We’ve all experienced it. The latest and greatest gets released and we think one of two things: “I HAVE to have this!” or “There’s no way they are going to get me to spend my money!”
I’m the latter kind of person. I hang onto phones, computers and cars as long as humanly possible. Does it mean I don’t long for the latest and greatest? Nope. I just am a practical, frugal teacher.
Last year, my beloved Camry that I expected to continue driving until well after I paid it off was struck from behind and totaled. I wanted to buy another Camry, but somehow the dealer convinced me to try a Kia Cadenza. “Does it fit a 10 foot board?”, I queried. “Seats don’t fold down, but there is a pass through.” I told him I’d bring it back if the boards wouldn’t fit. They fit. I was sold.
Now comes the latest dilemma: the new iPhones are out. My older iPhone 7 is acting up. Won’t install apps. Doesn’t raise to wake anymore. Refuses to do the simplest of tasks. My phone has plenty of memory. I’ve ditched a lot of apps that I just don’t use. I’ve tried everything I can think of. But still, it’s old technology. And Apple knows it.
Oh, Apple, how you know your market! The newest iPhone 11 comes in at the amazing price of $699.99. While still more money than this old Yankee really wants to spend, it’s still less than what I paid for the current phone I have. And the technology is SO much better!
Don’t even think to ask me if I’ve considered an Android. I won’t. I’m an Apple user tried and true. (Mostly!) My devices integrate seamlessly – except my work laptop which still plays well with them in the Cloud environment.
So what is my problem? My problem with new technology is that I just want my old technology to work. Just plain work. Not planned obsolescence. Not forcing me to upgrade. Not MAKING me do anything!
Alas, my job as a Digital Learning Coordinator requires me to have instant access to everything. Could I function without a phone? Maybe, but it wouldn’t be pretty! I rely on this little device that I use for just about everything. I even occasionally make phone calls. And while I’m not proud of my need for this, it truly has become part of my life. For better or for worse.
I have fought the urge. I have even talked myself out of a new phone several times. I acquiesced and went with my husband to sit at the store to look at new phones. But I didn’t make the move until today. Today the inability to download a necessary piece of financial software pushed me over the edge. I have officially caved.
My new iPhone 11 will be here shortly. Budget blown. But, problem solved. 😎
Vinal Tech Blog 
Hi, Barb.
Very interesting post!
I’m wondering who’s in control? Does our technology control us?
As a lifelong Android/PC proponent, I feel like I’ve always been in control of my device. I feel like I was the one calling the shots, and not the larger company. I felt like I was in control of my own technology.
It wasn’t until 2015 when I was a STEM Specialist on an iPad cart going into all the campus spaces where I truly realized the nature of the i-world. While undeniably stable and child-ready in terms of safety, I’ve always recognized the i-world to be like a locked box. While perfect for a moment, it will soon go obsolete, and you can’t get inside the locked box to make changes and keep the devices going for a long time, at least very easily or legally, so to speak. Therefore, you (and the school and school system) are forced to change and spend more money.
With any PC or Android device, I’ve always felt like the devices were very much more an unlocked box, where users could adapt functions, apps, hardware, and software as needed. These options are great for individual, adult users, but I can also see how this would pose a problem for students in a school setting, not to mention the confidential privacy things that I may not know.
I guess I’m just wondering if you’re willing to take a risk? Are you willing to look at a Samsung Galaxy Note 10, for example? Just curious…
Thanks for making me think–again!
Kyle
My husband loves his Galaxy note. I’ve explored it but I must admit that it overwhelms me. From a music standpoint (creation and performance) the iOS platform has it hands down in my opinion. Nothing comes close to what I can do with Garageband and ForScore on my iPad.
While I complain about Apple, this is such a first world problem that I hesitated posting it in the first place.
Thanks for always challenging my thinking! You make me a better educator.