Atari 7800 | Originally uploaded by openbyhand
It all started in 1987 with this! I had minor surgery to have tubes embedded in my ears. To offset that horror, my parents dangled a shiny Atari 7800 (as seen here) above my head to help soothe the ordeal. Three years later, as I was having a rough time at school, I ended up with an Atari Lynx handheld as some kind of panacea. A little later in life, I was buying gadgets and gear for guitars and amps, but the theme was present and clear: the cure to all ailments was tech.
I love tech gear, it’s the one part of me that seems most “guy-like”, but it’s a personal soul food and opiate for me. I feel like all my impromptu tech purchases have soothed my soul longer than their quick-fix brethren. My first iPod, and in fact the Apple credit loan I got with it gave me some Herculean-resolve to quit my job at the time and find something better…as prospects were dim. My iPhone got me through a nasty breakup and onto a solo trip to NYC.
So, the question begs to be answered; what now? In my present state, my Pavlovian reflex is to embrace tech and BUY. But, I need to remember: the examples of long-lasting tech soul food from my past equated to major purchases. I would be happy right now—and maybe for a few days—if I went on a thinkgeek.com buying spree; but I don’t suspect it would last. Humping-dog usb adapters can only do so much.
So, what instead? Retro is always in. I’m going back to the 7800.
Filed under: geek, john kester, atari 7800, credit card obsession, geek, retro
