8 votes

New "old school" gadgets?

I recently realized that many of my favorite gadgets are basically "new" versions of old technology.

  • I use Sony Xperia 1VII, with a headphone jack, side mounted fingerprint, no screen cutout, stock Android. It's running the latest Snapdragon chip, however, and the camera hardware is better than the current iPhone (doesn't mean the software is better)
  • My favorite smartwatch is Pebble Time. My rePebble Time 2 is on the way. I'm currently using a Garmin, but I'm not exactly happy with it.
  • My keyboard is a Niz EC84. The default keycap looks like my keyboard in middle school and it is just perfect right out of the box (except I should've got the 45g one). As a Topre clone, it bounces with rubber domes. I don't like mechanical as the tactile point is not right at the very top of the curve. It also supports hardware mouse key and Bluetooth which is useful when you're working with multiple machines. (Sadly no QMK in this layout)
  • When I was buying my PC I couldn't find a single good modern case (i.e. with USB C ports in the front panel) that doesn't have any glass like old school PC. Luckily, Fractal North was just released back then and I immediately preordered.
  • I suppose the ThinkPad line may fit into this aesthetically, but it's not exactly the same as it was in IBM era. I heard that the Chinese are making new board for the old ThinkPad chassis though.

I feel like this is an underserved market - why can't they just give me the same phone/computer I have but with the latest technological advancements. Sure, it'd be niche and many people will complain at the price, but at least there is a choice.

Does anyone have other favorite new old school tech they wanted to recommend?

1 comment

  1. ShroudedScribe
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    Most of the devices aren't for me personally, but Techmoan on YouTube reviews a number of products like this. Most recently a couple of newly produced Boomboxes that can play physical formats. I...

    Most of the devices aren't for me personally, but Techmoan on YouTube reviews a number of products like this. Most recently a couple of newly produced Boomboxes that can play physical formats.

    I find most of his videos interesting but just not things I would buy. :)

    1 vote