Blog Questions Challenge: Technology Edition
Andreas tagged me in his post over the Blog Questions Challenge. I rarely get tagged in things like this, so thanks Andreas!
When Did You First Get Interested In Technology?
I think I've been interested in technology since I became aware of what it was. I remember as a kid being fascinated by anything with switches, buttons, meters or lights. The first computer I used was a Commodore PET and it was a really surreal experience to be asked questions by a machine and provide answers (I was playing HAMURABI).
The other thing that fascinated me as a small child was electronics. I was fortunate that a great-uncle of mine was into electronics, and while I wouldn't see him often I have fond memories of playing with the things he brought me, even if I didn't really understand how they worked at the time.
What’s Your Favourite Piece Of Technology Of All-Time?
That's really hard to say. Obviously I'm a big fan of Amiga computers, Minidiscs, Palm Pilots etc. I really love my MZ-RH1 and MD-N707 Minidisc portables and my Palm Vx but I do miss my Toshiba Libretto and SGI Indy2. I learned to program portable C, and MIPS assembly on the Indy2, and I had a lot of fun with the Libretto.
But if I had to choose only one thing, it'd probably be my wife's Hori-Hori or my Kelly Kettle. In the early spring I like to get out but it's still quite cold, so I'll break up some twigs and use the Kelly Kettle to make tea or heat up some food while outside. It's a pain in the hole to clean but it's nice to cook warm food on.
What’s Your Favourite Piece Of Technology Right Now?
I have a Brother GL-700 label printer I use for preserves and Minidisc labels. I use the Minidisc Label generator and then fix things up in Krita before printing. The workflow means I can do this on almost any OS, even Haiku, which is nice!
Name One New Cool Piece Of Technology We’ll Have In 25 Years!
Alas, I'm not sure I'll still be around by then but it'd be nice if we have repairable, portable, offline-first devices designed to last by then.
Final Thoughts
The recurring theme seems to be we want offline first, repairable experiences designed to support out needs as easily as possible, but the incentives are too skewed towards short-term rent seeking to make it happen. Tangara looked great, but I have two portable minidisc units so it's hard for me to justify. Maybe somewhere between the old and new there's a middle ground?
I'll tag Dom next.