Who doesn’t have at least a computer, television, and cell phone? According to Nielsen, more than half the homes in the US have at least three televisions. Wikipedia claims every household has at least two computers. A 2009 survey of 1000 cell phone users found the average person owns 1.8 handsets; which translates to five cell phones for a household of three.
Last week a customer stopped in my Athol store and quoted the same statistics. Without hesitation he cited them faster than I could write them down so I made him slow down. I was doubtful and astonished at the same time. I don’t know if I was more taken back by the fact he knew the numbers or that they were true.
Not surprising, I own four computers, two cell phones, but have only one television. I’ve always been a gear head and love technology. After talking to neighbors and friends in other lines of work I found this really is true. One who lives alone has three computers, two phones and two televisions.
Back to the customer for a brief minute: he was laughing at the idea that twenty years ago his electric bill was $30.00 per month and is currently $140.00. He argued that inflation accounts for a reasonable boost; however, most of the increase is due to amplified demands from technology.
1992 was the year I bought my first PC and because it had pretty limited functionality I didn’t turn it on very often. After purchasing a modem and connecting to RIT’s network the amount of time I spent in the driver’s seat increased. As networking became more commonplace I added additional computers.
My first cell phone was purchased in 1996. It was a beast and I paid by the minute after my first sixty per month. Each night and halfway through the day it needed to be plugged in so it could charge. I remember it came with two batteries so one could always be on the ready. Unlike today’s phones, my old Motorola StarTAC could only charge from a wall outlet.
In 1999 I was recruited to an on-the-road position which required significant amounts of travel time. They supplied me with a laptop and two cell phones. Each night both cell phones and the laptop (in addition to my personal phone and laptop) needed to be charged for the day’s work. Not only was it crazy that I carried three cell phones, I couldn’t find enough outlets in my office to charge everything.
Right around the same time my ex-wife and I upgraded to a significantly larger house and outfitted it with two new televisions. At that point we owned three televisions, three VCR’s, and two cable boxes. Between the four of us, the televisions were on most of the time. I reluctantly admit to owning a gaming console or two as well.
Turns out my personal technology timeline isn’t too different than most households. With each new gadget came a slight demand for more power. As something new evolved so did higher electric. Each device adds to the electric consumption: computers, cell phones, cable boxes, internet equipment, DVD players, and the list goes on. Twenty years ago we only had to worry about Ma Bell and a phone bill. With all the extras comes not just the addition of technology bills, but also electric costs.
I live alone and just stomached a $120.00 electric bill in addition to the $280.00 I pay for technology services. After revisiting my personal timeline and processing the items that are used in my house, I can understand why my bills are so high. About halfway through writing today’s article I paused and took a gander at the things that are always on. Not only do I feel a little gluttonous, but I decided I can probably unplug most of the stuff.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him directly at (978) 919-8059) or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.