Focus Week: torturing ourselves with old tech for a week

In this edition of our Focus Week, we’re clearing the mothballs from our old devices and giving the gadgets a new lease on life. How does it feel today to use a computer that’s over twenty years old? Or a 35-year-old game console? What’s it like to live life as if digital music didn’t exist? We won’t just be playing around with the nostalgia-inducing gear; we’ll be integrating the outdated tech into our everyday lives for a week.

Spoiler alert: we’re not always totally successful in our endeavour. Experiments do have a way of going wrong. Some devices are only usable to a limited extent, so they’re not suitable as a replacement for an entire week. Case in point: my rig. I had the (admittedly crazy) idea to give my computer a one-week vacation – and I attempted to replace it with an Apple notebook from 2002.

David breathes life back into the Titanium Powerbook

In a way, Bill Gates was right: this «internet» will never catch on. Today, if I work on the Apple Powerbook from 2002, I do so offline. This can be a nice little change of scenery. But only for a while.

Martin joins meetings online on his Windows 98 computer

Martin, who worked with Windows 98, experienced more success. Not only does he have a working web browser on his 25-year-old system, but he also has a remote desktop connection to Windows 11 – and with it, all the convenience of modern tech. I may be green with envy, but hats off!

Michelle goes 80s

Music tapes are just a blurry childhood memory for Michelle. She wants to relive them. Although she’s long since grown accustomed to the convenience of streaming services, she can still appreciate the little cassettes.

To provide Michelle with a wider choice of music, David records a mixtape for the first time in many years. And it’s just as satisfying as it was back in the day.

Phil fosters his love-hate relationship with old console games

Old games have their own charm, but they push you out of your comfort zone. Many are merciless, offering you no help whatsoever. Phil took on some fiendish classics – on several consoles.

Jan uses an unusable smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S was a milestone in 2010. Today, it’s more akin to a brick. Not because of its dimensions, mind you. They’re actually quite nice. But the outdates operating system makes the device barely usable.

Samuel discovers analogue photography

When it comes to digital cameras, only the best is good enough for Samuel. But he bites the bullet and takes only an old film camera with him on vacation. He quickly realises that with its restrictions come advantages.

Kevin can’t fix the Nintendo VR headset either

Finally, an attempt that went completely south: gaming expert Domagoj Belancic wanted to check out Nintendo’s VR headset. It dates from 1995 – and looks the part. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work. Even Kevin couldn’t fix it, though not for lack of trying.

You’ll find all Focus Week articles here as they’re published.