I remember a few years back my zoomer son saw a casette tape while my husband and I were organizing. He asked “What the heck is this?” and I explained it’s a casette tape. He followed with, “How do you even use this thing?” it dawn on me that Generation Z probably don’t even know the gadgets that we’ve grew up using. The following items could be nostalgic so I warn you 🙂
- VHS, VHS stands for Video Home System, as the name implies this device allows people to watch movies and other shows. Growing up in the early 80’s streaming services are non-existent. The only way to watch new movies is to rent VHS Cassettes from movie rental companies like Blockbuster (if that rings a bell). Back then we also used Betamax which is counterpart of VHS. There was actually a Videotape format war but eventually VHS won the competition. Although, Betamax offer better quality the cost doesn’t justify it. Making VHS the consumers’ winner.
2. Before the iPod was invented, we’ve used personal stereo, this is a portable audio device where in you put in a cassette tape to listen to your favorite music. Unlike the iPod and other new gadgets, this device only allows you to listen to music that will fit in a cassette tape. If you have mix music recorded you probably will be able to play about an hour of play on both sides. Yes, both sides cause when Side A is done you will have to eject the tape and then flip it to Side B. The most popular brand for portable personal stereo is the Walkman. So you probably will hear GenX people referring to it as that. Back in the day, if you own this device you’re one of the cool kids.
3. Hand Held Electronic Games: Yes, we didn’t have app stores and smart devices but we did have hand held electronic devices that we used to play games. The caveat is, some of this devices only allow you to play a single game. So if you get tired of your current device you will need to purchase a new one with a different game. Unlike, the smart phones now, you can just delete the app you no longer like and download another game application. This is not the case with the hand held electronic games. The most popular brand that was made by the Japanese is the Game & Watch, the company produced several series and a newer version of Game & Watch device is available for sale. These hand held electronic games are very similar with the new hand held devices such as Nintendo DS & Nintendo Switch
4. Game Consoles: Nintendo Entertainment System, Atari, Sega Etc. these systems are different from a the hand held electronic device, as these gaming consoles will need to be plugged into a TV or monitor. It’s similar with Sony Play Station, Nintendo WII and so on. The other difference is that the old gaming consoles uses cartridge. This are actually the storage for game. Super Mario Bros. along with Sonic and Gallaga are the most popular games to play on these gadgets.
5. We didn’t have a smart watch back in the day you say? Well let me introduce you to our smart calculator watch. Ehem, it can give you time, date and use it as a calculator how cool is that?
