In Five Years

I’ll be the first to admit that I have seen a lot of new technology come out and have thought to myself “What’s the point of that, just do it this other way.” But then somehow I ended up with whatever it was, and realized that it’s incredibly useful, and has totally changed how I approach various things.

(in no particular order)

• GPS - Honestly, when it first came out, I thought it was pointless. I’ve never had a problem getting around, can always follow directions, and even if I get lost I can find my way back pretty easily. Then we got a portable GPS unit for the car. Since then, I’ve realized that I don’t want to be without it. I took it to Florida with me to a friend’s wedding, and was able to drive around wherever we had to go and not worry about how to get there or where to go. I was even able to jump off the highway at a random exit because of traffic, and easily work my way around and back on at a later point. It allows you to pay attention to driving, instead of directions, which is really where the attention should be anyway, right?
• Back up camera - Okay this one I was really convinced was useless. I know how to back up my car, and quite accurately at that. But, then I got a new car, and the leather package included the camera, so I basically had to get it. Ever since then all I can think is “why did I think was useless again?” It proves itself in any type of tight situation, or really where there’s any obstacle at all behind you. Previously I’d be pretty-sure-but-I-don’t-want-to-push-it secure in how close I am to something, and then pull forward and back a couple extra times to make sure. Now I just look at the screen and see exactly how much room I have, keep going until I need to without fear of bumping anything, and then go forward without the extra steps. So, back up camera, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it
• TiVo (or other DVR) - I know, how could I miss this one? I never saw the point, although always thought it was cool, until I got one. Since then, I can’t stand watching commercials, or crap TV. Why watch bad television when you can record all the good stuff and watch it whenever you want? I also get to see those fun shows on Discovery and other channels that I normally wouldn’t even know about because it records them as “suggestions.” If you have a TV, but don’t have TiVo, go get it, right now. I know I put “or other DVR” in the title, but I’ve tried others, they’re not even close.

I’m sure there’s more that I’ve run into, but I just can’t think of them right now

Anything that you used to think was pointless but have now come to love or even depend on?