Technologies that should be extinct (but aren't) | Hacker News Reader

Technologies that should be extinct (but aren't)

msnbc.msn.com

9 pointsedw51918 comments

My parents keep a landline phone in addition to cell phones and VOIP service for one simple reason: it works when the power fails. That said, in all but the most dire situations it is a wart on the wall wasting money.

Fax machines are likely to stick around because they have beautifully simple usability: load a document, enter a number, and hit send. Done.

If only the Internet Fax specifications were written in a more sane manner...

Did anybody else see title link and have the same reaction:

"Technologies that should be extinct (but aren't) (msn.com)"

no fair giving the answer at the very end like that!

The typewriter could perhaps be the most productive device on that list. I mean it's more productive than say, WriteRoom with fullscreen distraction mode. Perhaps its existence could be justified because it really forces one to choose their words carefully, no backspace right.

Hmm, maybe I should find a typewriter and hack it to post to my posterous.

By the very late 80s type writers had both backspace and various types of typographic emphasis (I distinctly recall bold, italic and underline, you could also type in red and black.)

I used to use my mom's electric typewriter to fit more text into a postcard ;-)

I think the backspace on those typewriters only put a strike through on each alphabet. Not exactly same as the electronic backspace.

The backspace on newer typewriters works by re-striking the character with a paper-colored correction tape. They do a pretty good job.

I disagree with turntables being on the list.

Me too. There is a surprising amount of new vinyl released every year.

To send a first-class priority (same-day) message from New York to Los Angeles now costs $25, plus 88 cents a word.

Does anyone know of a valid reason to pay 88 cents a word in 2010? It made sense in the old days where they used Morse code, but you would think that the telegrams are sent electronically now.

Paper medical records.

I keep a landline phone because I've never had a dropped call with one and rarely if ever had less than perfect audio quality.

& the incandescent bulb should be extinct

I think hipsters are responsible for keeping our cool old technology around.

nothing ever truly dies. I was pretty sure the telegram had, but was surprised to read it still lives. crazy.

I wonder what technology will be added to this list next. Any guesses?

IE6

Congress

As much as I agree to the premise, I don't like the tone. It seems like in the next 10 years this guy is going to post an article titled "Ditch that body and upload your brains you morons" (or something like that, I am not good with titles).

Granted these things are old, agreed they are very very obsolete (there have been third or fourth generation advancements to technologies like telegram. Telegram->telephone->mobiles->voip), but there is still a amusement while using them. I know these are just ruses of old people (or young ones like me who missed that era) but who is he to crucify us?

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