Results: This is survey 1 of "The Paperless Society" - false promises and unwarranted fears. There were pundits at the dawn of the computer age who predicted the imminent demise of many things. Almost 50 years later they still survive. This is about them.
Published on 11/01/2023
My new TV is supposedly "smart" and I was given some Blue Tooth ear buds as a gift. I wanted to watch my sports on the TV using these buds so that I wouldn't disturb the women folk. Turns out the TV isn't smart after all and I have to use my ancient Bose headphones with their 20 feet of audio cable. The difference in sound quality was so marked that I am sticking to the headphones from now on. There are many other things that have a "new and improved" alternative, yet I and others of like mind have decided to hang onto the old stuff - not because of resistance to change, but simply because the old stuff works better. Here are some examples.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
I will start with books and other printed items that have a digital option using a Kindle, Kobo or other digital eReader. There are advantages from the digital version for sure but there are several benefits of having the actual paper copy that an eReader may never gain. Which of the following do you agree with?
An actual book can be lent, borrowed or swapped without creating a copyright issue.
47%
990 votes
Deciding which book to read is much easier when you can see them all on a shelf than having to scroll through small computer screens on an eReader to pick one.
37%
787 votes
If you drop a book and pick it back up you can still read the book.
43%
911 votes
When you buy a book you own the book versus only buying the digital right to read the book..
36%
747 votes
Digital recipe book, magazines and catalogues never end up in the clinic waiting room.
19%
396 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
21 votes
Not Applicable
30%
640 votes
- Both. I prefer paper but my library is still freaked about not masking so I borrow digital copies.
- Paper all the way!!!
- paper only
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.21% | 8 | |
| Books look good on my library shelves | 0.03% | 1 |
| all of the above and an actual book can't "crash" vs. a digital book | 0.03% | 1 |
| i still prefer physical books, but find e-readers useful on holiday. | 0.03% | 1 |
| you don't have to worry that the glare from sunshine makes the book hard to read | 0.03% | 1 |
| easier being digital | 0.03% | 1 |
| The real book is not dependant on the net which goes down and stops the reading and you can bookmark a book and pick it back up at ones leasure. | 0.03% | 1 |
| nostalgic and comforting feel of holding actual paper book in your hands as you read | 0.03% | 1 |
| I like being able to remove pages of magazines I would like to keep (such as recipes). Also you can not highlight or underline things in a digital book the way you can in a physical. | 0.03% | 1 |
| My Kindle thinks I have finished, even though I have only read half the story, if I put it down for a few days. When I go to resume the story, I have to hunt all over the library to find it. | 0.03% | 1 |
| Books don't have batteries needing to be charged. No cords! | 0.03% | 1 |
| I JUST LOVE BOOKS | 0.03% | 1 |
| I just like the feel of a real book in my hansds. | 0.03% | 1 |
| I like the feel of reading the book | 0.03% | 1 |
2.
2.
I mentioned earlier about preferring my old Bose headphones to those hard plastic ear buds. Which of the following do you prefer.
Wired earphones or headphones are cheaper (usually)
23%
492 votes
You don't have to charge them before you can use them.
20%
416 votes
You don't need to worry (as much) about losing them.
17%
362 votes
Used headphones don't have that nasty earwax deposit so you can share them with others.
13%
279 votes
Headphones are much more comfortable and are more effective at tuning the rest of the world out.
24%
511 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
13 votes
Not Applicable
48%
1014 votes
- Either depending
- none
- Ear buds
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.24% | 5 | |
| Don't like either. | 0.05% | 1 |
| i don't prefer either. i use mine for different scenarios. working out or other activities i use buds. just for pure listening i will use over ear headphones. | 0.05% | 1 |
| can't stand any type | 0.05% | 1 |
| headphones are more comfortable | 0.05% | 1 |
| have wireless | 0.05% | 1 |
| I have hearing aids so don't use either. | 0.05% | 1 |
| The ear buds allow me to move Around and do tasks while listening | 0.05% | 1 |
| I don't use earphones or headphones. I'd rather listen to other people when I'm in public. | 0.05% | 1 |
3.
3.
I still have my Texas Instrument Business Analyst calculators - the solar powered ones. I have tried using the calculator on my phone, my laptop or using a website but the BA is so much better. Do you agree that hand helds are better?
You can see what you are calculating even on sunny days.
31%
641 votes
I can switch from one function to another and calculate loan terms, amortization, payments in much less time than trying to use my phone or computer.
17%
357 votes
The buttons can be used even when hands are cold or covered in hand lotion.
23%
473 votes
I can use any calculator in the house without having to provide a finger print (to access someone's smart phone).
22%
468 votes
I can leave my calculator on my desk or wherever without worrying about it getting stolen along with all my personal information. Who would steal that old thing?
26%
552 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
19 votes
Not Applicable
42%
881 votes
- No
- hand held is cheapest
- Yes. My phone
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.36% | 9 | |
| it depends | 0.04% | 1 |
| I love my calculators. | 0.04% | 1 |
| I generally use Excel instead of a calculator | 0.04% | 1 |
| use on my tablet | 0.04% | 1 |
| They are cheaper to buy. | 0.04% | 1 |
| I use my phone. It replaces so many other things we used to use. | 0.04% | 1 |
| calculators may be "better" but they are not as convenient. You probably have your phone with you. | 0.04% | 1 |
| I use a hand held and the one on my phone and computer | 0.04% | 1 |
| For our business if we have the calculator app up and then go into square to run a credit or debit card you must memorize the number from the calculator app. | 0.04% | 1 |
| all of the above | 0.04% | 1 |
4.
4.
Something my wife and I have not been able to replace with digital technology is handwritten notes, lists etc. using a notepad and pen. Here are some of the advantages we see. Which do you agree with?
A paper list can be attached to the fridge with a magnet or elsewhere with tape.
53%
1106 votes
A paper shopping list can be torn into sub-lists and parts of it delegated to the grandchildren to help their grandparents grocery shop.
32%
670 votes
A list written in my handwriting is completely illegible to anyone other than my wife and I.
18%
379 votes
You can't accidentally delete a handwritten list.
41%
866 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
19 votes
Not Applicable
27%
562 votes
- scraps of paper, old envelopes, sometimes I have notepads that charities send me.
- Paper
- note pads
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.26% | 8 | |
| I like technology and sometime a list with paper | 0.03% | 1 |
| Everyone in the household can add things to a paper shopping list. | 0.03% | 1 |
| it is faster - even though i took 'typing' when I started High school, I find I organize my thoughts better when I write the down | 0.03% | 1 |
| Paper lists don't need charging. :)) | 0.03% | 1 |
| the act of physically writing something down helps one remember it | 0.03% | 1 |
| notepad, I delete it at times | 0.03% | 1 |
| you can't forget your phone at home when you go shopping | 0.03% | 1 |
| Can't delete the list but you can lose it or forget it at home! | 0.03% | 1 |
| I can put my paper list in my back pocket and it will be there when I get to the store. | 0.03% | 1 |
| Lost ones, crumpled, illegible, are fun to collect | 0.03% | 1 |
| I often have paper and writing utensil at the ready faster than turning on computers and finding a Notes app. Plus, it’s always the right size. | 0.03% | 1 |
COMMENTS