Web Secret #198: the Point of No Return

There is a point in time, when new technology moves from being used by a small number of early adopters to being widespread.

It is fair to say that in the 21st century, the time span that separates a new technology from universal acceptance is becoming much shorter.

However, everyone has a personal point of no return.

• The Apple Macintosh computer may have been introduced in 1984, but I did not have my own computer until 1996.
• The cell phone may have been introduced in the late nineties, but I didn't buy one until 2003.

In most cases, I have to be convinced that a technology is absolutely essential before I jump on that band wagon.

Sometimes, however, my conversion is immediate.

• Color TV? Needed this ASAP.
• The first music CD? Listened. Bought a CD player within an hour.
• GPS for my car? I can't find my way out of a paper bag. Got that puppy pronto.

Other gear, I had to ponder for a while.

• Smartphones? Never had a Blackberry. It took the iPhone 4 to move me.
• iPad? Had to play with one owned by a friend before purchasing one, and honestly, I didn't "get it" right away.

Some tech and social media innovations - I still don't own or use.

• Blu-ray - yes, the picture is sharper, but I just don't care enough.
• Google+ - why? Why do I need this?
• Facebook - use it for work. Don't care to spend my personal time there.

Sometimes, I resist the latest version of something that didn't need improvement (in my opinion.)

• Happy with iPhone 4 - don't need to upgrade to iPhone 4s.
• Latest version of Gmail - no.
• Latest version of Blogger - no.

What is your point of no return?