There is another aspect of technology that also bears attention. As advancements are made in various fields, the complexity to operate the new products also increases. Many people have no problem adapting to the changes in the products. On the flipside, many other people simply can't function once product complexity increases. Older people, even middle-aged (this is where the majority occurs) will stop purchasing products if they feel they can't use them. My grandfather's computer has a one megabyte hard drive! For him, it is adequate, but he has considered upgrading. However, the new computers, with all their "bells and whistles", are far too intimidating for him to look at in a store. This is another example of where technology has gone too far for a large cross-section of the population.

Another example of the exponential increase of technology eliminating some of its own market is found in electronic gaming. Many people have begun finding it far too costly to continue riding the leading edge of the video game industry. For an example of today's advancements, visit IGN 64. This site shows the latest and newest developments in games, and is updated daily. New systems are coming out exceptionally fast, and as soon as the controllers and other accessories have been purchased, the system is virtually obsolete. It is here that video games become similar in many aspects to computers. Computers have experienced this phenomena for many years - - "obsolesence"-- the instant hardware is produced it is in its "adolescence", but immediately is made "obsolete" by newer models.

The answer in this case for me, and many others as I found out, was to begin using what I already had before buying new products again. This meant digging out my old Nintendo. Many others have the same idea, and the NES is becoming quite popular on the WWW (Click the link to see just one member of the webring). Now, I have an extensive collection of games, lots of fun, and cash in my pocket. Going back to an original system saves extensive amounts of capital - games are common and old, and therefore cheap. They are also fun, with their nostalgia and simple, but addicting, gameplay. Are they as much fun as today's new games? Maybe, maybe not. However, they are fun, and cheap, and eliminate the need to continually purchase newer, better equipment. This is what will change the standard of today - when people begin to realize that newer doesn't necessarily mean better.