15 Devices That Used to Be in Every Home Office

Home offices once relied on a range of now-outdated devices that have largely disappeared.

Sophia Zapanta
July 3, 2025
4 min read

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Before smartphones and cloud computing, home offices were filled with equipment now seen as obsolete. These tools helped with writing, printing, calling, and organizing tasks. Most have been replaced by smaller, faster, and more efficient digital alternatives.

1. Fax Machine

Pittigrilli on Wikimedia Commons

Fax machines were once a must-have for sending documents quickly over phone lines. They allowed users to transmit copies of letters, contracts, or forms without using mail. Businesses relied heavily on them for fast communication. Today, email and digital scans have made them nearly irrelevant.

2. Landline Telephone

Rakoon on Wikimedia Commons

Every home office had a landline phone, often with features like hold buttons and speed dial. People used it for work calls, voicemail, and conference calls. Corded or cordless, it was a basic tool for staying connected. Cell phones and internet-based calls have taken its place.

3. Typewriter

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Before word processors, people typed letters and documents on manual or electric typewriters. Typing mistakes had to be fixed with correction tape or fluid. The sound of typing was loud but familiar in every office. Computers replaced them by offering faster and easier editing.

4. Rolodex

Jorfer on Wikimedia Commons

A Rolodex was a spinning file system used to store business contact cards. It helped users organize phone numbers, addresses, and notes in alphabetical order. Many professionals kept one on their desk within arm’s reach. Contact lists on phones and computers have now made it obsolete.

5. Answering Machine

phreakindee on Wikimedia Commons

Answering machines recorded voice messages from missed calls. They often used cassette tapes or small digital storage. People played back messages to catch up on work-related calls. Voicemail systems and smartphones have now taken over this job.

6. Desktop Calculator

Mister rf on Wikimedia Commons

Home offices often had large, button-heavy calculators for math tasks. They were used for budgeting, billing, or taxes. Some models printed results on tiny paper rolls. Software like Excel and built-in phone apps have taken over their function.

7. Bulletin Board

Geographer on Wikimedia Commons

Bulletin boards were used to pin notes, calendars, memos, and to-do lists. They helped people visually track deadlines and reminders. Most were cork or fabric-based with thumbtacks or pins. Today, digital tools like Trello or Google Calendar serve the same purpose.

8. Filing Cabinet

Watty62 on Wikimedia Commons

Paperwork was once stored in tall, heavy filing cabinets. These cabinets held files in folders, sorted by name, topic, or date. Important documents like bills, records, and contracts were stored this way. Cloud storage and digital backups have replaced most of this physical filing.

9. Dot Matrix Printer

Corvair on Wikimedia Commons

Dot matrix printers were common in offices during the 1980s and 1990s. They printed using tiny pins striking an ink ribbon, often making a loud sound. These printers were durable and useful for forms with carbon copies. Inkjet and laser printers have mostly taken over.

10. Modem (Dial-Up)

Wolfgang Stief on Wikimedia Commons

To get online, offices used dial-up modems that connected through phone lines. They made a screeching noise while dialing and had slow internet speeds. Browsing and downloading took much longer than today. Broadband and Wi-Fi have since replaced them.

11. Scanner

Nina Menconi on Wikimedia Commons

Scanners allowed users to digitize paper documents and photos. Early models were large and slow, but useful for creating digital backups. Some combined scanning, printing, and copying. Now, mobile apps and multi-function devices have reduced the need for separate scanners.

12. Label Maker

Edward Betts on Wikimedia Commons

Label makers helped users print sticky labels for folders, drawers, and office supplies. They were useful for organizing files and storage areas. Labels came in different sizes and fonts. Digital organization and less paper usage have made them less common.

13. CD Burner Drive

Icaro de Faria Luis on Wikimedia Commons

CD burners were used to save files and backup data onto discs. People used them to store photos, reports, or presentations. Burning a CD took time and required blank discs and software. Cloud storage and USB drives made this process much faster and easier.

14. Shredder

Julo on Wikimedia Commons

Paper shredders were used to destroy sensitive documents safely. They reduced the risk of identity theft or leaked information. Offices shredded bank statements, tax forms, and private notes. Digital data security has taken priority now, though shredders are still used occasionally.

15. External Hard Drive (Early Models)

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Old external drives were bulky and had limited storage. People used them to back up work files and photos. Transferring data was slow and often required extra cables. Today’s drives are smaller, faster, or have been replaced entirely by cloud storage.