don't laugh at my ancient tech tools -- I use it well!
08:40, 1 September 2009
.. Posted in Communication, Outreach and General Mngmt.. Link
I'm notorious for using old technology. I still use my lime iBook running OS 9 for things my current Apple laptop can't do without my spending a whole bunch of money, such as converting raw video to different formats (and the page about my lime iBook is one of the most popular pages on my web site).
I also have an "ancient" cell phone: a Nokia 1100. People have laughed when I've taken it out to use. Never mind that it's the world's best selling phone handset, as well as the best selling consumer electronics device in the world, beating Sony's Playstation and Apple's iPod by far. It was specifically designed for use in developing countries: its keypad and front face have been designed to be as dust-proof as possible, and its sides are non-slip for humid weather -- perfect for all the traveling I do. That's probably why I'm still able to use this old work horse year after year while friends and families are often taking their year-old phones into a shop because this or that part is broken.
I use the phone not only to make and receive calls, or to send and receive text messages, from clients and friends. I also have updates from my Google calendar sent to my cell phone. No, I don't receive any Twitter updates or any RSS feeds -- I have yet to come across a feed I'd love to interrupt me regularly anywhere I am via my cell phone. Like many millions of other people, I still prefer email.
I even sometimes use the built-in flashlight.
Mission-based organizations (nonprofits, NGOs, government agencies, public schools, etc.), particularly small ones, often don't have the option to buy or to upgrade their technology tools to the latest and greatest toys on the market every few years. Luckily, you CAN get a lot out of older communications tools. Yes, there's always a point where you must upgrade. But remember that many people get as much out of their older tech tools than many people do with the latest and greatest toys.
When you are ready to upgrade, please recycle your tech tools. For phones, just go to Google and type in
- donate your cell phone
