Just Being New Doesn't Make It Better Technology

March 4, 2002
From time to time, readers chide me for using a picture in this column of me with a pen and paper in hand. These readers claim that because pen and paper represent old technology, they must be passé. I take exception to that notion. Although I...

From time to time, readers chide me for using a picture in this column of me with a pen and paper in hand. These readers claim that because pen and paper represent old technology, they must be passé. I take exception to that notion. Although I employ computers quite extensively, I still find the use of pen and paper both reassuring and convenient. I never have to reboot, I have a great optical recognition system, and my notes are randomly accessible or sequentially ordered with simplicity and ease.

When I travel, I take my laptop, and a visit to my office would reveal a pretty inclusive mix of computer hardware and personal electronic products. Unquestionably, I'm a strong computer advocate. In fact, my laptop and I are practically joined at the hip.

Today we're exposed to a diverse array of technology choices, and we make many decisions based on personal preference, rather than on technology. For example, even though we can scan through an almost unlimited array of Web information, many of us still like the convenience of reading printed material.

Being glued to a CRT or LCD screen isn't the most comfortable situation when trying to relax or absorb large amounts of technical information. Additionally, pages on a computer display screen aren't as flexible as printed material. It's very difficult to flip rapidly through a large number of on-screen pages because most 17-in. or smaller monitors can't display full-size readable pages. Plus, many of us habitually print out a good deal of the Web material we work with for further review later on, permanent filing, or to serve as a reminder.

So, the older technology of paper still offers multiple advantages. It will continue to do so until the advent of some "electronic paper" in the form of a low-cost handheld tablet. Such a tablet must offer the same portability as a book, while providing many computer-driven features such as text search, bookmarks, attachable notes, and wireless downloads.

Leveraging a new technology doesn't always mean eliminating the technology that it supercedes. Let's make sure that the new technology really brings some advantages with it. Without obvious advantages, convincing users to invest in the new technology could be fatal to its introduction. The false starts experienced several years ago by early generations of PDAs and other pen-based systems proves that consumers aren't willing to sacrifice familiarity for inconvenience, even if the devices can do more.

Paper isn't the only older technology to provide superior capabilities over the latest electronic solution. But this doesn't mean that we should be against adopting new technology. Rather, when we embrace a new technology, it must offer at least one significant advantage beyond the fact that it's new. So, when will we give up paper? Maybe never.

Sponsored Recommendations

Board-Mount DC/DC Converters in Medical Applications

March 27, 2024
AC/DC or board-mount DC/DC converters provide power for medical devices. This article explains why isolation might be needed and which safety standards apply.

Use Rugged Multiband Antennas to Solve the Mobile Connectivity Challenge

March 27, 2024
Selecting and using antennas for mobile applications requires attention to electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics: TE modules can help.

Out-of-the-box Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity with AWS IoT ExpressLink

March 27, 2024
This demo shows how to enroll LTE-M and Wi-Fi evaluation boards with AWS IoT Core, set up a Connected Health Solution as well as AWS AT commands and AWS IoT ExpressLink security...

How to Quickly Leverage Bluetooth AoA and AoD for Indoor Logistics Tracking

March 27, 2024
Real-time asset tracking is an important aspect of Industry 4.0. Various technologies are available for deploying Real-Time Location.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!