A new year means a fresh start with new goals. For me in 2024, there’s one resolution: no new tech (well, mostly). I shouldn’t replace, upgrade, or switch out any of my gadgets. So long as my current devices keep working well, I'll try to be content with what I have. Yet this might be too lofty or noble a twelve-month challenge for me; I’m not totally resolute. It’s a feasible goal, but I’m likely to upgrade something.
At the very least, I hope to not switch out my current smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Those are my three main computing devices, all from Apple, and they’re great.
My other tech gear should stay the same this year: eReader, console, and smartwatch. And as for accessories or peripherals, I’m less concerned with those not changing. In fact, my bluetooth speaker “needs” to be replaced.
Overall though, none of my gadgets are obsolete, and none will loose official support or lack tech updates this year. So they should keep working for me through ’24.
2024 upgrades?
| Name | Category |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 mini | Smartphone |
| MacBook Air M1 | Laptop |
| iPad Air 5 | Tablet |
| Apple Watch SE | Smartwatch |
| Kindle Paperwhite | eReader |
| Switch OLED | Console |
| JBL Tune 760NC | Headphones |
| JBL Tune 230NC | Earbuds |
| JBL Go 2 | Speaker |
Really though?
Bluetooth Speaker
My JBL Go 2 works as good as the day I bought it. But its micro-USB port has irked me more and more recently. Every other device I have charges via USB-C (except of my iPhone with its proprietary Lightning port). Bluetooth speakers don’t cost too much, so I do plan to trade out my JBL Go 2 this year.
Smartphone
Speaking of USB-C, that new iPhone 15 sure looks good. But my 12 mini is unique with its handheld size, it functions fine, and the iPhone 15 has a high price tag. But if Apple releases an iPhone SE 4 this year, it would likely have USB-C and be more affordable. So I’d be tempted to upgrade.
Smartwatch
My Apple Watch SE battery doesn’t last long, barely making it through a day. I’ve been unhappy with watchOS 10. And to simplify, I quit wearing my Apple Watch last Fall. But if Apple releases a newly designed Watch, I could be compelled by its marketing to upgrade. Time will tell. Meanwhile, as I’m gearing up to restart my fitness routine this Spring, I’ll likely try wearing the Watch again. Or I’ll trade it out for an old “dumb” watch.
Console
It won’t be my fault if Nintendo releases a Switch 2 this year. It will be my fault if I cave in and buy one this year. I’m talking about a likely more powerful Switch hybrid, sporting higher resolution and better frame rates, not to mention new must-play games that run only on Switch 2.
Headset
This is a whole new category of computing device that remains to be proven. Meta has been trying with its Quest devices. This year, Apple will enter the market with Vision Pro. If I bought one, it would not technically be an upgrade or replacement to any of my existing devices.
But given that I have three types of Apple computers, is there really room for a fourth one? Is “Spatial Computing” so much better or different to warrant a purchase? I don’t think so, at least not this year. Plus, starting at $3,500, it’s a non-starter for me.
Summary
My main goal this year is to not replace my three primary computers: iPhone 12 mini, iPad Air 5, and MacBook Air M1. That means I can’t switch to a Chromebook Plus. And I can’t switch to a Windows 11 laptop. Nor can I switch to an Android phone. No matter how much greener the other gadget grass seems, I must resist fence-jumping. And even if Apple’s garden walls feel confining, I must enjoy the botanical tech landscape therein.
All the other devices I have should remain the same, but I’m less concerned about those changing out. And at the end of this year, in my next computing retrospect, I’ll try to look back and see how well I did. Or didn't.