Despite living in a DINKY household, we'll frequently browse Ohdeedoh (We love kid-friendly concert posters, OK?). But earlier this week they posed a question that lends itself well to our world of Tech here on Unplggd: What so-called "must-have" items are actually pretty easy to live without?
To be sure, there are plenty of varied definitions of "must-have." And probably even more confusion when we're talking about technology, which is really a luxury in itself, and not parenting.
As far as our Google skills can take us, we can't find any device that Unplggd has deemed a must-have. But that doesn't stop the rest of the media and your own social circle from placing the "must-have" label on everything from lighting and stoves to cable television and the iPhone.
But it can't all be necessary, right?
I lived most of my life in a 5-bedroom house, without a dishwasher.
The reason for living without one wasn't space (like so many of my New York City friends who live hand-washed lives). It was just not a necessary item in my household. Dishes piled up in the sink throughout the week, then were scrubbed and cleaned by hand each time it got full. While some might deem a dishwasher a "kitchen must-have," I know perfectly well that I could very easily live without it.
How about you guys? What "must-have" tech (by your, your friends' or society's standards) can you live without? Tell us in the comments!
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Comments (5)
I think the easiest thing I've let go for years now is a microwave, which is convenient, but a poor way to cook and even reheat food.
Most gadget tech was invented during the lifetime of most of us, so I think we can all very easily live without all of it, if we have to. I love tech to death but the only thing I really can't imagine doing without anymore, even though I've only used it since I was about 15, is the internet. All the rest is luxury (and it makes those things so much more enjoyable to realise that).
I could live without a dishwasher, microwave or internet if I had to. The one tech I won't give up is my central air. I hate heat and humidity.
Even though the temps having been hovering around 90 degrees all week, I don't have AC. A roomful of artificially cold air makes me achy and uncomfortable. Plus it seems silly to be forced to wear a sweater indoors when it's balmy outside. Never had it, never will, much to the eternal chagrin of my girlfriend who thinks air conditioning is an unalienable right.
(I do own a fan so I don't drown in my own sweat at night.)
I can live without a television (and dvd player, and game console, and cable hookup). Go to a sports bar the 3 or 4 times a year I want to watch a sporting event. Books and a nice collection of musical instruments work fine for my entertainment needs.
And I have no interest whatsoever in a Kindle or anykind of similiar e-reader.
But really use my desktop, laptop, and netbook a lot, and am upgrading to an Android phone next month. Those are must kepts.
And my recording equipment and stereo equipment (even the vintage items stored in the closet) are must keeps.