How Technology Changed My Life
By: Nancy Howard,
SparkPeople Blogger
9/2/2009 5:04 PM
: 114 comments
: 20,378 Views
I grew up in a generation on the verge of the hi-tech genesis. I know I am aging myself but before the mid 1980s I had never used a computer. My high school typing class--yes, they used to offer this as a high school course--used the manual, old-fashioned typewriters with an ink ribbon. And calculators were very expensive and huge. No pocket calculators in my school and that was if we were even permitted to use them. And to think that we would ever give up LPs for digital tunes is still mind boggling. Let's not even begin to talk about cell phones--those were gadgets that James Bond, Maxwell Smart, and Dick Tracy used, not the average person on the street.
The Sony Walkman was one of one the coolest gadgets one could own back in the day. It was a cassette player that one could snap on his/her waistband and listen to the music with headphones until it was time to flip the cassette over-- unless you had the cooler version that reversed the tape without flipping. Although it was quite big, it was considered the iPod for my generation.
A few weeks ago I was bestowed with one of the new gadgets of the decade--the iPod Touch. While this is not a testimony for Apple, I am thrilled to say I wonder why I never considered looking into this cool gadget before now. It allows me the opportunity to track my food, fitness, and goals on my SparkPeople account when I have access to WiFi, 3G or the Edge Network--all from a small, thin device that fits quite nicely in my purse. It is so easy to use, even for this technology-challenged old lady. I love the fact that I do not have to be tethered to a computer to stay connected to SparkPeople. The application for SparkPeople is free and is one of the best I have seen as I have explored many other apps for the iTouch. And if you don't own an iTouch or iPhone, there is also a Mobile Phone version of SparkPeople. What I love most is I no longer have to try to remember what I ate or write it down on a piece of paper only to lose it. This option totally rids me of a paper trail.
So while I may be a little behind in the world of technology, I am beginning to appreciate all the great minds who invented these new devices. To know that I never have to be stranded without a phone or have access to cash via the ATM 24/7, still leaves me in awe. I may be slow to come around, but as the old saying goes, "You can teach an old dog new tricks."
Do you own a iPhone or iTouch? Do you regularly use the SparkPeople application to track your progress? If you don't own one, would this be something you may consider in the future?
The Sony Walkman was one of one the coolest gadgets one could own back in the day. It was a cassette player that one could snap on his/her waistband and listen to the music with headphones until it was time to flip the cassette over-- unless you had the cooler version that reversed the tape without flipping. Although it was quite big, it was considered the iPod for my generation.
A few weeks ago I was bestowed with one of the new gadgets of the decade--the iPod Touch. While this is not a testimony for Apple, I am thrilled to say I wonder why I never considered looking into this cool gadget before now. It allows me the opportunity to track my food, fitness, and goals on my SparkPeople account when I have access to WiFi, 3G or the Edge Network--all from a small, thin device that fits quite nicely in my purse. It is so easy to use, even for this technology-challenged old lady. I love the fact that I do not have to be tethered to a computer to stay connected to SparkPeople. The application for SparkPeople is free and is one of the best I have seen as I have explored many other apps for the iTouch. And if you don't own an iTouch or iPhone, there is also a Mobile Phone version of SparkPeople. What I love most is I no longer have to try to remember what I ate or write it down on a piece of paper only to lose it. This option totally rids me of a paper trail.
So while I may be a little behind in the world of technology, I am beginning to appreciate all the great minds who invented these new devices. To know that I never have to be stranded without a phone or have access to cash via the ATM 24/7, still leaves me in awe. I may be slow to come around, but as the old saying goes, "You can teach an old dog new tricks."
Do you own a iPhone or iTouch? Do you regularly use the SparkPeople application to track your progress? If you don't own one, would this be something you may consider in the future?
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Comments
http://www.healthdietadvice.com - 9/16/2009 11:37:35 PM
On other technology, I have my daughter's old ipod (mini...very old in technology terms) but it is adequate for my workouts which is the only time I use it.
I am up to date on computer though. I need it for work, our business and, of course to Spark. That is important! - 9/13/2009 12:53:22 PM
After computers, I got a cellphone. Don't use it much, but love to have it for emergencies. Like, when I'm at a store and can't remember my grand daughters size, I phone them. HEHEHE - emergencies!
I now have an Ipod - my dear husband gave it to me for Christmas. Now he gets upset with me when I'm listening to my music and don't hear him call me. Oh well.
I'm anxious and wondering what's next?
Joan W - 9/6/2009 3:31:13 PM
I got my first home computer in about 1990 and started taking courses. DOS, managing hard discs, WordPerfect for DOS, Lotus 1-2-3. Things have changed so much in 20 years that I wonder what the next 20 will bring.
I still use a laptop, but am not working out right now, so this computer is fine for me. I have a cell phone that I don't use that much (more for emergencies and talking to hubby) and and iPod Classic that I use when I'm at the gym or to listen to audio books when I have insomnia.
I certainly would consider Kindle and iPhone down the road. Love my iPod!
- 9/5/2009 10:57:19 AM
I just love it and modern technology. I prefer
the Blackberry Tour for my emails and such but both
are totally awesome (see teen in the 80's). Positive change
is a good thing and I hope to never lose sight of the old and
the new. I think that is one of the things I love about
SparkPeople. - 9/4/2009 11:54:04 AM
I am retired and cannot afford the iphone, etc. I do have a cell phone which I got when my husband was ill and I had to keep in contact with home. I had a computer that was a gift (read too old for the person who gave it to me). When my husband died instead of using the extra money from the insurance for doctor bills (they would accept terms) I traded up to a new computer. I now also have an MP3 but I don't use it very often. My cell phone takes pictures which I use a lot. I can wish for that iphone but if wishes were horses beggars would ride. If I had one, I would certainly use it for Spark, but I am happy in what Spark I have. - 9/4/2009 2:37:12 AM
I use a GPS system when I bicycle. I'm not a "thing" person at all, but when I got my GPS, I fell in love with it! I make sure the calorie estimate is on the conservative side, and I know from experience that it is realistic. Having this helps in so many ways. First, there's the heart monitor so I can see a constant reading - that's helped me more than once realize that I was dehydrated because my HR will be elevated. Next, it tells me how many calories I burn on my rides - which is very motivating. I also see elevation gains which is helping me right now prepare for a Century ride in Moab on Sept 19. I know that if I do rides today with an equivalent elevation gain, then I'll be better prepared for this ride. Finally I can compare similar rides to see if I'm improving (or not). Technology can be a great thing!! - 9/3/2009 11:03:10 PM
Technology has made some wonderful improvements in our lives but there has been a heavy cost. People seem to be in more of a hurry; they are used to getting info in seconds so why not everything else. Cell phone use by drivers is deadly, stupid, selfish, and needs to be made impossible. It would be nice to see things slow down a bit but that isn't going to happen. Let's just keep technology secure and out of the hands of the government! - 9/3/2009 9:08:47 PM
I'm just enough older than you, Nancy, that I wrote my dissertation on a typewriter; only put the final version on a computer because my advisor insisted.
Gadgets are fine, but the technology moves so fast that each becomes obsolete too early to make it financially worthwhile for me to invest in. I have a net book and that does me just fine for keeping connected with SP; it fits in my brief case. I like privacy more than being in touch all the time anyway.
Glad you are having fun with your Apple--new way to have your apple a day? - 9/3/2009 7:30:53 PM
Anyway, I don't have an iphone, but I'm talking to Santa and asking for an ipod touch for Christmas. I LOVE technology. I won't say it's changed my life, but it's definitely had an impact.
- 9/3/2009 3:31:22 PM
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MAKE A SPARKPEOPLE BLACKBERRY APP!!!!! - 9/3/2009 2:54:21 PM
If the SparkApp was available the Palm OS, I'd probably use it. When I got my first Palm, I was afraid it would end up being an expensive toy but it didn't. I use it for so much stuff. It is even internet capable with wifi or bluetooth.
Love my Palm! - 9/3/2009 12:46:56 PM
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