So, sell me ... - 02/25/11 03:13 PM
As a quasi-reluctant user of modern technology, I'd be interested in hearing how those who actually use same with aplomb might tout such to folk such as me.
Given my relatively archaic computer/OS and browser, I'm continually bombarded with pleas to upgrade to make my using such sites "a faster and better experience" — to which I reply, "For whom?"
When I've used more up-to-date computers and browsers, I find, for example, my webmail surrounded with ads (targeted to the content of the subject line and probably also message content) and with all manner of other distracting "goodies". With my set-up, I view everything in basic HTML, meaning that I see only my email (which is exactly what I desire).
Many have also suggested that I bring myself into the 21st century and get a cell phone (mayhap even a smartphone) and/or an iPad and/or ....
My question is: Why should I?!
The only high tech device which I find in any way useful is a GPS for the car (eg, Garmin nüvi) — great for trips and not half bad for getting around in most cities. And it's a one-time purchase.
Otherwise, every ad I've seen for such devices turns me off; I haven't yet seen an app or a purpose which I would consider desirable. Add to that the outrageous ongoing costs of having such connected to the world and in some cases being connected in ways inimical to my privacy and security (eg, iPhone and iPad), and I can only see downsides to acquiring any of this stuff.
So, if you think I'm really missing something by being somewhat a troglodyte, by all means pretend you're a gadget salesman and sell me ...
(Just to provide a starting point: I use the computer and the Internet for information purposes, receiving and sending email, and the like — ie, activities for my personal benefit and convenience. I don't play computer games [other than MacSolitaire], don't have any interest in the so-called social media, watch perhaps one YouTube video a month which I can view on someone else's equipment, and so on. And I am not hooked up to any type of broadband.)
Given my relatively archaic computer/OS and browser, I'm continually bombarded with pleas to upgrade to make my using such sites "a faster and better experience" — to which I reply, "For whom?"
When I've used more up-to-date computers and browsers, I find, for example, my webmail surrounded with ads (targeted to the content of the subject line and probably also message content) and with all manner of other distracting "goodies". With my set-up, I view everything in basic HTML, meaning that I see only my email (which is exactly what I desire).
Many have also suggested that I bring myself into the 21st century and get a cell phone (mayhap even a smartphone) and/or an iPad and/or ....
My question is: Why should I?!
The only high tech device which I find in any way useful is a GPS for the car (eg, Garmin nüvi) — great for trips and not half bad for getting around in most cities. And it's a one-time purchase.
Otherwise, every ad I've seen for such devices turns me off; I haven't yet seen an app or a purpose which I would consider desirable. Add to that the outrageous ongoing costs of having such connected to the world and in some cases being connected in ways inimical to my privacy and security (eg, iPhone and iPad), and I can only see downsides to acquiring any of this stuff.
So, if you think I'm really missing something by being somewhat a troglodyte, by all means pretend you're a gadget salesman and sell me ...
(Just to provide a starting point: I use the computer and the Internet for information purposes, receiving and sending email, and the like — ie, activities for my personal benefit and convenience. I don't play computer games [other than MacSolitaire], don't have any interest in the so-called social media, watch perhaps one YouTube video a month which I can view on someone else's equipment, and so on. And I am not hooked up to any type of broadband.)