# What currently necessary item will be the soonest to become obsolete? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 9, 2013, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817 "2013-08-09T17:08:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/81 "2013-08-12T12:48:24Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Wrist watches. I don’t think so. There will always be a market for something that lets you see the time without any interaction, something that phones (for one) won’t be able to do until their batteries can keep the screen going (or enough of it for a clock display) 24/7. And even when that happens, there’s the style factor of a nice watch. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/82 "2013-08-12T13:07:31Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > 24 million items circulated last year just in my building says you’re a bit wrong about that. Apologies - I failed to put a decimal point in there. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/83 "2013-08-12T13:32:17Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > It’s a subset of items, not an item, but the consumer-level “instamatic” camera is nearly dead. There will always be a need for **good** cameras, the kind of proper SLR a professional uses. But cheaper cameras are dying out because now they’re on your phone. I can’t remember the last time I or anyone I know bought a cheap camera. Cheap cameras, sure. Small, not so much; at least not until camera phones get a LOT better. Camera phone pictures stink overall. They’re ok for taking a picture when you don’t have a real camera handy and have a great shot, or for things where quality doesn’t count, like of products at the store to send to your wife asking which one is correct for her recipe, but for pictures of friends, family and vacations, cell phone cameras are atrocious. So I got a Canon S100- it’s a small P&S camera, but it cost about 350 dollars. It takes pictures that are light-years ahead of the camera phones in terms of focus, metering and resolution. I suspect that consumer digital camcorders are going to go away in the very near future though. There’s just nothing that a digital camcorder does that my 4 year old DSLR can’t do with a little effort, and the more recent versions can even do that stuff. Hell, the Canon S100 I mention above will take upwards of an hour of 1080p HD video with auto-focus, so I’m not at all sure what getting a digital camcorder would buy me. And the functionality will only continue to grow in future editions of digital cameras. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/84 "2013-08-12T13:33:02Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > Two words: Fire Code. One word and a number: Post 35 ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/85 "2013-08-12T13:34:44Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Landline phones have too much invested in the infrastructure to become readily obsolete. [AT&T expects to hang up on landlines by end of decade](http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/technology/article/AT-T-expects-to-hang-up-on-landlines-by-end-of-4680563.phpl) ---
**Author:** ![Laggard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de053/32.png) [@Laggard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laggard)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/86 "2013-08-12T13:55:46Z")
> [@NoClueBoy](#): > > . > > Keys, in the stick it in a lock sense. Carry a proximity device with all our codes (car, home, work) in it. > . Somehow I don’t see our landlord dropping that kind of dough anytime this century. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/87 "2013-08-12T14:03:05Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > I don’t think so. There will always be a market for something that lets you see the time without any interaction, something that phones (for one) won’t be able to do until their batteries can keep the screen going (or enough of it for a clock display) 24/7. > > And even when that happens, there’s the style factor of a nice watch. 😉 This. I for one like wrist watches because they deliver a instant gratification mobile phones cannot ever provide. And even if smart watches become popular, I would still wager there will be niche market for standalone/traditional wrist watches, as they are relatively inexpensive on the low end, and on the high end, are worn more for style than they are for telling the time. BTW, [wrist watches are actually increasing in popularity](http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/15/business/la-fi-watches-comeback-20120816). ---
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/88 "2013-08-12T14:12:06Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I’m also kind of wondering about the utility of gasoline other than “the cheapest they’ve got”. How many people still pay $4.25 or more for “premium” gas? There can’t be that many people driving Ferraris out there… Assuming you’re not kidding, higher octane fuel is absolutely necessary for many engines. If not, you’re likely to suffer from pre-ignition/detonation, which will either hinder normal performance, or at worst, result in serious engine damage. Besides, they’ve already gotten rid of higher octane fuels. I used to be able to get over 100, which came down to 94, and now 93 is the highest I can get (reasonably), and that’s on the east coast. If anything, they need to get rid of the terms “premium”, “super”, “regular”, etc. as they don’t properly describe what the fuel does for the car. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/89 "2013-08-12T14:13:19Z")
I think wired computers. I don’t know why everything isn’t wireless now. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/90 "2013-08-12T14:19:02Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I think wired computers. I don’t know why everything isn’t wireless now. Because wifi is sloooooooooooooooooooow. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/91 "2013-08-12T14:21:16Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > How about stand alone GPS units? Tom-Tom and Garmin used to be the hottest items at retailers. Now with the feature on everyone’s smart phone or built into new vehicles display screens they really seemed to disappear. For the record, in-dash GPS units are the most popular stolen from cars. Now, if you are looking for a in-dash item that will disappear next, look no further than the in-dash CD player. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/92 "2013-08-12T14:31:50Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I think wired computers. I don’t know why everything isn’t wireless now. You mean WiFi? Because Ethernet is faster and more reliable. With that being, Ethernet is already being slowly phased out on laptops, especially ultrabooks, because of size/space issues. With desktops, there is not the same size/space issues, so there is no real to not include it. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/93 "2013-08-12T14:36:21Z")
As much as I dearly love going to movie theaters, I don’t think I would invest in one today. More and more smaller films are already coming out with “On Demand” variations with the ability to watch a movie - on opening day - from the comfort of home. As people start to get used to the idea of plunking down $5 or so for a new film on their TV/computer/iPad or whatever, plus with people getting larger and larger screens at home, film makers (especially smaller, independent films) will see they can make back their investment with some form of pay-per-view at home. And let’s be honest - other than some of the big blockbuster films with lots of special effects, do you really need a huge screen at the multi-plex to see most dramas and quirky comedies? Again - I am not happy about it, but I think the writing is on the wall and movie theaters will have to find all kinds of new tricks to get you to drive there, pay premium prices for tickets and drinks and food and park and get a baby sitter, etc. etc. etc. ---
**Author:** ![NotDeadYet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotDeadYet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotDeadYet)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/94 "2013-08-12T14:48:34Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Public libraries. How many people borrow books nowadays? If they didn’t provide movies for rent and Internet access, they’d be ghost towns. Our public library system is not only growing, but figuring out ways to actually make a small profit in some cases. The local branch is expanding for the second time in less than 10 years. Honestly don’t get it. Haven’t stepped foot inside for over 20 years. But some of my fondest childhood memories involve hanging around the library, reading magazines, and meeting up with friends. ---
**Author:** ![NotDeadYet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotDeadYet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotDeadYet)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/95 "2013-08-12T14:54:16Z")
> [@Time\_Shift](#): > > This. > > I for one like wrist watches because they deliver a instant gratification mobile phones cannot ever provide. > > And even if smart watches become popular, I would still wager there will be niche market for standalone/traditional wrist watches, as they are relatively inexpensive on the low end, and on the high end, are worn more for style than they are for telling the time. > > BTW, [wrist watches are actually increasing in popularity](http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/15/business/la-fi-watches-comeback-20120816). I wear a watch. Have probably 20 or more. Don’t feel dressed without one on. That said, none of my kids wear a watch. I really think its one of those generational divides… ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/96 "2013-08-12T14:54:55Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > As much as I dearly love going to movie theaters, I don’t think I would invest in one today. > > More and more smaller films are already coming out with “On Demand” variations with the ability to watch a movie - on opening day - from the comfort of home. > > As people start to get used to the idea of plunking down $5 or so for a new film on their TV/computer/iPad or whatever, plus with people getting larger and larger screens at home, film makers (especially smaller, independent films) will see they can make back their investment with some form of pay-per-view at home. > > And let’s be honest - other than some of the big blockbuster films with lots of special effects, do you really need a huge screen at the multi-plex to see most dramas and quirky comedies? > > Again - I am not happy about it, but I think the writing is on the wall and movie theaters will have to find all kinds of new tricks to get you to drive there, pay premium prices for tickets and drinks and food and park and get a baby sitter, etc. etc. etc. I doubt it. Now, will Indy films rely on theaters less? Yeah, they already are. VOD is more economical for them than theater relase, but with blockbusters, it makes no real sense to drops theaters. It would be killing huge revenue source for the movie industry. Oh, and as large as the home screen are getting, they still nowhere close to the monster size of theater screens, and I doubt they ever will be. > [@NotDeadYet](#): > > I wear a watch. Have probably 20 or more. Don’t feel dressed without one on. That said, none of my kids wear a watch. I really think its one of those generational divides… Don’t get me wrong. Will wrist watches decline in popularity? Probably. However, I think will always be a niche market for them, due to their low cost, and style factor, on the high end. ---
**Author:** ![NotDeadYet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotDeadYet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotDeadYet)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/97 "2013-08-12T15:18:12Z")
I can see straight-up printers becoming obsolete, but the multi-function units will be around for a while. We’ve got an HP All-in-1 and use it every day. Scans directly to an SD or USB thumb drive. Can print from my iPhone or iPad, scan & email documents that don’t have to be faxed (still don’t get why some insist on fax) and actually print out a document every now and then. Must admit that I can edit better with a pen on paper than on a computer/iPad screen. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Shift](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Time\_Shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Shift)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/98 "2013-08-12T15:25:14Z")
> [@NotDeadYet](#): > > I can see straight-up printers becoming obsolete, but the multi-function units will be around for a while. We’ve got an HP All-in-1 and use it every day. Scans directly to an SD or USB thumb drive. Can print from my iPhone or iPad, scan & email documents that don’t have to be faxed (still don’t get why some insist on fax) and actually print out a document every now and then. Must admit that I can edit better with a pen on paper than on a computer/iPad screen. I do not know if home printers will become obsolete, but it is certainly one of those devices I would certainly like to see die a death. Though, I must admit, I hate printers less these days, ever since I switch to the laser variety a couple of years ago. ---
**Author:** ![want2befree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3e96dc/32.png) [@want2befree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2befree)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/99 "2013-08-12T17:33:53Z")
Bluetooths? Or have they already become obsolete? ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817/100 "2013-08-12T18:44:14Z")
> [@NoClueBoy](#): > > The market for them (cheap P&S digitals) may be drying up, according to some websites. Photo Rumors and Nikon Rumors were talking about that just the other day, speculating that Nikon might even get into the cell phone business in some form or another to make up for the shrinking low level P&S market. > [Some of this tongue in cheek, but some is serious](http://nikonrumors.com/2013/07/07/nikon-working-on-a-secret-product-smart-phone.aspx/comment-page-1/). The Rumors sites have a fairly decent track record, tho they do often exaggerate some things. Some[more news (from Sony, this time)](http://petapixel.com/2013/08/12/first-pictures-of-sonys-groundbreaking-lens-cameras-surface/) about this. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-necessary-item-will-be-the-soonest-to-become-obsolete/665817.md?page=6)