Day 185 of 365 - Technology Dinosaur

Really, it should be simple and straightforward.  At least, I thought so.  The set of headphones I'd been using to watch TV (because we are on different sets in different rooms) have worn out covers.  It was time to replace them.  My husband kindly found me a new pair that are big, ear covering padded ones.  They are nice, but they are too heavy for me.

Off I went today on what I hoped would be a simple shopping trip.  My goal was to get a basic set of lightweight headphones, not earbuds, nor noise canceling large ones, just basic ones with a cord long enough to go from my chair to my TV setup.

Most headphones now are wireless and are made to connect with your devices via Bluetooth or a similar function.  Those which have plug in wires have short ones, meant to be used within arm's length.  Now, to be fair, the TV and computer equipment I have is new enough to enable a wireless connection.  I'd rather not have the hassle of setting it up.

Oh, and often the length of the cord is not even on the package, so you need to get staff assistance to look that up for you.  At the first store, the helpful young man told me the short length and then directed me to another electronics store that could probably sell me a length adapter cord.  Off I went.

The second, big, electronics store  had a large variety of headphones, all with short cords or no cords.  They thought there should be an adapter but their website did not show any.  Sorry for your trouble!

The third and last attempt for me today was an office supply store.  Again, they had a variety of headphones and I specifically asked about cord length and adapters.  One very helpful staff directed me to a section which had both and he pointed out an adapter cord which should work.  I made my selection, purchased and came home satisfied.

It was not until I had a closer look at home that I realized I had bought an adapter cord with two male ends!  It would definitely not serve my purpose.  Thankfully it was easy to repackage for return.  I will not even attempt to open the blister pack containing the headphones I got until I do further investigating for another cord.  But, I'm done with it for today.

At times like this I feel like a technology dinosaur.  I am capable of figuring out quite a bit with guidance.  But, when I go into stores and see the current array of what's on offer, I wonder how long it will be before a lot of seniors won't have a clue what they're looking for when they go into an electronics department.

It just feels like the thin edge of the wedge you know, and it's a bit nerve wracking to be honest.  Those not adept with new technology will just be gradually pushed off to the side to manage some other way.  If we don't keep up, we'll be left behind. Some days, it just takes way more mental energy than we want to spend.

Sorry for my technology rant.  I'm hopeful by issue can still be resolved.  But, not today.




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