David Pogue Offers Food for Thought: Nothing Replaces Anything

The New York Times technology columnist David Pogue celebrated his 10th anniversary column with a brief reflection on the past decade of technology.

To me, it's hard to remember what the web looked like in fall 2000, much less digital cameras (did they exist?) and early forms of all the "convergence" gadgets available today that are just beginning to mash up the web and their legacy technologies.

Pogue identifies some trends that ring of truth and longevity. The trend I found most relevant is this: Nothing replaces anything. Technology simply splinters.

Pogue means that invention inspires copycats. From one iPod came dozens of competing mp3 players. None has "killed" the iPod. The technology simply splintered.

There are exceptions, of course, but the ones I can think of without a decade of reflection seem mostly to be data storage formats: BetaMax, HD-DVD, cassette tape, CD, 8-track tape, vinyl, film cameras, etc.

This should be a relief to purveyors of older standards. As long as your product experience is relevant, your product format can change without destroying your business. Hello? Book publishers?

It's On! The GoLite Warehouse (and Sample) Sale for 2 More Days

 

WARNING! This sale is in a different location. There's more parking and it's easier than the Gunbarrel location. 

Another difference from the usual GoLite warehouse sale, at least from what I've noticed at past sales, is that GoLite is selling both new product and samples. Samples are just that, sample products that sales reps take from store to store so product buyers can see the goods. Sample sales are usually deeply discounted (in this case GoLite was selling them for around 80% off) and are generally sold as is.

And here, my discount-hunting friends, is the fall 2010 GoLite Warehouse Sale price list.