Fear of the new

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Published: 12:00am, 4 Dec 2006

Just because Apple introduces a new computer, you don't have to upgrade. Frankly, keeping up with the Joneses technology-wise is a pain. And it's not just with computers. I have a substantial collection of outdated mobile phones, removable media drives, printers, video cameras, music and video storage media, drawing pads and even TVs and radios that are essentially rubbish because new technology has rendered them obsolete.

Nonetheless, there are good reasons for making sure you have the latest and greatest. The most compelling reason for staying technologically savvy may be because not doing so will reveal information about yourself that you might not want people to know.

For example, I communicate with hundreds of Mac owners from all walks of life. Here's what I can tell about a Mac-head who has ancient equipment: they are either poor, getting on in years or incredibly cheap. If you are among the impoverished, contact your local Mac user group (www.hkmug.org.hk). Techies often have machines they aren't using and are happy to see them go to a good home.

Those of advancing years can be terrified of new technology. The original expense

and time associated with learning to use a computer can leave them gun shy about changing and having to relearn everything. Throw in a diminishing memory and attention span and the concept of upgrading can be terrifying. My first recommendation to these users is to try Coenzyme Q10. It

takes about a month before you will notice any effects but you will see significantly better memory and fewer 'senior moments'. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that is well documented to have these and other therapeutic effects.