I guess that one could classify me as an old fart who doesn't walk in rhythm with the rest of the world. Of course, I have never in my life moved in time with anything that I didn't need or that didn't make sense to me. Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising to anyone who knows me that I have been called obstinate once or twice. It isn't that I am against progress, it is just that my life evolves around necessity. The luxuries are included only if I need them and have both the time and the money.
I don't think I am as bad as some about upgrading my technology though. About two years ago a relative (who shall remain nameless) broke his cell phone and was upset because the store no longer carries that model. I laughed because he had one of the old brick phones which have been obsolete for years. He had kept and used the same phone for emergencies for over fifteen years. To console him they provided him with a basic flip phone at no charge and he was thrilled with the upgrade.
It is surprising to some that I purchased an Internet tablet, a Wii, and a smart phone within the last sixty days. A new computer is next on my list because my computer and my laptop are six years old and showing their age. My cell phone was awe inspiring when I purchased it three years ago but, as it is with most technology, it was old news in less than a year. However, what I had met my needs so I didn't consider an upgrade. I believe in buying the best that I can afford then keeping it until there is a true need for a replacement. Until recently my cell phone did the job that I needed it to do, the tablet is just a convenience, and the Wii was a Christmas gift to myself.
As someone who has always prided herself on being computer literate, I didn't realize how far technology had progressed until I got my Nook Tablet. My kids bought me a Nook for Christmas. I was so excited over the gift and touched by their thoughtfulness. However, I had been thinking of purchasing a Tablet and the research I had done prior to Christmas inidicated that the Nook Tablet would meet my needs so I upgraded their gift.
I have never used Wi Fi and my new tablet runs on it. Over the last few months I had considered purchasing a Wi Fi device for my laptop and the tablet motivated me to read up on my options. However, I am busy and didn't consider this to be a priority until we took my granddaughter to our friends for dinner. Their home has multiple computers and is set up for wireless. As my friend and I were looking at her IPad, I let my granddaughter play a couple of games on my nook. This little two year old navigates my tablet better than I do so I should not have been so surprised to see a few apps downloaded that I hadn't purchased. When I saw them I said, "How did these get here?" Vi immediately takes my tablet out of my hands and wisely says "I show you nana." The she proceeds to download another.
Fortunately she only did about eight dollars worth of damage to my credit card but I learned two things. First, turn off the Wi Fi before I let her use it.
Second, I really need to get up to date on technology.
It didn't take too long to decide what I could do and what I needed. I was primarily interested in side loading files and tethering to the Internet through a wireless device. Side loading was easy but to tether I had to buy a 4G smart phone and decided to change providers for a better monthly fee. My old cell phone contract had already expired so I researched phones. Yesterday I changed providers and brought home my brand new smart phone. Once I become familiar with the features I can do my homework on my patio or in the park, listen to Pandora, and Skype with my daughter without running home to the computer. When the man at the cell phone store told me the instructions for the phone are online but the phone is user friendly I told him that I have something better to help me.
"What is that?" he asked.
"A 24 year old son and a three year old grand daughterwho picks up this stuff better than I do." I laughed.
Next, I had to rethink my cable television. I examined my cable bill and decided that since people can watch television on other devices it was time to rethink my approach. Since I don't watch television myself, but I do like movies, the feature of importing Nexflix via a Wii was appealing so I bought one. To be honest, in the two months of Wii ownership I haven't used Netflix yet because I discovered that Mario Cart is so much fun. Recently myself and five friends were on the Wii playing Mario Cart. My son walked in late one evening and was surprised to see a group of menopausal women sitting on the floor with Wii controllers in hand completely focused on racing Mario's cart around a virtual racetrack yelling "GO GO GO!!".
I am currently putting money aside for a new computer and wireless printer. By the time I am ready for the new computer my phone and tablet will already be yesterdays news but I see no reason to look at upgrades if what I have meets my needs. Keeping up with technology reminds me of going to Las Vegas and betting on a race one can never win because, just like a trip to Las Vegas, each time I enter the technology race I have a little fun and lose some cash. .
