Obsolete Technology: 8 Innovations That Everyone Thought Would Last

Today, technology moves at the speed of light. That smartphone you just bought will be obsolete technology by the time you’re done reading this article. By this time next year, you’ll be able to get a phone that holds more and does more for the same price, if not less. In the world of technology, there is no “keeping up with the Joneses” because the Jones’ technology just got passed up.

It really is amazing how fast things change. In fact, here are eight innovative (at the time) pieces of technology that quickly went by the wayside in lieu of better alternatives. And the amazing thing about these eight pieces? Everyone thought they would last because they were so awesome in their day!

#1: Dial-Up Modems

Remember the first time you fired up a dial-up modem to connect to that fledgling technology known as the Internet? No doubt you remember that ear-splitting sound and patiently waiting for the connection to be made, which could sometimes take a few attempts. Kinda makes you feel guilty about complaining about the speed of your broadband, doesn’t it? Back in the day, a PC with a built-in modem was considered top-of-the-line!

#2: Floppy Discs

If you had a PC with a modem, then odds are you are all-too familiar with floppy disc storage media. Original floppies were massive 8-inch squares which were quickly followed by 5 ¼-inch square “discs” and then by the incredibly convenient 3 ½-inch floppies. Later, higher-volume floppies known as zip discs and jaz disks would be introduced. But, as CD-Rs, and later DVD-Rs, were introduced, floppies quickly died off without fanfare. And, with today’s efficient and affordable flash drive media, CDs and DVDs are more than likely soon to follow floppy’s demise.

#3: Video Storage Media

Remember VHS tapes or its strange step-brother, the Betamax tape? How about those LP-sized laserdiscs? Yesterday’s video storage media was huge in size and small on capacity. Today things have changed with DVDs capable of holding dozens’ of worth of VHS-compatible video media and Blu-Rays capable of holding even more. And, with cloud-based storage, video encryption software, and online streaming options available, even DVDs and Blu-Rays see the writing on the wall.

#4: Audio Cassettes

Audio cassettes rose out of the flames of those dreaded 8-track cassettes. Smaller, lighter, and simply more convenient, audio cassettes littered the floor of many a car in the 70s and 80s. And, with the ability to make your own mix-tapes, how could audio cassettes not last forever? Again, you can thank CDs for the demise of yet another beloved tape media. But, with modern audio streaming services and MP3 players, CDs also find themselves on the endangered species list.

#5: Answering Machines

How did families exist before the invention of the answering machine? How many important calls were simply missed because nobody was home to answer the phone? The answering machine was a welcome addition in most American homes and it offered peace of mind to many a mother. But, with today’s reliance on cell phones and VoIP-based phone systems with built-in answering machines, the beloved piece of technology with the blinking red light is no longer a regular household item.

#6: Cathode Ray Tube Televisions

Cathode ray tube televisions were so heavy; they were mostly made in floor models because tables simply couldn’t support them. Even the smaller, more portable varieties tested one’s strength. Thankfully, with the introduction of LCD and plasma flat screens, cathode ray TVs are now obsolete technology and nobody’s more happy about this than your back!

#7: Public Pay Phones

In the “old days,” if you were leaving the house, you had to always carry a dime in your pocket so you could call home using a public pay phone if you needed to. But, when was the last time you saw a public pay phone outside of an episode of Doctor Who?

#8: Pagers

Before cell phones, pagers (or beepers) were used for one-way message delivery. Callers who needed to get a hold of the pager-owner would dial a dedicated phone number and then input the phone number they wanted to be called back on. The pager would beep when it received the numerical message and then the pagee would usually have to resort to finding one of those ubiquitous public pay phones to call the individual back.

How Much Obsolete Technology are You holding On To?

If there is one standard when it comes to obsolete technology is that it usually finds its way into landfills where it can slowly leak toxic chemicals and materials into the environment. But, with the ongoing improvements in technology, there are also improvements being introduced for processing and handling obsolete technologies.
Liquid Technology offers state-of-the-art e-waste recycling and disposal for corporations looking to liquidate retired technology that no longer plays an active role in their operations. How much obsolete technology are you holding on to and should you consider liquidation? Call Liquid Technology today at 800-797-5478 and let us give you a free assessment!