Don’t Be Suckered by New Technology

Tokyo, 2017

Never buy the first generation (anything) technology (no matter how innovative or life changing it may seem).

As humans we have a bias to the new. We love new things, products, ideas, and innovations.

But the problem is there are always hidden problems with first generation products and technologies.

For example, the new version MacBook Pro is already reporting battery inconsistency issues. The first generation iPhone, iPad, and MacBook air all had issues.

Trust me, I’m a sucker for new technology. This is because I have the (false) belief that these new technologies will bring joy, excitement, and improved “efficiency” to my life. Modernism has told me that I need to “optimize” all of my technology. This means, I’m on the fruitless forever quest of finding that one perfect device.

But in reality, that technology doesn’t exist. And it will never exist. Generally what is older and has been around for a longer time has been tested by time, and is more reliable.

For example, film rangefinder cameras will probably still remain functional longer than brand new digital cameras.

Black and white and classic styled photography will probably be more relevant over time, compared to trendy styles in color photography.

As much as I’d love a brand new Tesla electric car, there are probably a lot of hidden problems that come with ownership. And hidden costs.

This applies to almost everything new and trendy. The trendy fashion of today probably won’t last long, compared to timeless fashion from 50 years ago. The same goes for ideas in books, philosophy, aesthetics in art, religion, customs, and ancient culture.

Love the old

Tokyo, 2017

Sorry for the digression, but the point of this essay is to make the simple claim: don’t buy anything first generation, especially when it comes to technology. This will end up saving you a lot of money, headache, stress, and frustration.

(Generally) favor what’s been around and tested by time.

Apply this to when buying cameras, investing in new systems, platforms, cars, infrastructure, foods, diets, lifestyle, philosophy, thoughts, friends, and ideas.

Also as a tip, it is generally right that “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”

When to innovate and when not to innovate

Tokyo, 2017

Im trying to figure all this out myself–when to innovate and try to do new things, and when to stick to the “tried and true.” For me, I try to innovate whenever I experience or see something that pisses me off or annoys me. I was annoyed by the lack of free information about photography online, so I started this blog. Nowadays I see a lack of practical philosophical thought online, regarding technology and lifestyle — so I’ve been writing new articles and essays like this one.

Stick to the old and tried and true for things that aren’t that important in your life. Wear the same outfit everyday, drink the same type of coffee, eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same stores, and eat the same foods.

Innovate also by bringing new breath and life into the old. That means innovation is having respect for the past, but trying to make it more practical for today’s world.

Learn how to innovate

Breathe new life into your photography:

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