Why Old Tech Refuses to Leave
Sure, new tech often shows up with big promises, but plenty of older devices still keep things running because they solve problems in a nice and simple way. Well, of course, sometimes these beloved pieces stay in our possession because of nostalgia, too. So, if you’ve ever kept something around because it still does exactly what you need, you’ll recognize the logic behind these holdouts. From landline telephones to older gaming consoles and more, here are 20 pieces of outdated tech people surprisingly still use.
1. Fax Machines
Fax machines are still hanging on in offices that run on process and paperwork, especially where forms move between departments all day long. You’ll see them most often in health care, legal settings, and certain government workflows where people trust what’s familiar and standardized. It’s not that anyone thinks faxing is fun, but once a system is built around it, replacing it can feel like re-training an entire organization.
2. DVD Players
DVD players stick around because a surprising number of people already own a solid collection and don’t want to re-buy movies they’ve paid for. If your internet is inconsistent, or you’re tired of titles disappearing from streaming services without warning, popping in a disc starts to look practical. There’s also something appealing about a device that does one job cleanly and doesn’t ask you to log in, agree to anything, or update before it works.
3. Cable TV Boxes
Cable boxes survive because some viewers want a straightforward experience where you turn on the TV and everything is just there. If you’re juggling multiple streaming subscriptions, passwords, and menus, the simplicity of channel surfing can honestly feel like a relief. For plenty of households, sports, local news, and bundle pricing still make the cable box the easiest option to live with.
4. Landline Telephones
Landlines are still used by people who value a stable connection and don’t want their ability to make a call tied to a phone battery. You’ll also find them in homes that treat them as a backup when cell reception is unreliable or during outages. For some families, a landline is simply a practical anchor point, especially for older relatives who don’t want to manage smartphones.
5. Compact Digital Cameras
Compact digital cameras remain popular with people who want a dedicated photo device that doesn’t pull them into texts, notifications, and distractions. You might also prefer one when you need optical zoom that a phone still can’t match in a clean, no-fuss way. They’re easy to hand to someone for a quick photo, and the experience stays focused on taking pictures rather than managing everything else on your phone.
6. USB Flash Drives
USB flash drives keep showing up because sometimes you just want to move a file from one place to another without a whole setup. If you’ve ever been in a situation where Wi-Fi is slow, blocked, or inconvenient, a flash drive feels like the fastest path to done. People also like that it’s tangible, simple, and doesn’t require trusting a third-party platform with something sensitive.
7. CD Players and Stereos
CD players are still in rotation because a lot of people already own CDs and know exactly where their music is. If you’re tired of songs disappearing from streaming libraries or you don’t want to pay a monthly fee to access your own tastes, CDs can feel refreshingly straightforward. Plenty of older car stereos also keep them alive by making CDs the most reliable option for music on the road.
8. Wired Headphones
Wired headphones refuse to go away because they solve annoying problems before they happen. You don’t have to charge them, pair them, or troubleshoot why one earbud suddenly decided to stop cooperating. If you want reliable audio for calls, commuting, or work, they deliver a predictable experience that feels almost relaxing compared to wireless quirks.
9. External Hard Drives
External hard drives stay relevant because people want their files in a place they can touch, control, and store without ongoing fees. If you’re backing up photos, videos, or work projects, having a physical drive often feels safer than scattering everything across accounts and services. They’re also a practical reminder to back up regularly, since you can plug one in and handle it on your schedule.
10. Desktop Printers
Printers keep surviving because the real world still runs on paper more than we like to admit. You may go weeks without printing anything, and then suddenly you need a signed form, a shipping label, or a school document immediately. Having a printer at home saves you from last-minute errands, and that convenience is enough to justify the space it takes up.
11. Alarm Clocks
Alarm clocks are still around because they help people keep their phones out of their sleep routines. If you’ve ever meant to set an alarm and accidentally ended up scrolling for another hour, you already understand the appeal. A basic clock can feel calmer and more intentional, and it does its job without pulling you into alerts the moment you wake up.
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12. Calculators
Dedicated calculators remain popular because they’re fast, accurate, and completely distraction-free. If you’re working through budgets, homework, or quick calculations, it can be nice to use a tool that doesn’t tempt you to check messages mid-problem. They’re also still standard in many classrooms and testing environments, which keeps them relevant even when phones could technically do the same math.
13. Older Gaming Consoles
Older consoles stick around because people don’t stop loving certain games just because the hardware is no longer trendy. If you have a library you’ve built over years, it can feel smarter to keep playing what you already own rather than chasing constant upgrades. Retro gaming is also more accessible than ever, and plenty of players genuinely prefer the feel and simplicity of older systems.
14. Flip Phones
Flip phones still have fans because they offer a clean boundary between communication and everything else. If you want calls and texts without apps trying to keep you hooked, the simplicity is hard to argue with. A lot of people also appreciate the battery life and durability, especially when they’re tired of fragile glass slabs.
15. Basic MP3 Players
MP3 players continue to make sense for people who want music without a constant connection to social feeds and notifications. If you run, commute, or travel, a small player can feel like a purposeful choice that keeps your phone free for essentials. There’s also satisfaction in having a music library that doesn’t rely on subscriptions or availability changes.
16. Old Versions of Windows
Older versions of Windows often stick around because businesses depend on specific software that doesn’t play nicely with modern systems. If upgrading risks breaking a workflow that keeps a team running, people will put off changes for as long as they can. It’s not always ideal, but the pressure to stay compatible can outweigh the desire to stay current.
17. Dedicated GPS Units
Standalone GPS devices still have a place because they’re built for navigation first, not multitasking. If you drive a lot, you may appreciate a screen that stays on, doesn’t get interrupted by calls, and doesn’t chew through your phone battery on long trips. Updates can be slower than phone maps, but many people like having a separate device that keeps directions simple and consistent.
18. Wired Computer Mice
Wired mice are still surprisingly common because they’re reliable in a way that people notice only when something goes wrong. You plug one in and it works, with no charging, no pairing, and no lag surprises during a busy workday. If you spend hours at a desk, that kind of predictability can matter more than a cleaner-looking setup.
19. Wristwatches
A wristwatch is one of those small choices that changes how you move through the day. Instead of reaching for your phone and risking a detour into notifications, you get the information you want in a single glance and you’re done. For a lot of people, that little bit of separation is the whole point, especially when they’re trying to stay present or keep work and personal time from bleeding together.
20. Paper Checks
Checks are still around because they're still surprisingly reliable. Landlords, repair people, school fees, and some smaller organizations may still treat a check as the simplest option, even if it’s not the fastest. There’s also a control factor: you decide exactly what leaves your account and when, and you’re not handing over card information to every person who needs to get paid.
