Do you control technology or does technology control you?

[MRAHoffman]

In my quest to lead a simpler, more frugal life I have been contemplating technologies role. I consider myself a "Semi Luddite" and feel that SOME technology is good but, too much of a good thing is not. Curious, but do you find that you are one of these people that have to have the latest and greatest gadgets AND when you have gotten it, did it really ENRICH your life or were you sorry after the fact OR are you someone who likes to stick with the old "tried and true" no matter HOW many centuries it takes you back (do you pay bills online or by check? do you have all the helpful kitchen gadgets or grandmas old utensils? do you have dial up or high speed internet? land line and/or cell phone? watch TV or watch TV on the internet?) Technology has many good aspects, but with concerns of privacy (or lack there of) spams, hacking etc how much technology have you ALLOWED to enter your life or have the pretty lights and sounds put you under its spell?

[shoiji]

I do not go out and buy the latest and greatest in technology. One, I can't afford it and two, I can't afford it. That being said, some items really do not interest me. I am not into gaming, but do enjoy the games where you are active such as playing tennis. There are times I think I would like to be able to access for things on the internet then what my tracfone can currently provide. For me though having a computer that has a faster speed than dial-up was definately worth the price.

[ErikM02]

Some is worth it. Others are not

Each of us are living better than most kings 100 years ago

[Debbie-cat]

Nope, not interested in the new gadgets. Nomcell phone here and no desire to get one. The only technology I care about is high speed internet. I can get most everything from that if I need it.

[Ceashels]

Greebo used to have the latest and greatest, now he waits for the budget to afford it.

I sit on the edge of technology with my Kitchen Aid Mixer and my computer. My cell phone can take a picture and rings when someone wants me.... that's about it for me.

[oheoh's momma]

No I am techno challenged. My husband has a beat up old cell phone for emergencies. We have 2 mp3 players he does use his mine sets in the drawer. my computer is a older one and we have 3 tvs 1 is a 42 in flat with a old dvd player not blue ray the 2 older ones are fat bubble backs . I am not interested in watching tv on the computer my sectional is nicer and bigger screen.

[mndtrp]

I'm definitely not anywhere near a Luddite, but I don't buy things I don't use on a regular basis. I do have a higher-end stereo and media setup, but no cable/satellite/antenna. I do have a nice computer, a few ipods, and what most people would call expensive headphones. However, I have no cell phone, and I don't have any features at all for the home phone.

I think that the technology I have helps add to my life, although I can see where watching a streaming movie when bored might limit my creativity. Luckily, I have enough insight to realize when I've spent enough of my time doing one thing, and then move on to something else.

[Squidge]

Technology and gadgets are pretty important to us and we budget for them accordingly. My SO is a software engineer and is really interested in electronic goods; having his insight has meant we generally buy things that prove to be decent and useful for us both, such as our smartphones.

Over the years we have accumulated a laptop (which I predominantly use), a desktop PC (which my SO mostly uses) and two netbooks (one for me when mobile and one for him when mobile/completing specific work projects). Even for fun we put a sizable chunk of our budget towards games consoles, games, mp3 players and the like.

We aren't so fussed on buying the 'latest' but we do want things that are good quality (or are generally awesome ). If we can afford a snazzy new item that we really want or which will prove useful, then we probably will get it.

[ErikM02]

I will say my smart phone comes in really handy, I find tons of great uses for it all the time

Plus it helps that I get a discount on my bill for working for Motorola LOL

[OOwl]

I'm a mixed-use techie. I do have a smart phone, but I use EVERY single feature on it and consider it a bargain for as much as I use it. I do not spend much time on the computer at home (work in an IT department so sitting in front of a computer on my off hours is the last thing I want to do when I get home), so my computer there is bare bones and rather unused, not expensive AT ALL (actually a bit of a Frankenstein put together from old parts at the office by our main IT guy). My TV is large but not even a flat screen, with no plans to upgrade. I read my books the old-fashioned way and probably won't change that. My "security system" is a large (albeit sweet) dog. If lights need turning on, I do it. My car has a GPS but it came with the car. I do not own a DVD/DVR, ibook, laptop, or remote camera. My digital camera is under $300 and several years' old (no plans to upgrade). I simply do not care about the latest gadgets, EXCEPT my phone.

[nuisance26]

~I have two personalities on this. I'm an old-fashioned girl. I could live without a car. I'd be fine without tv. I've washed clothes by hand. Made them too. I like line drying and ironing.
You won't see me giving up natural gas heating or electricity though. The dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer are wonderful things! My internet is essential to me. I don't like the glowing box aspect but it's a world library of people and information instantly available. Saves time and money and gives me a social outlet which makes me more sane. Notice I didn't say happier. Only RL friends do that.
I like playing video games. I like shopping from home. I like baking bread. I like working in my garden. I like sewing.
I do try to prioritize to having/doing what I like best, what brings me happiness.
A fancy phone or mp3 player won't do that. No desire for an I pad. I'm still using a twice outdated gaming console. We have high speed landline internet and pay-as-you-go cells($60 for all total). We use a window unit AC in the summer. Our computer is basic, no frills. I still write checks.
The camera that was stolen from us did bring me a lot of happiness so that is being replaced today.
My stolen laptop was wonderful when I had to sit with the baby a lot but we're not replacing it for a while. My ultra clean house is bringing me a lot more happiness than my laptop was. It'd become a convenient time sucker.
I think we live very simply for these modern times. We try to make mindful decisions before upgrading/adding more stuff.
I do like to take a week-long break from media a few times a year. It's very refreshing!~