TechTheDay

There are several tech products available (and still popular) in the market today that already deserve to be ignored or disregarded. They are no longer sensible choices as there are better alternatives for them. Why would you be willing to continue using these gadgets when they are likely to become obsolete or nonstandard in the years ahead?

Remember including the following in your ‘not-to-buy list.”

1. Feature Phones

Nowadays, all phones should already be smartphones. There’s no reason to prefer using a feature phone or an analog mobile phone when prices are already becoming almost the same (for entry level devices). Why should you be satisfied with a device that only does calls and SMS? The following features should already be a standard in the mobile phone you will buy in 2014:

• Calling and SMS
• Internet access
• FM radio
• Camera
• The Ability to Install Apps

Smartphones that are run by popular operating systems enjoy better compatibility with other devices, at least when it comes to software. The ability to install apps, in particular, is very useful in enhancing features. You can install games, entertainment apps, multimedia players, calendars or personal organizers, calculators, messengers, notifiers, and various other apps that greatly expand the capabilities of a smartphone.

2. Incandescent Bulbs and Flashlights

Please do Mother Earth a favor and never ever buy incandescent bulbs or lighting products that use incandescent technology. They are inefficient. They have short service or useful life. Buying them only increases the amount of electronic waste produced aside from consuming a lot of power. It’s understandable buying incandescent bulbs to be used as a heat source when raising chicks. For lighting, they’re a big no-no. Longer-lasting CFL and LED lighting products are now becoming cheaper. They are also available in warm colors if you really prefer the warmth of incandescent lighting.

3. Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Point-and-shoots are dead. With smartphones now getting equipped with highly capable cameras that employ technologies such as ISOCELL and dual lens systems, there’s just no reason to spend for standard point and shoot cameras. The quality of images they produce is not that far from what mid-range and high-end smartphones are capable of producing. Some smartphone cameras can even outperform a number of cheap point-and-shoot cameras. Moreover, smartphone cameras also come with the advantage of being usable with various apps, affording additional features for them.

4. CDs and CD Players

Who needs CD players if music can already be stored in the solid state drives of mobile devices? CD players are bulky and they consume more power compared to modern MP3 players and even smartphones. There’s nothing wrong if you have been collecting your CD or DVD collections and you are playing them in your still dependable player. It’s just not practical to continue spending money on CDs and CD players these days when you have the option to simply buy music as MP3s online, saved on your MP3 player or smartphone.

5. Standalone GPS Devices

Smartphones and tablets can already take the place of dedicated GPS devices. Some models are even better since they also include the GLONASS satellite navigation system. If you still have your dependable GPS devices, you can of course continue using them. However, henceforth, it would be better spending your money on smartphones that can also serve as your GPS and GLONASS navigation device. Their reliability are not that far from those dedicated GPS devices anyway.

6. CRT TVs and Computer Monitors

The inefficient CRT displays must no longer be made available to the public. While they are generally cheaper than LCD, they consume a lot of power. They also don’t last long. If you care about energy conservation and the reduction of e-wastes, it’s advisable to start ditching CRT TVs and monitors and preferring the more efficient LCD models.

7. Cartridge-based Printers

Who wants to spend tens of dollars on ink cartridges that always fall short of expectations? Do you know that with the cartridge ink supply system, printer ink gets priced higher than petroleum? It can even be more expensive than vintage champagne. Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) printers are now available. These printers have ink tanks that can be refilled cheaply. The quality of the replacement ink may not be that excellent but it certainly is good enough to address everyday printing needs.

8. Disposable Batteries

Using primary cells or non-rechargeable disposable batteries no longer make sense these days. Rechargeable batteries (including the 2AA sizes used in remote controls) have already become cheaper. Their chargers are also no longer too costly to cause buyers to hesitate in buying them. Globally, the battery usage trend has already been shifting to rechargeable ones. There’s no reason to be stubborn and to continue using primary cells when rechargeable ones are now cheaper and more economical to use in the long run.

Admittedly, the products mentioned here are still usable and are still even commonly used in some settings. For the sake of efficiency, however, it’s better to avoid them and to go for better choices that make the most of more recent technologies. It’s always better to shift to newer technologies especially if it means lower power consumption, reduced electronic wastes, and a host of other consumer or user advantages.