Yesterday's technology today.

• Author: King, Heather
• Position: Tech Talk - Brief Article

The question is often asked, "Where would we be without technology?" The answers are varied, but most would agree that the world would be much more inconvenient. Our daily activities have been transformed by the microwave, personal computer, cell phone and even the remote control. If that's not enough, then gather the trusty Palm Pilot, digital camera, laptop computer and portable CD player and hit the road. And while the rest of the world clamors for bigger and better, technology has become smaller, sleeker and more durable. We can keep pace without disconnecting from the world.

The Personal Computer

It all started with the Commodore and Apple. Then IBM developed the first PC (personal computer) and clones followed soon after. Now, everyone has one at work, most people have at least one at home and a large number have laptop models that make the perfect traveling companion. PCs come in every size, from desktop to handheld, with so many functions and so much memory and power it's hard to conceive of ever needing it all. But, regardless of what they create, store or look like, PCs are as indispensable today as the telephone.

The Cellular Phone

After lugging around "the brick" -- you know the original cell phone I'm talking about -- it never ceases to amaze me when I see someone using a Star Trek-size cell phone. The late '90s fueled the great debate of analog vs. digital. As one could guess even then, digital would eventually win over even the most reluctant users.

Now, parents issue their children cell phones as a rite of passage and adults buy them for their e lderly parents to use in emergencies. In the world of business, people move about with hands-free ear and mouthpieces, checking their flight schedules and stock performance through their Internet-capable phone.

The Microwave

Don't have an hour to spend cooking dinner? No problem, just "nuke it" and in 4-6 minutes, a complete meal is hot and ready to serve. As early as 1976, the microwave oven could be found in more households than dishwashers (60 percent or about 52 million U.S. households) and came to be viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury. Models have become smaller and more attractive, offering...