20 Things We Used to Use Before Smartphones
Don't you miss that classic yet tangible and chunky thing you can't just shove into your pocket?
- Cyra Sanchez
- 6 min read
The world is evolving, and so is the innovation of new stuff. But we sure can’t blame ourselves for reminiscing and still grabbing hold of those classic things we used to have. Get into this list of 20 things and take a moment to go down memory lane.
1. Film Camera
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Before digital cameras came into the picture, film cameras were the tools to capture your precious moments. The anticipation of developing films and waiting for how it turns out is just pure nostalgia. Now, we have to tap the camera on our phone screens and see the result instantly on the gallery.
2. Landline Phones
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These bulky communication devices were often attached to the wall and were the primary mode of communication at that time. They were a way to connect to our loved ones with a simple dial and ring. Nowadays, smartphones have replaced landlines, giving us access to a wide range of communication features.
3. Dial-Up Modems
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It’s a familiar screeching sound for internet users of the past. These modems enabled us to connect to the World Wide Web, eventually opening an opportunity to a vast digital world. Today, we have access to the Internet through our phones at our fingertips.
4. Cassette Tapes
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Magnetic tapes were used to play and record music. It allows us to personalize it with stickers, labels, or artwork. However, streaming sites and other digital music players have already surpassed cassette tapes in terms of storage, sound quality, and convenience.
5. CD Players
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This revolutionized our way of listening to music, making it easier to navigate your playlist. It might be a significant upgrade from cassette tapes, but the emergence of streaming platforms made it less common. Thus, people would opt to play music on their phones, which would be more convenient than carrying bulky CD players.
6. DVD Players
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The level of CD players being upgraded to at-home usage brought DVD players to rise. The convenience, affordable cinematic experience, complete special features, and commentary made DVD players an instant hit. With the diverse resources of streaming platforms online, DVD players seem to have no room on our shelves anymore.
7. VCRs
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The device we use to play and record our favorite shows on TV enables us to watch on flexible and controlled viewing habits. Technological growth and increasing demand for easy recording have replaced VCRs with Digital Video Recorders and other streaming services that offer advanced features.
8. Maps and Atlases
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Heavy and prone to physical destruction, this reference is our only way to navigate the world back then. It helped us explore uncharted territories and less traveled roads. Today, real-time navigation and traffic updates are available due to GPS navigation systems and other smartphone apps.
9. Alarm Clocks
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This mechanical device is mainly for time and alarm and effectively does the job without disturbance. The bell chimes were a saving grace for your early appointments. Now, this alarm has been replaced with smartphone alarms, which added customization of alarm sounds and the ability to sleep rather than opting for one single off switch in case you doze off again.
10. Calculators
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Smartphone calculators are a savior for people who have too many numbers on their hands. They are used mostly by students, engineers, and anyone who has to crunch numbers. Smartphone calculators are now our on-the-go computing tools.
11. Typewriters
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The clink-clank typing sound and the ding of the bell when the line is almost complete. This mechanical writing instrument is an essential tool, particularly for writers, journalists, and businesses. At this time, computers and smartphones have made typing and editing documents convenient, faster, and more accurate.
12. Encyclopedias
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It’s a thick, multi-volume reference book about the world’s treasures. This book provides information on a wide range of topics, from history and science to art and literature. Due to the existence of search engines and the Internet, finding an answer to our query has become more quick and accessible than ever.
13. Payphones
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A public telephone is used to call or answer someone when you are away from home or traveling. It became a lifeline for many travelers and those in emergencies. Smartphones have become the most practical choice for this function because of their convenience, affordability, and privacy.
14. Physical Cameras
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This intricate, bulky, and huge camera is usually used professionally. It requires technical expertise and careful handling but captures stunning and quality images and video. The continuous updates of smartphones enable us to capture the same high-quality results and additional features for enhancement.
15. Game Consoles
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Living room entertainment is as fun with these gaming consoles, especially when shared with friends and family. This gaming device still exists and is popular in the gaming society. But, with the emergence of new smartphone models that are highly capable of gaming and numerous published mobile games, gaming consoles are tucked into our homes.
16. Physical Games
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Before we could access digital games, physical games were a thing. These included chess, checkers, puzzles, and other card games. These games often required strategic thinking, interactions, and creativity. Physical games still have a special spot in our hearts, but the wider variety of gameplay offered by digital games is a total game changer.
17. Newspapers
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Printed publications were the primary source of daily news and information everywhere back then. Thrown at the steps of your front door, they became a reliable source of current events. New apps and websites are now here to provide news at any time of the day and can be highly curated for real-time updates and personalized news feeds.
18. Phone Books
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This phone directory listed phone numbers and addresses, mostly of important people and businesses. It helped people connect easily with each other. Smartphones have replaced this with a more convenient one, saving it in our contact list, which we can access quickly for messaging and video calling.
19. Public Libraries
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An institution that housed a vast collection of magazines, books, and other resources, it still exists today and is one of the go-to places to study. The availability of online archives and libraries made it possible to access resources everywhere we go.
20. Physical Music Stores
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It’s a library but a collection of albums, vinyl, cassette tapes, and CDs. Few physical music stores are still in existence, but unlike before, they aren’t as popular. Digital music stores and streaming platforms have become the go-to for quick purchasing and listening to music.