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Retro Tech May - A Month of Digital Detox - A small preface
This upcoming May I want to resume this little challenge I first tried during November on last year (2024) since due to life circumstances (hard to believe but I survived a terror attack) I decided to cut the challenge short then. This challenge persists of me using technology mostly from the 2000s (though not strictly from) as a form of digital detox from the current fast paced world we live in. I have seen various people online attempt similar challenges, some better and more well informed than others, and I want to try it out myself since I see myself as someone who's quite fond and knowledgeable about older technology. I will (try to at least) journal my experiences here in a cohesive manner. I do plan on potentially making a video on this topic but in case I don't I will at least be able to put out my personal experiences somewhere.
This challenge is meant to help me reanalyze and rethink the way I use technology. It's my way of praciticing a degree of digital minimalism as I also read the book with the same title written by Cal Newport. It's not meant specifically as one of those "using 2000s technology only" challenges as I will allow myself some leeway where reasonable both because I have no alternate options (in some cases) and also because in some cases it's needed. The items I will use throughout this month will be:
- A Windows XP computer built with high end parts (for Windows XP standards) to allow me as much flexibility as possible. I will use whatever tools I have available on XP natively including tools to allow me to browse the web safely in a supported manner and also to communicate with friends.
- a 1st generation iPhone SE with nothing but basics onboard such as a maps app for whenever I travel somewhere I'm unfamiliar not to mention the ability to scan any needed QR codes if needed. No social media apps or streaming apps as to only use it for a completely utalitarian purpose.
- an early HD Samsung Camcorder to record everything on something that isn't a mobile phone therefore removing another layer of reliance that I would have on the iPhone SE otherwise
- a 5.5th gen iPod classic for all my portable music needs as well as my CD collection for when I'm at the computer.
- though not guaranteed, I will use the XBOX 360 and PS3 for video games occasionally, though I will put a priority on using the PC. Also I will likely use my PS3 for bluray and DVD playback.
- and regrettably, due to me being unable to find an older TV in time (and being unable to move my current smart TV out of the way due to its sheer size) I will stick to using my current day TV.
- A Windows XP computer built with high end parts (for Windows XP standards) to allow me as much flexibility as possible. I will use whatever tools I have available on XP natively including tools to allow me to browse the web safely in a supported manner and also to communicate with friends.
- a 1st generation iPhone SE with nothing but basics onboard such as a maps app for whenever I travel somewhere I'm unfamiliar not to mention the ability to scan any needed QR codes if needed. No social media apps or streaming apps as to only use it for a completely utalitarian purpose.
- an early HD Samsung Camcorder to record everything on something that isn't a mobile phone therefore removing another layer of reliance that I would have on the iPhone SE otherwise
- a 5.5th gen iPod classic for all my portable music needs as well as my CD collection for when I'm at the computer.
- though not guaranteed, I will use the XBOX 360 and PS3 for video games occasionally, though I will put a priority on using the PC. Also I will likely use my PS3 for bluray and DVD playback.
- and regrettably, due to me being unable to find an older TV in time (and being unable to move my current smart TV out of the way due to its sheer size) I will stick to using my current day TV.
I will try to add a new journal listing everyday though I can't guarantee consistency or that I'll have much to talk about so in some cases I may have a full page dedicated to a single day but in others I may just update a singular page with the activity of multiple days worth for simplicity sake. So expect one page for May 1st and then one for 2nd-5th for example.
To end this on a hopeful note I feel very confident this will go well and either way it will be a learning lesson for me and potentially for others as well!
To end this on a hopeful note I feel very confident this will go well and either way it will be a learning lesson for me and potentially for others as well!