This was written in the late 80s, but I'd guess they're still using that typewriter over 60 years after it's purchase. Not saying I completely agree with his whole essay, but there's not a lot of computing equipment still in use (or considered usable) from that era.
> But the cost would not be just mone- tary. It is well understood that technological innovation always requires the discarding of the "old model"
He's not wrong. Just try to go dig up an old laptop from ~20 years ago that you might have laying around somewhere. Yes, it might work (after you replace the battery), but can you transfer files to/from it now if it didn't have USB ports then? Or if it didn't have the current USB port that all your current devices use? Floppies were ubiquitous in the 90s, but try reading one now - it's not impossible, but you'll probably have to find some service to help you do that since it's not likely that you've had a floppy drive for close to 20 years.
As an example, I'd like to get an e-reader that would be usable in 20+ years. But that doesn't seem likely. The batteries aren't easy to change in most of these devices anymore and they'll likely fail long before that. Many of them use android and when support for your device is over... you could probably use it for a while, but eventually it's going to be difficult.
All that to say that Mr. Berry's choice doesn't seem all that crazy to me.