MythBusters discuss 7 tech headaches

Posted on Tuesday, February 05 2008 @ 4:56 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Jamie Hyneman from the popular MythBusters TV show discusses seven tech headaches and how to fix them at Popular Mechanic:
It's true that sometimes complexity is unavoidable, or even desirable: A cellphone that can give you directions and the weather can be quite useful, but new features should never come at the expense of core functionality—the cellphone should still be able to make a call easily. That's why, as machines become more complicated, good interface design becomes more essential—you can't just keep adding buttons and menus.

The iPhone is a good example. To combine several machines into a pocket-size device, Apple did away with almost all the buttons in favor of a touchscreen that can be reconfigured for each new application. Personally, I have no use for anything fancier than a basic cellphone, but the iPhone is smart technology.

Here are some prime examples of technology that's not smart. Instead, it ranges from mildly annoying to knuckle-gnawing infuriating. But since our show, like Popular Mechanics magazine, is about problem solving, we've included the MythBusters fix for some of this misguided machinery.
Check it out over here.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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