15 Mar
2007
15 Mar
'07
12:37 a.m.
On Mar 14, 2007, at 6:11 PM, Billy Pettit wrote:
I agree that "obsolete" has different
meanings for different
people. For
you, if it still functions, then it is not obsolete. So a model A
is not
obsolete because it still works.
Well, close, but not quite. By my definition, a Model A *is*
obsolete as a piece of practical everyday equipment. Not only has it
(and service for it) been discontinued, but the manufacturer has
released arguably better products since then.
But for a manufacturer, more than just supporting a
product - does
it still
generate revenue? That is what "works" means to a business. The
product
may be great, it may last for 50 years. But if it doesn't generate
revenue,
it is obsolete.
You look for functionality - OEMs look for revenue. Obsolete then has
multiple meanings depending on your viewpoint.
Yes, most definitely, I agree. The manufacturer, then, needs to
keep their definition of "obsolete" to themselves.
If I hear "You fool, why are you using that old thing, it's
obsolete!" from its manufacturer, it almost definitely translates to
"You know, I work on commission, and I'd really like to make a sale
today."
If I hear the exact same sentence from a colleague, I will likely
listen and ask for clarification, because they're likely not trying
to get into my wallet by making that assertion...they may simply know
something that I don't, something that could make my work easier, and
I'd be a fool to dismiss it out of hand.
I consider the Apple II obsolete - yet my machine
still works
great. I
think you are saying that to you, the Apple II is not obsolete. By
your
criteria, is there ANY machine, computer or otherwise, that is
obsolete?
Can you give us an example or two of an obsolete machine?
No, you misunderstand my position, or I have misrepresented it.
The point I was trying to make was about the notion of "forced
obsolescence". If the manufacturer stops selling something long
before demand runs out, and doesn't release something substantially
better in its place, then THAT is a problem. Sure, one can do real
work on an Apple II if one really wanted to...but there are better
ways to get real work done, ways that are much more effective. That
makes the Apple II "obsolete" (truly) as a computer.
It simply boils down to "who says it's obsolete". If it's the
manufacturer, and the user disagrees, I see that as a huge
problem...especially if there is pressure involved, which there
frequently is. I guarantee you the 20-something vendor rep with the
power tie and the slicked-back hair who just showed up in your
building is NOT standing there worried about whether or not you're on
the cutting edge of technology or whether he makes your job easier.
THAT is where "forced obsolescence" comes from. It is fake, a lie,
and needs to be recognized and ignored when encountered.
That is, unless one actually enjoys being bilked for every last
dime and having an equipment turnover interval measured in months.
-Dave
--
Dave McGuire
Port Charlotte, FL