The best items of tech you have ever owned

[MrGongGong]

Yeah.... I think you can file "losing the remote control" under "human error..."
And without humanity, you'd never have the Quad 67 design in the first place, so....

But it has a Philips transport, right? So it should work with Marantz/Philips remotes. And with such designs you can press "eject" on the fascia (in the 67, the drawer open/close flap at immediate right of the drawer), load the disc, then a gentle push on the CD drawer will result in playback. "Eject" again to stop....

That's a "fail" in my book then
the number of times I have turned up to places where there is similar equipment that I can't use because there is either no remote or flat batteries is far too many, and I do have a couple of CD players I used to use for sound installations that are similar, the only advantage being that the same remote would operate both simultaneously.

(I don't get the watch thing either)

[Richard Barrett]

That's a "fail" in my book then

Quite. I've never fathomed why it is that domestic stereo systems are provided with remote controls at all, let alone remote controls that are required to operate the thing. Not just because of losing them or batteries running out, they make the place look untidy and they're a solution to a problem that never existed - what's so wrong with getting up and turning a good old-fashioned knob now and again?

[jayne lee wilson]

Don't get the watch thing...?
Archetypal, Orbital..... we go back a VERY long way with them you know...



***

Remote Controls, RB?
As a serial volume-adjuster, fussy about the right level for a given recording, I'd be appalled to live without one.
It may depend on system sensitivity - mine gets pretty loud by 10 o'clock, so small adjustments make a big difference, or even switching attenuation in sometimes. And starting playback at the hifi rack inevitably means the music starting before you're back in your chair (not good for a Beethoven 5, a Brahms 3 or a Nielsen 4).... just like the good old days of placing the stylus on the record...

With TV it's even more important: muting and 30x ff when the ads are on, or reducing levels when those Star Wars battles get a bit too noisy... not to mention rewinding to the goal you missed when you were feeding the cat....

[cloughie]

Don't get the watch thing...?
Archetypal, Orbital..... we go back a VERY long way with them you know...

Watches are handier on dull days!

[gurnemanz]

Quite. I've never fathomed why it is that domestic stereo systems are provided with remote controls at all, let alone remote controls that are required to operate the thing. Not just because of losing them or batteries running out, they make the place look untidy and they're a solution to a problem that never existed - what's so wrong with getting up and turning a good old-fashioned knob now and again?

I have recently upgraded my amp and now have one (Marantz) with a remote control for the first time. I will confess that I have come to find it extremely convenient for quickly switching input and adjusting volume, especially since I also put TV sound through it. Riding my bike, playing tennis and doing the garden gives me enough physical exercise.

[french frank]

(I don't get the watch thing either)

Speed, just a quick glance. Strapped to wrist, so unlike remotes &c. doesn't get lost

[greenilex]

The annoying thing about my trusty old Pulsar is the date adjustment...takes hours of hit-and-miss to change the digit on non-standard months.

[vinteuil]

Speed, just a quick glance. Strapped to wrist, so unlike remotes &c. doesn't get lost

... and also - with a clock face, you immediately see the time elapsed / to go - unlike digitals where you have to do a mental calculation.

And, as I seppaphor, if you get an automatic - no further cost involved...

http://amzn.eu/i4v9hCz

.

[Richard Barrett]

Clearly we all have our preferences, but -

... and also - with a clock face, you immediately see the time elapsed / to go - unlike digitals where you have to do a mental calculation.

- I really don't understand this at all. I wouldn't say there's any less "calculation" involved in looking at a clock face than at a digital display: it's just a question of what's more familiar and/or more comfortable for each individual, surely.

Speaking as someone almost all of whose work (and not just work) is connected in some way with technology, I really don't find myself getting attached to any of its physical appurtenances. Normally I use something until I'm forced for one reason or another to replace it. (Apart from my last watch!)

[vinteuil]

Clearly we all have our preferences, but -
- I really don't understand this at all. I wouldn't say there's any less "calculation" involved in looking at a clock face than at a digital display: it's just a question of what's more familiar and/or more comfortable for each individual, surely.

... interesting. For me, if my phone tells me it's 13:37 I have to have a bit of thought before I apprehend that it's twenty three minutes before whatever I have to do at two o' clock. Whereas if I look at a clock face, it is somehow an immediate apperception.

I don't mind digital time-pieces, it's just that yer analogue clock seems to have a more immediate connection with the ( = my ) brain...


.

[Dave2002]

And, as I seppaphor, if you get an automatic - no further cost involved...

http://amzn.eu/i4v9hCz

I note that today is Unusual Words Day - but this one is beyond me!

[vinteuil]

.

... I think I stole it from Afferbeck Lauder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afferbeck_Lauder

.

[Bergonzi]

I love my analogue watch which is also charged by light and never needs a new battery. Much preferred to a digital one.

[jayne lee wilson]

I love my analogue watch which is also charged by light and never needs a new battery. Much preferred to a digital one.

"Charged by Light.."

A Human Sapiens stood before the sun and saw her shadow cast;
The hands of the watch are the Human shadow upon the Earth.

[vinteuil]

"Charged by Light.."

A Human Sapiens stood before the sun and saw her shadow cast; and considered....
The hands of the watch are the Human shadow upon the Earth.

... if she stood before the sun, the shadow cast would be behind her.



.