New is Not Always Better

I miss the romance of old school technology. Somethings that were pretty straightforward get complicated by features.

Features, cram our everyday gadgets from cellphones to digicams to software.

Case in point, digicams: I admire the photographer who still has the instinct to look though the viewfinder of an SLR camera. I admire the photographer who understands, shutter speed, f-stop, ISO/ASA ratings and point of infinity. Leaning back with an arched back to view an LCD screen to me is so counterintuitive. Don't get me wrong I love digicams, they have taken the unnecessary expense of film and developing out of the equation. You get to view your pictures before you print them and immediately see the results of the shot.

But some cameras have done away with the viewfinder altogether. Sometimes I really need a steady shot in low lighting and I don't want to use the flash. Photographers know that the face acts as a tripod when using a camera and it's easier to brace for a shot. But without the viewfinder holding cameras at arms length becomes a chore. Sure some cameras have anti-jitter features to steady the shot. But that I believe is an example of superfluous tech.

Tape, I miss tape. I miss audio tape. Old tapes that are stored shabilly for 20 years still faithfully make music despite their age. CDs on the other hand are the most fragile of objects, a scratch renders your songs unlistenable. Format is a fast paced game, MP3, WMA, DVD-r, DVD+R sheesh it's hard to keep up. But tape, good old magnetic tape play and dub away.

Tapes are a good long term medium between Vinyl (also prone to scratching and broken needles) and CDs (sensitive to vibrations) but hey the tape is a technological has been now.

Mimeograph, argh no one seems to make them anymore. It's now the digital age so you get digital copiers that does what the mimeograph cannot. But hey, the mimeograph can run on hand power. It can use old diesel engine oil as ink. How's that for consumables? It's the partner of the dot-matrix (impact) printer.

But what has happened?

Manufacturers seem to be cramming more and more features to create a timed obselence from the things we buy. I have a feeling that RnD labs actually figure out dozens of applications for new technology but release them in trickles so we keep coming back for more.

I can't resolve this post, i don't know how to end my rants, but its there. Is there anyone who can relate to what I've just said?