I’m an updater. I check the App Store for iOS updates at least once a day, usually more. I always want the latest version with all of its new features and obscure bug fixes, because the newest is the best, right? And when the updates are free, why miss out on those new features?

Yet updates sometimes come with strings attached. Of course, some updates, especially on the desktop, are paid upgrades. If I’ve already paid for an app or been using it for free for a long time, I’ll keep using the old version until it breaks, or until I consider the new features worthy of a fee that’s usually less than a brunch date with my wife. Because I’m also cheap. And I’m more motivated to date my wife, even if I use that app every day.

But some updates come not with strings, but a burning fuse. Every time an iOS update installs, I anxiously check to make sure my Pebble Time smartwatch software still works. I’ve received the alert that PodBlaster, my favorite podcast listening app, is slow (32-bit) and will soon break, and the developer told me that he’s not developing it anymore. Other warnings are even more insidious. I use Magical Miles for mileage tracking, and it’s already unstable, but its available upgrade is a paid annual subscription service, a hard pill to swallow when I initially paid $5 for it but prefer free ad-based apps.

Desktop updates usually carry larger price tags, and much of the software of “the good old days” remains unmatched to this day. I got an overstock copy of Microsoft Word 5.1a in 1995, and the current version still lacks features it had when released in 1992, but 5 won’t run on my MacBook Pro, and even if it could, it’s not compatible with modern files. Microsoft Outlook Express 5 (1999) was the best email client ever made. If it came back with all of the features it had 20 years ago, I would run to it crying like a long lost lover. Oh, MSOE, how I miss you! GarageBand lost its podcasting capabilities. iMovie went from a professional-level video editor to a vacation clip organizer.

But time marches on, even if it takes steps back along the way. I miss my Palm Tungsten T3, but I love my iPhone, even if its calendar apps are just catching up now. I’ll keep upgrading, which will force me to eventually adopt new technology to remain compatible, and while I’ll miss certain features, I’ll gain the future.

What about you? What old features (hardware or software) have you lost that you miss?

Palm Skins

• ZLauncher Skins
• ZLauncher Back Images: Low Resolution (160×160)
• ZLauncher Back Images for Tungsten|T3, &c. (450×450)
• Contacts5 Skins
• Contacts4 Skins (Obsolete)
• Icon Manager Icons
• Kinoma Movies

ZLauncher Skins (Low Res Only)

Michrome, a Ruby & Chrome skin. Background Pic included

v. 1.1 available: ZL 3.x compatibility!

Old Glory, a skin celebrating the greatest nation in the world.

ZLauncher Background Pictures (160×160)

I did it! Finally! ZZTechs wrote me and gave me this tutorial, so now I have the pics available! These are ready to install on any 160×160 lo-res Palm device. Links with no images have no images because I forgot to copy them before installing. I’ll try to get around to it, otherwise I’ll post screen shots once I find a good screen shot app/DA.

silver dragon.bmp.pdb: (Hint: This one will go well with Michrome, but it won’t be included due to ©opyright restrictions.

wolverine.bmp.pdb

Lockheed_Small.bmp.pdb

Freakazoid.bmp.pdb

ZLauncher Back Images for Tungsten|T3 (450×450)

These jpegs are designed to look good on a T|T3 regardless of screen orientation, slider in or out. They should work well for Tapwave Zodiac and other models that support 320×480 portrait and landscape mode.

  The Beast (AKA Hank McCoy)
T3 Superheroes: Batman, Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Storm, and the Teen Titans, all in 450×450 splendor!
T3 Backimages Collection: If you have a T3, you might as well have T3 backimages! 450×450

More Christian (LCMS)back images available here

Contacts 5 Skins

iPod

• Hi Res
• Low Res

Packerland

• Hi Res
• Low Res

Wyrmworks

• Low Res
• Hi Res

For the Wyrmworks RPG designers

Old Glory

• Low Res
• Hi Res

Mac OS X

• Hi Res
• Low Res

Michrome

• Hi Res
• Low Res

Contacts Skins

Note: These skins are provided as samples only. If you are using Contacts 4, you really should upgrade (Free) to Contacts 5.

Michrome, a Ruby & Chrome skin to match the ZLauncher skin

Wyrmworks: A Dragon skin

Icon Manager Icons

Compatible with DateBk5, HandyShopper, Agendus, and PDA Performance apps made after February, 2004.

OS X iCons: A collection of Hi Res icons based on my OS X Applications Folder content ILtd Low Res Icons 1.1: A collection of icons I made before I upgraded to a Tungsten|T3.

 

Kinoma Movies

(Temporarily unavailable—I forgot to back these up before switching servers. Oops!)

1984-pdb.zip: The original 1984 Macintosh commercial Nightmare After Christmas.zip: Just got new software for the kids, but config.sys? A Macintosh commercial. think different-pdb.zip: The award-winning “Think Different” Macintosh commercial. “Here’s to the crazy ones….”

---