I flip it closed for the last time, the light in its one visible eye slowly fading as the electrons from its time-worn battery slow to a stop. I lay it to rest in an all-too large casket and place it on a yet unlit pyre, a pile of long-expired electronics tiredly but patiently awaiting the possibility of some future application. The shiny new box stands at odds with the dusty tangle of old ribbon PATA cables, stereo-status-unknown headphone extension leads and dirty great orphaned power supplies (which could totally come in handy one day, dammit). The image on the front of the box, fresh in its youth and immeasurable potential belies the age of the time worn handset within. With a hand over my heart, I hurriedly say farewell to my old and faithful phone. It has finally been overtaken by a newer generation, a smarter generation. Continue reading “Obsolescence”