Blake Snow

writer-for-hire, content guy, bestselling author

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How I use technology: 2012 edition

evolution

In order of most-used to least-used technology in my house, here’s how I rank ’em:

  1. Running water. Since I suck down water all day, I go to the bathroom a lot. I’m also regular in other ways too, so working plumbing keeps my house and body sanitary and fresh. Love it.
  2. Permanent shelter. You know, to keep my family warm, dry, and cozy.
  3. Piped in power and gas. Not only does this utility extend our days and heat and cools, it enables my families digital lifestyle. The meter man still gives me a scare in the rare times I spot him near our back door. But other than that, this is nothing but upside.
  4. Broadband internet. It’s my office cubicle, research tool, educator, informer, and pipes in much of the on-demand entertainment we bring into our home.
  5. Smartphone. Primarily used to communicate with friends and loved ones (voice, SMS, portable email) but also used as my new personal computer, one I largely carry with me.
  6. Desktop computer. Where I do most of my computing, at least 6-8 dedicated hours of it per weekday. Basically this is my power tool, as it lets me create and produce digital content and communicate more effectively than my auxiliary computing devices listed below, which are primarily used for consumption and personal correspondance. Also used as a home stereo. Also used to make digital music.
  7. Video player. We use an Xbox, PS3
  8. Automobile. Although we do much (if not the majority of our shopping) online, this little guy enables recreation, education, travel, leisure and escapism.
  9. Rabbit ears + TV + DVR. Since we don’t subscribe to cable or dish (aka cord cutters), my family and I use this combination to supplement (if not equal) our streaming internet. In fact, the HD picture looks fantastic and is even better than either dish or cable since it’s uncompressed. To time shift, we use a Channel Master DVR that works with broadcast TV and is subscription free. We also use the TV as a home stereo.
  10. Kindle. I’ll use this more than TV if I’m on a book feast (which I do in 1-2 month spurts 3-4 times, after which I’ll often take a one month breather). But I only use it for long form reading. I used to use it for daily chapter readings of scripture, but I do that now on my smartphone.
  11. Books. If I can find them cheaper, which I often do, or want to pass a book along, I’ll still buy printed books. We also buy a lot of children’s books this way.
  12. Laptop. I only use this when I need to do heavy online research after work. Lindsey uses it as her primary computer for web browsing and keeping a journal.
  13. Keyboard + Macbook. Used daily by my oldest daughter exclusively as a gloried piano.
  14. Newspaper. I subscribe to a daily newspaper to consume news in a digest (so I don’t waste as much time online). This technology also alerts me to local news better than internet news ever did.
  15. Disposable razor. Unlike most men, I only have to use this thing every other day to remove stubble.
  16. MP3 player. I use this three times a week during exercise. I suppose I should put weights on here as well (is that a technology?).
  17. Tablet computer. I use this for special work projects at times, but it’s mostly used as a tertiary entertainment device. If this were my kids list, however, this would be much higher on the list, as each of them uses this heavily to stream PBS kids.
  18. Video game console. We used to play a lot more than we do now, but the uptick in children has severely slowed the interactive fun.
  19. Playing cards / board games. Rook with adult friend, go fish with the kids, Rummikub for Lindsey and I maybe once a year.
  20. Laserjet printer. Used occasionally for signed documents or coloring pages for the kids.
  21. Fireplace. Used in the winter for complimentary heating and ambiance.
  22. Scanner. Used maybe once or twice a year for capture of archived offline content.

I’m sure I’m overlooking something, but that’s what immediately comes to mind. How does your technology intake differ, if at all?