Proven and lasting technology....

[Warped9]

As a companion to the thread about defunct technology or tech on the decline here's a chance to note those technologies that have lasted and show no sign of disappearing anytime soon.

Eating utensils. They may get stylized in all sorts of ways, but I think it's safe to say that the knife, fork and spoon will be with us for a long time yet...at least perhaps until we evolve into energy beings.

The pencil and pen. The most basic way to make quick notes or transcribe information. In hand with that is paper, the medium I don't see being done away with anytime soon.

Toilet paper and the toilet. Unless human beings evolve in some radical manner it's safe to say these are here to stay.

Computer keyboard. This may be iffy, but until voice recognition can be perfected to the nth degree then I don't see this disappearing in the foreseeable future.

Hammer. It's one of many basic hand tools that may vary in form, but should be around as long as we build things. Along with the hammer you can include saws, screwdrivers, screws and nails.

Anyone else?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Computer mice.

 

[Scout101]

We seem to be pretty happy with that new-fangled invention, the Wheel...

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Toilet paper will be replaced by the three shells. No-one will understand how to work them, but they will be too ashamed to admit this.

Buttons seem to have survived depite the introduction of zips, press fasteners, velcro and so on.

 

[Warped9]

As pedestrian as it may sound I put forth the box. Usually made of cardboard but not necessarily so. The most basic thing to store and carry stuff. Add to that the bag, which can be made of paper, plastic, cloth or whatever and may come in all manner of forms.

I think we can also add the drinking glass and cup in all their bewildering forms. There's also the drinking straw.

And, of course, we can't forget clothing.

 

[Brent]

Vacuume Tubes - Seriously, still used today, resistant to EMP, and there is even renewed research and interest into them right now in something called Vacuum Nanoelectronics.

 

[Squiggy]

FIRE...BAD!

 

[Warped9]

Vacuume Tubes - Seriously, still used today, resistant to EMP, and there is even renewed research and interest into them right now in something called Vacuum Nanoelectronics.

Really? Wow! I didn't know that. Cool.

The shovel. And not just the hand held kind because what is a bulldozer or other construction site equipment but BIG mechanical shovels?

 

[scotpens]

Glass. Still the least expensive, most durable and most versatile substance when you need a window.

The internal-combustion piston engine. It's been around in practical form since the 19th century and it will still be powering our cars, boats, aircraft and lawnmowers for generations to come -- though the engines of a few decades hence may burn some fuel other than gasoline.

Firearms. It will be a long time, if ever, before guns are replaced by energy weapons.

Eating utensils. They may get stylized in all sorts of ways, but I think it's safe to say that the knife, fork and spoon will be with us for a long time yet...at least perhaps until we evolve into energy beings.

Or until the Asian countries rule the world.

Computer mice.

Calling them “mice” sounds silly. For a computer mouse, the correct plural is “mouses.” Or “meece.”

 

[Warped9]

Glass. Still the least expensive, most durable and most versatile substance when you need a window.

Firearms. It will be a long time, if ever, before guns are replaced by energy weapons.

Excellent points.

 

[sojourner]

Helmets. Can't get anything done without a good helmet.
Shoes.
Houses.
farming.

ya know, this list could get really long.

 

[KJbushway]

I would say that there is technology well never get rid of.
Clothes. unless like someone said we turn into energy beings.
Clothes are our way to draw attention, express ourselves, and are even a form of art.
Many functions can be good.
Guns may still be around, but hopefully humans can one day just get along, but still leave water and dart guns. gotta have some entertainment for the young ones.
Glass yes, because it to have many functions.
One weather protection, Art, and it can be color stained so that when light hits it, it shows many bright colors. Ex. Church windows.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Computer mice.

Calling them “mice” sounds silly. For a computer mouse, the correct plural is “mouses.” Or “meece.”

 

[B.J.]

Computer keyboard. This may be iffy, but until voice recognition can be perfected to the nth degree then I don't see this disappearing in the foreseeable future.

I don't see it going away, even with voice recognition. I really don't want to hear my coworkers talking (or more likely, YELLING) at their computers all day!

 

[TJinLOCA]

I don't see it going away, even with voice recognition. I really don't want to hear my coworkers talking (or more likely, YELLING) at their computers all day!

Plus there's the problem of security ... I hate saying account numbers out loud on a cell phone call because of the possibility of someone listening, and I can't imagine how you could protect a password that has to be spoken - unless somebody perfects the Cone of Silence soon.

 

[Mr. B]

TRS connectors... 100+ years later, headphones still use this wire connection.

RCA and XLR connectors are decades old as well.

Coat hangers haven't changed much lately either.

 

[propita]

Chairs. Who wants to sit on the floor/ground all the time.

Locks. From a simple barring of the door to complicated e-locks, people want their stuff protected from others.

Hats. Not only can they keep off the sun and rain, they have uses purely for adornment and group identification.

Art. While the cave paintings of Lascaux may have had purposes other than artistic, humans express themselves with art.

 

[Bears Discover Fire]

Cameras. The medium for retaining the resultant image has changed, as have some materials of construction, but the tool needed to resolve light into an image and direct it into a box is virtually unchanged since the invention of the camera obscura centuries ago.

 

[scotpens]

Hats. Not only can they keep off the sun and rain, they have uses purely for adornment and group identification.

Does anyone still wear a hat?

I’ll drink to that!

 

[propita]

Hats. Not only can they keep off the sun and rain, they have uses purely for adornment and group identification.

Does anyone still wear a hat?

I’ll drink to that!

Aside from the "fashion" hats, sure! I wear a hat to keep the sun off me when I'm going to be outside a lot, as I get a headache from the sun hitting the top of my head for too long. And who doesn't have at least one baseball cap--which often have nothing to do with baseball.