The Technology Spectator

I have been an engaged spectator through the entire personal computing era. The change has been stunning. I can’t imagine what it looks like to my parents. They grew up before television, when only some homes had phones!

Does my daughter even understand the extent of change since she was a child?

The Phillies game is playing next to me. It’s on my tablet, leaning against a sofa cushion, outside in the California room–aka, the patio. Meanwhile, I’m also typing on a laptop kept out here. My phone, screen up, is on the table. Helaine just called. She and Stef are over an hour away.

Nothing in the first paragraph existed when Helaine and I were married. No cellphones. No Internet. No pocket size (or wall size) video screens. We thought before making expensive long distance calls.

I have been an engaged spectator through the entire personal computing era. The change has been stunning. I can’t imagine what it looks like to my parents. They grew up before television, when only some homes had phones!

Does my daughter even understand the extent of change since she was a child?

It’s not just that screens exist, but the breadth of material available to fill them. What can’t I beckon? What information isn’t available?

It’s an immensely profitable business. Someone will figure out how to compete with newer technology. Prices will plummet. Falling prices is an inevitable given in this technological age.

I see contemporaries who’ve failed to embrace this revolution that’s swept over us. Some take pride in their Luddite position, though it’s obvious they don’t know what they don’t know! I feel sorry for them.