creatures of habit or want to collect vintage stuff, we just can’t say goodbye to things that have newer and better alternatives nowadays. We were curious to find out what obsolete things folks still own and use, so we’ve scoured two Reddit threads and found the most interesting answers.
From paper book and typewriter lovers to those who swear by using a map and a compass, it turns out some people really live by the mantra “Oldie but goodie”.
Bored Panda got in touch with the person who started this discussion, u/frozenflat. The Redditor, who is a software engineer named Ron K., kindly agreed to tell us more about his own experience with old tech and why he’s more of a fan of digital. Read our conversation with him below!
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#1
Desktop PC. Some things I don’t want to do on a small screen.
Image credits: tdr37303
#2
My computer mouse. I have a laptop. The touch pad for the cursor is awkward for me to use. My mouse is more comfortable. I am good with touch screens, though.
Image credits: goddess_of_fear
#3
My physical media:
Records
CDs
Games.
Image credits: P00slinger
#4
Map and compass when hiking. GPS is great, but relying on it is asking for trouble and you don’t learn the ground in the same way.
Image credits: ImpressNice299
#5
Watch.
Not decorative, just a cheap Casio Illuminator.
rboymtj:
Yea, I’ve looked onto smart watches and they’re cool and all but I’m not giving up my gshock. I’m so used to not having to think about my watch that I don’t want to have to charge the thing every day.
Image credits: Ok_Spell_4165
#6
A printer that you plug into a laptop with a cable to print something.
I have never had a printer that you need to use an app or wifi for that works, there’s always an issue.
Image credits: 100percentAPR
#7
Plumb bob .. as a carpenter I see a lot of the younger guys using lasers on door frames and such. I still prefer my trusty plumb bob.
#8
I see a lot of people putting pen/pencil and paper.
My pick: typewriter
No electricity, looks neat and professional. You can type on note cards and envelopes without fiddling with a settings screen. Good way to disconnect if electronics distract you from working.
Biggest reason: it can be used where laptops can’t because of security or EMI while still much faster than handwriting.
#9
Bicycle.
Dutch btw, so it’s a different ballgame for me. I see so many e-bikes, especially those fashionable fat-bikes, zip by. In such a hurry to get into an accident without a helmet. I’ll stick to leaving on time on my oldfashioned 8-gear citybike, so I may take my time to enjoy the scenery along the ride, and stay out of trouble.
#10
My walkman!
Badabbacus:
Went to a museum and saw a CD walkman behind glass and thought to my self I must be antique now.
Image credits: depressionsquirrels
#11
My old Crockpots. Those things cook.
#12
Flip phones, arguments hit harder when you can slam it shut.
#13
I’ve had the same alarm clock for 25 years. A few years ago I saw one absolutely identical for sale.
#14
My safety razor from 1963.
Close shave, no razor burn and blades cost pennies.
#15
My scanner/printer/fax that uses dry toner. I we don’t print much but it keeps on keeping on.
Image credits: Icy-Ad-7767
#16
I have all of my old gaming systems with games boxed up in my storage. Best part of it is my entire Disney Infinity collection. It is how I got my kids into gaming and I hope to play with grandkids one day.
Image credits: jimfish98
#17
My Nintendo 3DS that raised me better than my father (he is a piece of garbage).
otakugal15:
Still have my old DSLite and 2DS. I REFUSE to get rid of those because I still like to replay my old Pokémon games that are still not available on Switch.
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Image credits: Comfortable-Gap-1626
#18
Books. Yes I use digital ones, mainly for travels, but there is something about paper books that is awsome.
Image credits: Natharius
#19
Pencil/pen and paper.
barredowl123:
Yep! I still keep a paper calendar in a little book that goes everywhere with me.
Image credits: vanillablue_
#20
A real, wall hung calendar. Keeps our family life organisation all in one place for all ages to see. Plus you’re forced to ‘go home and check the calendar’ when making appointments/getting invited places, which just gives a bit of much needed time to stop, think and assess how best to keep the balance of time commitments.
Image credits: pollifilla
#21
Paper planners and notebooks. I love physically writing things down and it helps me remember things better.
Image credits: masochist-
#22
CD player and DVD player. If the internet/wifi/cellular goes down, you can’t watch your streaming services. However, actual DVDs will work. Pop one in and press play! No internet required for those!
Image credits: ggfchl
#23
Old school pencil sharpener. Nothing beats a freshly sharpened #2 pencil.
Image credits: Plastic-Ratio-199
#24
I still have my grandmother’s waffle iron. The taste and shape of the waffles on it are incredible, no new waffle iron can make them. Quality and experience prevail.
Image credits: Tiny-Benefit6329
#25
My DVD player (well blue ray really).
crazylittlemermaid:
My friends made fun of me for holding onto my DVD player and collection of DVDs. Then I was without internet for a month after moving (thanks comcast) and they stopped laughing. The DVD player saved me from a month of absolute boredom and watching things on my tiny phone screen. I’ve mostly packed the DVDs away at this point, but I refuse to actually get rid of them.
Image credits: assembly_faulty
#26
My iPod Classic. Still works like a charm and has my entire music library from high school. Pure nostalgia in my pocket.
Image credits: sabrinacrivera
#27
My treadle sewing machine. It’s like 100 years old and will probably outlast me and my siblings’ kids.
When the power is out I can still sew.
Image credits: feverishdodo
#28
My turntable, showing my age but still got lots of vinyl.
TheNJGM:
Right there with you. Still have a pair of my old Technics 1200mk2 with hundreds of vinyl. Never giving them up.
Far_Section3715:
If it makes you feel better, vinyl is back and big.
Image credits: Desperado_Dan_
#29
My classic fountain pen.
Most_Art507:
I always use a fountain pen when I’m writing ” proper” letters, if I’m writing notes I use a pencil.
#30
Old cables. They come in handy so frequently!
jim914:
I’m the same way I have used so many old cables as donors when I need wire to fix a broken wire! The plug from an old charger is like having a bar of gold laying around its almost impossible to find stores that sell replacement plugs anymore and online ordering is a joke need to buy 50 just to get the one needed!
Image credits: lithiumcitizen
#31
Black rotary dial phone in the garage. Still working faithfully even during power outages.
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