Am I behind on Technology for my age?

[Andy L.]

I am now in my 50's but worked for IBM+Lenovo and certainly understand technology of all types. Each piece of technology is a convenience, but many get complicated. I think the best value of cell phones is not-at-home communication or for those without a land-line option. You obviously have a computer of some sort, or would not be able to post a question. I have zero debt, retired young, and can buy just about anything I want that is not outrageous luxury. You should buy what interests you. High speed internet is nice. I like my 47" Sharp brand LCD TV on the wall, but have no cable TV because I dislike broadcast TV shows. I like personal contact. I like movies and many series of TV on DVD. I may get a bluray as a cheap upgrade as that becomes the dominant media. My low-tech old parents who have trouble with remote controls have a 55" SONY LCD and an all-in-one 24" screen computer and high speed internet and basic cell phones just changed to PagePlus for the low cost because they have a good internet land line. So, buy what suits you. There are wonderful digital cameras at low prices now. There are nice $40 mp3 players and legal free music available. Redbox, Netflix, blockbuster have cheap DVD rentals and can upgrade to their online if you have a TV and hardware to handle it. You choose what you think you like, but if you can afford it, don't be overly stingy with yourself. Money in the bank is nice for emergency and stopping work early, but gives no direct enjoyment as a number on a sheet of paper or screen. The flat panel TVs have great picture quality and look nice in a room and add a decent inexpensive sound system and it is a great home entertainment, but if you do not have the desire, that is your personal choice.
Edit add: A Nissan Altima 3.5 fully loaded with a Bose stereo system Interested me so I bought it as a present to myself. My old 2001 Ford Escort mostly sits and also is transportation, but I like my Altima. The key I repeat is to get what interests you. Be aware of the world's offerings. My cell phone mostly sits in a drawer. I will telephone, and want to be called. I don't like texting. I am a people-person.