The Evolution of Office Technology: From Floppy Disks to VHS Players
Modern offices are filled with high-tech gadgets that make work more efficient and convenient. From treadmill desks to laser mice, these innovations have transformed the way people work. However, just 30 years ago, workplaces looked completely different. Many once-essential technologies, such as fax machines and floppy disks, have now become relics of the past.
A recent survey conducted by Samsung revealed the most obsolete office gadgets still in use today. The findings show that the humble floppy disk is considered the most outdated item, despite its continued presence as the ‘save’ icon on many computers. According to Annika Bizon, a senior executive at Samsung, modern professionals no longer work in one place or follow a fixed schedule, and their technology should reflect this flexibility.
So, how many of these retro office gadgets do you remember?
Top 10 Obsolete Office Items
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Floppy Disks
These flexible plastic disks were once the go-to storage medium for transferring files between computers. However, they were eventually replaced by USB drives and flash memory. According to the survey, 63% of Brits consider them obsolete. -
Fax Machines
Once a staple in offices and homes, fax machines allowed users to send exact copies of documents over telephone lines. Their popularity declined with the rise of digital communication. 62% of respondents believe they are outdated.
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Rolodexes
Invented in 1956, these rotating card systems were used to store contact information. As digital storage became common, their use declined significantly. Almost one in four people think they are obsolete. -
Correction Fluid
Known under brands like Tippex, correction fluid was used to cover up mistakes on typewritten documents. While it remains popular in schools, it’s rarely seen in offices anymore. -
Landline Phones
Once a mainstay in homes and offices, landlines are now considered obsolete by 24% of Brits. The UK is gradually phasing out traditional landlines in favor of digital systems. -
Business Card Holders
With the rise of remote work and online meetings, business cards are becoming less relevant. Less than 15% of workers under 34 have ever used one. -
Sticky Notes as Password Reminders
Writing passwords on sticky notes is considered a major security risk. It’s a practice that has largely been phased out due to growing concerns about data privacy. -
Filing Cabinets
Despite being seen as outdated, filing cabinets are still used in offices that handle sensitive information or require physical records for compliance purposes. -
Physical Diaries/Planners
With much of daily life moving online, physical planners are becoming less common. Digital calendars and apps have taken over the role of managing schedules. -
Paper Hole Cutters
These simple tools were once essential for organizing paperwork. However, with the shift to digital document management, they are no longer widely used.
Other Retro Devices That Are Now Rare
Beyond the office, several other technologies have faded into obscurity:
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Fax Machines
Though once essential for quick document exchanges, fax machines have lost relevance with the rise of email and digital messaging. -
Portable CD Players
While CDs are still sold, portable players have become rare. Smartphones and streaming services have made them almost obsolete. -
VHS Players
Once the dominant format for home entertainment, VHS tapes were eventually replaced by DVDs, Blu-ray, and streaming platforms. -
Pagers
Before smartphones, pagers were used for receiving messages. They were featured in many 90s and early 2000s films but have since disappeared from everyday use.
These devices may seem outdated now, but they played significant roles in shaping the way we work and communicate. As technology continues to evolve, it’s fascinating to look back at how far we’ve come.