Off the Mark by Mark Parisi for June 08, 2024

So sad….

That’s some truth, right there.

Somewhere in every one’s house there is a box of cables. No one knows what they go to but just toss them and you will find out!

I’m an engineer, my job was to make things obsolete. It’s in the rule book.

What’s your job now?

I find my SATA to USB adapter is still very useful after many years.

They adapted to it.

Who wants to adopt these adorable adaptors?

Maybe John Titter will come back for these too.

So, enjoy each others company. It’s okay.

The bridge to the 21st century lay in flames behind them.

Apple and Fitbit.

I have a whole box of assorted stuff. I’m scared to throw any of it out.

That hits home. Ouch.

This was true a decade or so ago. Now, not so much. These days, my cables tend to wear out before they get obsolete.

You may not be used anymore but you’ll never be thrown away.

Thanks, Tim Cook!

I can’t help but think of the Twilight Zone episode, The Obsolete Man. Fortunately, librarians are not yet obsolete, but these days they are being threatened like never before.

You had ONE JOB!

I have dozens that I am afraid to toss

In electronics, it’s adapt and die.

I was into electronics and computers my entire working life. After I retired I threw out about twenty cables and forty audio adapters.

I keep one box labeled “usb cables”, another “power supplies”, another “adapters”., etc. When the MIB need an obsolete whatever to save the world, they know where to come.

I have a cardboard “Bankers Box” of obsolete tech. Wires, cables, adaptors etc. Can’t seem to throw it away.

None of my adapters are that adorable!

So very, sadly true. Luckily I now have a laptop, ipad and phone that all use the same cable. (and only the ipad is an apple product).