How connected are you to technology?

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » July 12, 2007, 6:21 pm

I know we have a very tech-savvy and tech-friendly crowd here on VV. I'm curious how technology influences the lives of people here.

I'm probably on the bottom of the barrel, as far as VV goes.

I own the following pieces of technology/home electronics:

1 27" tube television, probably about 10 years old.
1 DVD player
1 Nintendo 64
1 Sony Dreamcast
1 desktop computer, 5 years old and never really upgraded
1 laptop computer, 1 year old
1 iPod Shuffle (one of the olds ones that's shaped like a pack of gum)
1 cell phone

I use the TV to watch SportsCenter, and once in awhile something on Discovery, Animal Planet, or Comedy Central. I never use the DVD player because I don't like watching movies. I play the N64 maybe twice a year, when someone comes over who wants to play Mario kart. I've never played the Dreamcast in my life, it was given to me by someone who was throwing it out. The desktop is used for nothing but file storage. The laptop is vital to me, I use it for work, school, and web-browsing. My web-browsing basically consists of checking the news, the sports news, VV, my email, reading up on politics, checking facebook, checking out a few friends websites, and watching live music on YouTube. I do not play any games. The only programs I use on any sort of regular basis are AIM, Firefox, and Word. I rarely use my iPod. I could listen to it on the train during my commute, but the train is noisy and reading books entertains me just fine. It would be nice to have at the gym , but I haven't bothered bringing it yet. My cell phone is my only phone and is very important to my day-to-day functioning. It was the phone which came free with a contract at the time I signed up. I use it to make calls and send text messages. I think it has internet functionality, which I do not use. I also do not customize it in any way-- the best I did was take a picture of my cat and set it as my background, and change my ringtone from the default Samsung ring to another preprogrammed one.

I have virtually no technical skills. I'm fairly capable of following instructions, so I can do things like install programs, troubleshoot from a guide, upgrade software, etc. Beyond that, I'm pretty hopeless-- any technical problem that can't be explained with a google search is beyond my abilities.

I would like to play Halo 3 when it comes out (Halo is the only game I've really enjoyed since EQ-- with the exception of one WC3 custom game which doesn't really exist anymore). However, that would require me to buy an Xbox 360, buy a live account, buy Halo 3, and buy some controllers. That seems like an absurd expenditure on a student's budget, and I can think of lots of things I could do with that money which would bring me more happiness (concert tickets, 100 drinks at a bar, books, hiking gear, etc), so I probably won't do it.

I'm not really a good person to start this thread, since I'm so disconnected with technology in general, but I'm really curious about how other people interact with it. How much do you own? How often do you use it, and for what? Do you work with technology? How does this work affect your relationship with technology outside of work? Do you have tech-related hobbies? Do you have special technology skills? Is technology integral to your day to day existence/entertainment/enjoyment? How concerned are you with the quality of your technology? Do you find that technology has enriched your life? And so on....

My day would be disrupted if I lost my cell phone or my laptop. Beyond that, everything else I own could disappear for months at a time and I'd hardly notice.

How about you!?

cadalano · Post by **cadalano** » July 12, 2007, 7:49 pm

i shit microchips

Post by **pyrella** » July 12, 2007, 7:56 pm

cadalano wrote:i shit microchips

basically that

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2007, 9:06 pm

50" Samsung HDTV
DirecTV HD DVR
2 non-HD DVRs
2 computers
1 laptop
1 cell phone
2 mp3 players
4 DVD players
2 Digital Cameras
1 Video Security System

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » July 12, 2007, 11:00 pm

50" Sony Wega
Bell HDTV package
2 DVD players
5.1 surround sound
1 Digital Camera
1 Sony Erikson cell phone
1 mp3 player
1 PC
Every clock I own in my house is digital and can adjust time automatically. It handled the new DST on it's own.
Car starter

My job is developing new technology. I write code that works with DSP chips, UARTs, etc.

I'm also working on getting video security cameras. Its not needed for me really, but it's a toy I really want to play with. Insurance might come down a bit too.

I wouldn't know what to do if a giant EMP went off and destroyed all the technology in the world.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » July 13, 2007, 12:05 am

My alarm clock is from like... 1985.

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » July 13, 2007, 12:54 am

The comp I'm using now is the one I bought while I was still playing EQ. I upgraded the RAM and the graphics card to be able to play WoW. I don't have a laptop. I have a cell phone and an Ipod video (which I got for christmas) but that is basically it. Don't own a TV, but I borrowed a tiny TV only to be able to watch daily show and colbert. Even now I don't watch those shows nearly as often as I used to. If you count sirius satellite radio, then I got that for christmas as well.

And Py can attest to this, when it comes to anything computers, i'm about as literate as a blind monkey.

MooZilla · Post by **MooZilla** » July 13, 2007, 2:06 am

1 vibrator.

and a dell xps 700.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » July 13, 2007, 2:24 am

I wake up and disconnect my Windows Mobile Phone (xv6700) from my Apple Powerbook G4 Titanium where it charged overnight, reset my alarm clock, and turn off my sound machine (i have mild tinnitis)
I get ready and stop at my dual core pc with 24" lcd to check email and pr.Ogame before leaving for the morning.
I check my email on the phone while driving in, deleting all the garbage...
I get to work and sit in front of a Thinkpad T42 all day with a wireless laser mouse.
After work I might watch the 56" Samsung HDTV, or play my hacked PSP, or head to the bar (possibly with my Cybershot T7 in tow).

I carry my work laptop everywhere, and in a pinch I've hooked it up to the phone over USB or IR and got internet access on the side of the road.

I love technology and desire it as if it were power or pussy.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » July 13, 2007, 2:42 am

Heh, I am in a transitional phase at the moment.

Right now:
27' tube tv (on last leg, see below)
Digital Cable w/ dvr, etc.
Ipod video (xmas)
Cell Phone
5 year old comp (it retailed at 3800 so it's still relatively nice, except for the vid card)
DVD player

Within a few months:
50'+ HDTV (eye on 57' 1080p wega or toshiba)(go big or go fag, I say)
Same cable
Same ipod
Blackberry or whatever badass cell phone Verizon can muster up in a month when I get my new plan
Upgrade comp

It's not that I have a new job, though I'll have one soon enough, it's just that all of my goods are on their last leg and financing my new technology will last me until I can easily pay it off before my 18 months same as cash interest (thanks best buy!) kicks in.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » July 13, 2007, 3:15 am

56" HDTV (new)
36" Picture Tube (15 years old)
HD DVR (new)
2 5 Disc DVD players, one is HDMI (upgraded HDMI new, other is about 3 years old)
30G Zen Widescreen MP3/Video player (about a year old)

1 Dell XPS system with 24" Widescreen, wireless keyboard and mouse (about 2.5 years old)
1 Home built system with 19" LCD (about 5 years old)
1 HP 17" Widescreen Media Laptop (6 months old)
1 750G External HD (new)
1 4G USB drive
3-4 1G or less USB drives
2 USB Headsets with mics
1 Noise Cancelling headset just for music

1 Digital Camera (1 year old)

1 Katana cell phone (6 months old)

I own over 500 DVDs
I had over 700 CDs, but converted them all to MP3s and sold them about 3-4 years ago. I've DLed music ever since. I'll likely do the same with my DVD collection one day.

I own a generation one PS2 and about 25 games for it. I've come to realize I'm a casual platform gamer at best

I have a generation one Nintento DS with about 12 games that sees spurts of decent playtime.

I have a really nice desk layout on the lower level of my house. My wife and my desk form a "T" shape, with our backs towards some floor to ceiling windows, while we face out into a large living room area with 2 couches and a overstuffed chair and ottoman. Our monitors are on swivel bases. When she is not at her PC, I swivel her monitor towards me and put in a DVD. I play games on my PC with the 24" and surf the Net with the laptop. To my immediate left is a 20' wall of bookcases. The 3 closest bookcases to me have my DVD collection, all my PC games, and all my Warhammer 40k minis, boxsets, and games. In the corner, and always within reaching distance, is my accustic guitar and digital camera. My desk drawers are full of Paints, brushes, primer, and all the tools required for painting and assembling miniatures. I have a mini fridge within reaching distance on my right full of ice cold mountain dew. This is my haven.

When I'm upstairs, I'm usually reclined on a oversized and overstuffed chair playing WoW on the laptop while I watch DVDs. My cellphone is always within my reach, but I always set it down at home and never carry it in a pocket. My wife thinks that is weird for some reason.

Overall, I am so happy with my home and toys, it almost brings tears to my eyes. Not only is it modern and functional, but the open layout and the materials used in it's construction make it extremely unique. We've decorated accordingly, and everything has come together to form a very high tech friendly home, with a big sloppy load of style.

I live hand in hand with technology. I use it to enhance my life at every opportunity. It is my primary source of entertainment. I am a consumer whore.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 13, 2007, 3:29 am

1 120" sanyo Z2 HD Projector
1 120" Sanyo Z4 HD Projector
1 42" Toshiba HDTV

Hacked Xbox
Hacked PS2
Hacked Xbox 360

DirecTivo HD DVR
Cox Cable HD DVR

2 X 24" LCD

Cell phones, MP3 players, Laptops, PCs, Home Theaters stuffage, small shiny objects, 5X Lightsaber spoons,

Not sure what you're asking for. If you mean digitally connected as in wired for information then the answer will be a little different and more PC/Tech/Efficiency related like wireless bluetooth headsets, fancy gizmos to get data, storage (3TB and climbing) etc....and also focused more on how information is gathered..example being using newgroups to download TV episodes instead of using a DVR or watching them on TV, grabbing podcasts and listening to specific shows without commercials to maximize use of commute travel time, a networked home for easy access to movies, music, etc. Things like that.

When I think of how I'm connected, I think of how I can gather data and view it in the most efficient way that integrates into the rest of my life...the ultimate goal being having whatever I want, wherever I want, easily accessed (input device/UI), and viewed in the best possible way.(retinal scan display, wireless, etc)

rhyae · Post by **rhyae** » July 13, 2007, 9:48 am

Sirensa wrote:My alarm clock is from like... 1985.

basically that

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » July 13, 2007, 10:18 am

Now if you will all post your addresses we can let the fun begin.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » July 13, 2007, 10:22 am

123 Fake Street.

Morgrym · Post by **Morgrym** » July 13, 2007, 10:30 am

2 desktops (his and hers) about 4 years old
1 50" TV (family)
TV in my room
TV in daughters room
Digital Cable /w DVR
10 yr old stereo (first thing I am upgrading)
Couple of cell phones (nothing fancy, new LG video phone)

That's about it, I don't own an Ipod and don't really see a reason to.

Somali · Post by **Somali** » July 13, 2007, 10:38 am

Winnow wrote: viewed in the best possible way.(retinal scan display, wireless, etc)

Would you really say Retinal Scan is the best possible way?
Personally, I'm a little iffy about bombarding my eye directly with the image, but I'm also somewhat curious how that type of technology would handle blacks or other very dark colors.

miir · Post by **miir** » July 13, 2007, 10:46 am

Sueven wrote:I know we have a very tech-savvy and tech-friendly crowd here on VV. I'm curious how technology influences the lives of people here.

I'm probably on the bottom of the barrel, as far as VV goes.

I own the following pieces of technology/home electronics:

I'm not that far off except in terms of my computers:

1 30" CRT TV, only a few years old.
1 DVD player
1 PS2
3 desktop computers, 1 server. 1 is cutting edge, one is my old gaming rig and the other is a mac.
1 iPod Shuffle (one of the olds ones that's shaped like a pack of gum)
I have no cellphone other than my blackberry from work.

I work in IT.

Neost · Post by **Neost** » July 13, 2007, 11:39 am

recently dead projector (to be replaced soon with HD LCD of some type)
36" tube TV
HD DVR w/2 tuners (dishnetwork)
3 desktop computers, 1 kind of old, 2 fairly recent builds
2 laptops, 1 from work
mix of wireless and cabled network
wii
xbox
xbox360
ipod nano (soon to be replaced with the archos 605 wifi me thinks)
cell phone
2 digital cameras
3 wireless surveillance cameras (installed after someone slashed my son's tires)
bulletproof electronics ARSE keyless ignition (for my bike, the fob has to be within 10' of the motorcycle to start it, no key no fuss)

miir · Post by **miir** » July 13, 2007, 11:42 am

for my bike, the fob has to be within 10' of the motorcycle to start it, no key no fuss

That's a brilliant idea.
I've started to see some car manufacturers pick up on this.
Specifically, the Impreza STI comes standard with that.

Drolgin Steingrinder · Post by **Drolgin Steingrinder** » July 13, 2007, 1:38 pm

hrm, think I'm lowgrade here!

Self-built desktop, gradually upgraded. As I'm no longer playing as many games as I used to, I don't have the same hardon for the newest crap as I once did. Not really upgraded for the past year and a half.
XPS 12.1" laptop, just over half a year old
5 year old tv, unused.
iPod video
crappy cellphone sans camera or any fancy stuff
Cordless skype phone
5mbit internet (not yet working, new apartment and all)

That's it.

cadalano · Post by **cadalano** » July 13, 2007, 2:14 pm

miir wrote:
for my bike, the fob has to be within 10' of the motorcycle to start it, no key no fuss
That's a brilliant idea.
I've started to see some car manufacturers pick up on this.
Specifically, the Impreza STI comes standard with that.

all new mitsu models have it as an option. problem is you have to get a nav system that costs like $1700 to get the keyless entry/ignition.

works the same on the doors and trunk, you just have to be nearby and it will let you open everything. i wanted it bad!

Syenye · Post by **Syenye** » July 13, 2007, 3:43 pm

this is a fun thread. between my husband and me:

(2) T42p Thinkpads
(2) G4 Powerbooks
(2) Samsung Blackjacks
(2) Motorola Bluetooth Headsets
(1) Jawbone Headset
(1) Media Center PC
(2) Mac Minis
(1) gaming rig in process
(1) NEC Tablet PC
(1) Nokia N800 Internet Tablet
(1) Nintendo DS
(2) Nintendo DS Lite
(1) XBox 360
(1) Playstation 2
(1) Slim Playstation 2
(1) PSP
(1) Nintendo Wii
(1) Nintendo Gamecube
(1) 50" Sony XSRD rear projection
(1) 46" Sony Wega rear projection
(1) 26" Phillips LCD TV
(1) 32" CRT Flat screen TV
(1) JVC HDD standard def camcorder
(2) Canon Powershot digital cameras
(1) iPod shuffle (1st gen)
(1) iPod shuffle (2nd gen)
(1) iPod (3rd gen)
(1) iPod nano (1st gen)

i'm not even done, but i'm going to stop and go donate a bunch of crap to goodwill, cause we don't use half of that shit.

Knarlz · Post by **Knarlz** » July 13, 2007, 3:58 pm

The clock on my Betamax is always flashing 12:00.
Thank God for sundials!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 13, 2007, 7:05 pm

Somali wrote:
Winnow wrote: viewed in the best possible way.(retinal scan display, wireless, etc)
Would you really say Retinal Scan is the best possible way?
Personally, I'm a little iffy about bombarding my eye directly with the image, but I'm also somewhat curious how that type of technology would handle blacks or other very dark colors.

The retinal scanning system Microvision has is perfectly safe *cough*, but they stopped calling them lasers as the general population was nervous about scanning lasers directly onto their retinas. : )

Now, they just need to bring down the 1.5 million per unit price point!

The major advantage of retinal scan displays is that there is no need at all for a display as the back of your eye acts as the screen so basically fiber optics is all that's needed. It also allows for various levels of opacity so you could walk around with a semi transparent HUD (head's up display) and then make it completely opaque if you're somewhere not moving around and want to watch video. (or semi transparent sides with controls, stats, etc with opaque video/game, etc. Bright sunlight is also not a concern as the image doesn't wash out being projected by lasers directly onto your retina (currently jet fighter helmets are in contracts to use the technology for this reason) In the meantime, projecting a 40+ " screen from your cell phone will have to do in the next year or so!

Spang · Post by **Spang** » July 14, 2007, 10:15 am

2 desktops (3 months old and 5 years old)
iPod Video
Playstation 2
20" Dell 2007WFP Monitor
TV older than dirt
monitor older than dirt
digital camera

I rarely play games on the PS2 but I watch movies with it quite often. Since the recent puchase of my new widescreen flat panel, I've been viewing DVDs on the PC more often.

I couldn't live without my iPod or a broadband internet connection.

Jarori Bloodletter · Post by **Jarori Bloodletter** » July 14, 2007, 2:21 pm

27" Crt Tv
(2) 20" Crt Tv's
(1) dvr
(3) computers in my room, all run thru Broadband
(1) computer in family room
(4) cells phones, new chocolate's
(2) ipod's nano
(1) Sony Playstation 2,22 games
(1) Nintendo 64, 8 games
(1) Nikon Digi cam
(1) Olympus SLR OM1 w/original G Zuiko lens + 70-200 telephoto lens
(1) Pioneer Den-p200 cd player (truck)
(3) Pioneer compact disk players, 1 is ded
(1) Sony Digital Mavica MVC-FD73, first digi camera heh

And a bunch of other stuff i cant remember atm..

Trias · Post by **Trias** » July 15, 2007, 5:22 pm

30" LG Slim Tube HD CRT - pretty much only for gaming
60" Sony SXRD XBR2

old gen game systems; most
Playstation 2
Xbox360
Xbox
Gamecube
Nintendo Wii
Dreamcast
PSP
Nintendo DS
way too many games; embarrassing..... i keep them stacked in a closet

DVPNS75H upscaling DVD player
10 year old Yamaha receiver(still cranks but in need of an upgrade)
5 disk CD changer(don't really use CD's anymore though)
Really dope three-way floor standing Technics speakers that are 10 years old and still slamming.
ARCHOS 704 Mobile DVR
Ipod Mini 2nd gen
Ipod Nano 2nd gen limited RED edition - picked up a nano exclusively for the Nike+ chipset thing to track my running with graphs!

Sony Ericsson K790i cell phone
iPhone 8GB cell phone

Sony DSC-W1 digital camera(think i'll upgrade soon)

Self built desktop(P4 3.4ghz, Geforce 7800GS, 2 gigs Kingston hyperX, Lian Li full tower - building a new desktop once the extreme quad cores drop in price a little)
24" Acer monitor
19" Sony Trinitron CRT monitor
Altec lansing surround system for PC
2x 250 gig WD external drives
1x 1TB external Maxtor(Had this for only a few months and the fan is pretty damn loud, time for an RMA soon i think)

Macbook Pro Notebook
3.2ghz dual core 2
2 gig
boot camp XP install; etc.

VeeshanVault

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