@PooltoyWolf depends on how it’s done. Was surprised at how I got used to it on Elon-mobile. But agree it’s overused in other new cars that try to be modern and cool and just end up annoying. It does integrate well in the Tesla, you’ve got twin thumbwheels on steering plus voice command which actually works pretty well.
For me a wearable device that is almost life saving, or living enabler instead of just surviving maybe. Neurological problems and nervous systems stuck on overdrive and this wearable effects the vagus nerve, can soothe it or ramp up (heck no). Can wear on lanyard, charge with USB over night and voila I’m almost a functioning member of society.
“Free” GPS with incredible real time interacting mapping. I guess I could just say cell phone but that’s kind is cheesy lol. But I’m not sure I could still survive trying to do the old Thomas guide/MapQuest insanity to get around. My eyesight and memory are both flagging compared to those analog years and it would just be a nightmare trying read street signs and addresses city with modern traffic trying to use printed directions, or god forbid verbal directions from a stranger at the gas station.
@scilynt the history as I recall is that the GPS we use was for both regular people (us) and the military. There used to be a planned inaccuracy (it would randomly offset your position by a small amount) for non-military use. They turned that “error” off in early 2000s. Also in time of war the use by regular people could be turned off entirely.
Other nations didn’t like that so several nations/groups have their own GPS network (China, Russia, European Union) so if our system is “down” they have their own. There are new gens of GPS sats replacing the aging system that has been there for decades.
But if exploring a wild area (in my younger days) I always liked having a printed map (hiking or topo). People should still know how to use an old-fashioned compass. Good luck with that.
Don’t want to be a Debbie Downer but… can meh. Help the people in Texas who are coping with the flash flooding? They’ve go a warehouse down there full of stuff some of which might be useful right not! I think the folks on the forum might chip in a few bucks to support the effort. Thoughts???
A lot of things have trade-offs: climate control (AC/heat) and refrigeration creates “heat debt” (my place will be cool for awhile, yours will be hotter forever, no one will go outside); faster travel comes at the cost of consuming more energy and mining materials to create infrastructure; portable power is still in an untested phase with unstable batteries and rare element acquisition; even fast foods in large scales cause a strip-mining of soil and ingestion of heavy oils.
But I’m selfish - I want the fridge with water filter and ice maker, in a house that’s as tall as it is deep with an HVAC, an Airstream portable house in the driveway, and robot dishwashers and vacuums.
The wheel!
@shahnm well said
@Cerridwyn @shahnm Don’t you mean wheel said?
@PooltoyWolf You’re on a roll!
Nothing. Reject modernity. Return to monke
My fingers don’t respond to touchscreens. Life is interesting.
@brennyn glad to hear it! Everyone thought I was strange when I had the same problem; even my new stove with a touchscreen had issues.
Books. I hate finding my place in a scroll.
A. I.
It has given me constant source of laughter with strange answers.
I said Bluetooth, but similarly: wifi
Even just using a printer without having to plug into it is the best thing ever.
The Internet. How did I ever buy anything before Meh?
@hchavers Yeah, this - although it’s a mixed blessing.
@hchavers Mail order!

/image Sears catalog
@hchavers @narfcake my mom still shops out of catalogs
Lithium batteries. The NiCad batteries of the past sucked so bad.
@user73602743 yeah I agree, you might say they are so great, they are literally on fire
iPad. How did I read with those old timey, pre-electronic books?
My Dick Tracy watch!!
Bidet
@somf69 not a new invention; Europeans had since early days of indoor plumbing. A separate fixture; not part of toilet with electronic gizmos.
@pmarin @somf69 the three sea shells!
Robot mop/vacuum! Rosie
Touch screens EXCEPT IN CARS!!!
@PooltoyWolf depends on how it’s done. Was surprised at how I got used to it on Elon-mobile. But agree it’s overused in other new cars that try to be modern and cool and just end up annoying. It does integrate well in the Tesla, you’ve got twin thumbwheels on steering plus voice command which actually works pretty well.
Voice recognition
LED light bulbs. Noticeably reduced my electric bill when I changed out all my incandescent bulbs.
Instant Pot
For me a wearable device that is almost life saving, or living enabler instead of just surviving maybe. Neurological problems and nervous systems stuck on overdrive and this wearable effects the vagus nerve, can soothe it or ramp up (heck no). Can wear on lanyard, charge with USB over night and voila I’m almost a functioning member of society.
“Free” GPS with incredible real time interacting mapping. I guess I could just say cell phone but that’s kind is cheesy lol. But I’m not sure I could still survive trying to do the old Thomas guide/MapQuest insanity to get around. My eyesight and memory are both flagging compared to those analog years and it would just be a nightmare trying read street signs and addresses city with modern traffic trying to use printed directions, or god forbid verbal directions from a stranger at the gas station.
@scilynt the history as I recall is that the GPS we use was for both regular people (us) and the military. There used to be a planned inaccuracy (it would randomly offset your position by a small amount) for non-military use. They turned that “error” off in early 2000s. Also in time of war the use by regular people could be turned off entirely.
Other nations didn’t like that so several nations/groups have their own GPS network (China, Russia, European Union) so if our system is “down” they have their own. There are new gens of GPS sats replacing the aging system that has been there for decades.
But if exploring a wild area (in my younger days) I always liked having a printed map (hiking or topo). People should still know how to use an old-fashioned compass. Good luck with that.
Don’t want to be a Debbie Downer but… can meh. Help the people in Texas who are coping with the flash flooding? They’ve go a warehouse down there full of stuff some of which might be useful right not! I think the folks on the forum might chip in a few bucks to support the effort. Thoughts???
Man why did I have to think today
A lot of things have trade-offs: climate control (AC/heat) and refrigeration creates “heat debt” (my place will be cool for awhile, yours will be hotter forever, no one will go outside); faster travel comes at the cost of consuming more energy and mining materials to create infrastructure; portable power is still in an untested phase with unstable batteries and rare element acquisition; even fast foods in large scales cause a strip-mining of soil and ingestion of heavy oils.
But I’m selfish - I want the fridge with water filter and ice maker, in a house that’s as tall as it is deep with an HVAC, an Airstream portable house in the driveway, and robot dishwashers and vacuums.
Maybe we’ll have robot chefs too
Bionic pancreas.