Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Old devices persist for different reasons: people may miss the experience, organizations may still depend on established workflows, or replacements may require changes to connected infrastructure. Vinyl record players, fax machines, landlines, pagers and floppy disks illustrate those different kinds of survival—but they are not a ranking of today’s most-used devices.
What does it mean for an old device to survive?
“Still around” can mean several things: people actively use a device, an organization continues to rely on it, former users want it back, or a household keeps it even when it is no longer used. Those are different kinds of persistence, and the evidence for these five devices is not directly comparable.
A 2026 YouGov survey measures U.S. respondents’ reported use and, among former users, whether they miss certain technologies. A 2024 Eurostat release measures what EU residents do with old electronics. UK government guidance describes a specific landline-network transition, while academic legal analysis discusses organizational reliance on older technologies. Together, these sources explain why devices can linger; they do not establish a global league table of current use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Five old devices that still have a foothold
1. Vinyl record players: a listening experience some former users miss
Among the five examples, vinyl record players have the clearest cited signal of consumer nostalgia. In YouGov’s 2026 U.S. survey, 42% of people who had used a vinyl record player but no longer did said they missed it and wanted to use it again. That is a response from former users—not a measure of current ownership, sales, or the share of all Americans who use one.
#1 Best Overall
- Kids Friendly Design: This P30S handheld game console is specially designed for kids. It has a stylish arcade - like appearance. The body fits a child's hand, and the game settings also cater to kids psychology, thus being very attractive.
- Excellent Gaming Experience: Equipped with a 3.0 - inch high - definition screen and excellent speaker sound, it provides an excellent visual and auditory experience for video games. This handheld game console is small and lightweight, convenient for kids to use and carry. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing children to fully enjoy the games.
- Rich Collection of Classic Games: This retro handheld game console contains 220 interesting kids video games, including various types such as entertainment, sports, and adventure games, just like those found in many retro game consoles. While playing these games, kids can cultivate skills such as hand - eye coordination, thinking, and problem - solving.
- Convenient Rechargeable and Long - lasting Battery: The video game console is equipped with an 860mAh lithium - ion battery. It ensures that kids can play games without interruption, because there is no need for frequent battery replacement, which is very suitable for playing portable games outdoors. It is a great addition to the world of handheld games for children and can bring more fun to them.
- Absolutely Surprising Gift: Our handheld game toy is a surprising gift for kids, teenagers, and even adults. It is the best gift for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our customer support team will serve you wholeheartedly.
That distinction matters: a device can remain culturally appealing even when a survey does not show how many people currently own or use it. The poll also found a much smaller share of former users wanted other older technologies back, including fax machines and pagers.
2. Fax machines: an established workflow can outlast the hardware
Fax machines are a useful example of organizational persistence. A Georgetown Law Technology Review analysis uses fax as its central case of continued reliance on older technology, examining how institutional inertia and established practices can keep legacy systems in place. That is an explanation of how reliance can persist, not evidence that fax is ubiquitous across countries or industries.
In the UK, fax machines are also among the devices that may need attention when a phone line moves from analogue service to digital technology. The fax is therefore not just a standalone machine: its continued operation may depend on the communications service and equipment around it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- 【Portable Dual System&RGBOX Dual Systems & RK3562 Chip Performance】 EmuELEC&RGBOX Dual Systems with Powerful RK3562 Chip: Experience seamless gaming with flexible dual-system support. Powered by the advanced Rockchip RK3562 quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz processor and 2+4GB RAM, this console delivers fast, responsive performance, smooth multitasking, and enhanced capabilities for a wide range of emulators.
- 【4.3-Inch IPS Full HD Display】 4.3-Inch HD IPS Fully Laminated Display: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear visuals on the vibrant 4.3-inch IPS screen with a sharp 1024x768 HD resolution. The fully laminated display and anti-glare finish ensure excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, significantly reducing eye strain for comfortable extended gameplay. Whether playing classic 2D titles or fifth-generation 3D games, every frame is rendered with stunning clarity and detail.
- 【RG43V Pro Compatible with More retro games】NEW Upgrade RG43V Pro handheld game console, 64GB support Supports over 30 game formats, including open-source games and games in related formats, RG43V Pro Supports 2D&5-generation 3D games and ported games, which can be played immediately after addition. RGBOX can also access the RGBOX APP via a WiFi downloader to play over 22,000 classic retro game for a richer gaming experience, Built-in WiFi 6 Supports Dual-Band 2.5G & 5G Wi-Fi enables wireless local multiplayer for head-to-head battles or co-op play with friends – no extra accessories needed.
- 【All-in-One Multi-Function Game Console】 Precise Controls with Dual 3D Joysticks & Immersive Audio: Take command with dual 3D joysticks featuring a confirmation key and responsive mechanical buttons, including Hall linear triggers for precise analog control. The built-in vibration motors provide tactile feedback, while the joystick ambient lights offer 7 customizable color combinations to enhance your gaming atmosphere. Rich, dynamic audio is delivered through the hi-fi BOX cavity speaker or a private 3.5mm headphone jack.
- 【Fast Charging & Expandable Storage】 4000mAh Battery, Expandable Storage & Multiple Output Options: Enjoy up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge thanks to the powerful 4000mAh polymer lithium battery, with convenient USB Type-C fast charging. Expand your storage up to 1TB via the TF card slot. Connect to a larger screen with the HDMI output for TV play, or use the TYPE-C port for OTG, charging, and DP output, offering versatile connectivity for any gaming setup.
3. Landlines: a network migration, not just a handset swap
Traditional landlines remain relevant partly because the underlying network is changing. UK government guidance published on May 28, 2025, said the industry was moving landlines and other devices that rely on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to digital technologies. The guidance reported that more than two thirds of UK landlines had already been upgraded to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and stated that all UK PSTN-reliant devices were due to be upgraded by January 2027. This is a UK-specific timetable reported in 2025, not a global deadline or a guarantee about the status of every individual line.
The migration can affect more than the telephone handset. Alarms, telecare equipment, door-entry systems, payment terminals, lifts and other devices may use legacy phone connections. A change in service can therefore require checking whether each connected device remains compatible, and whether it needs a different connection or replacement. UK guidance describes PSTN networks as having reached the end of their serviceable life (UK government landline-transition guidance); Ofcom’s landline information is another place to check for consumer guidance.
Separately, YouGov’s 2026 U.S. survey found that 19% of former landline users said they missed the technology and wanted to use it again. This is a measure of sentiment among former U.S. users, not a statement about UK landline policy or current U.S. usage.
Rank #3
- 【Game Console with Linux Stylem】Comes with 64G TF Card Preloaded 5570 Classic Games,Support users to download games in relevant 15 kinds of games formats.
- 【supports 5G WIFI Bluetooth 2.4G Wireless Gamepad and Wired Gamepad Connection】 HDMI and TV output function makes the small screen become big screen in seconds, and the joystick connection supports multiplayer games, so you and your friends can enjoy the game together.
- 【3200 mAh Li-polymer battery and 3.5 INCHES OCA IPS screen】you can use for 6-7 hours, support fast charging with USB Type-C cable, With 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, zero distance OCA full-fit screen,the screen resolution is 640*480,Sharper picture quality and more saturated colours.
- 【Chip upgrade】with quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, Quad-core PowerVR SGX544MP GPU,makes have the characteristics of low power consumption and high performance. the Ram of the is LPDDR4 1GB, the larger the RAM running memory, the faster the system response time will be.
- 【Ideal gifts】Dimensions of Handled game :12.8cm*8.1cm *2.2cm,is a good size in the hand and is suitable for carrying aroundis a great gift for boyfriend, husband, brother, son, father and friends for birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving Day etc. Get lots of compliments on how it’s interesting or practical.
4. Pagers: a specialized legacy device, not a quantified comeback
Pagers appear in academic discussion of older technologies that remain in use, making them an example of specialized or organizational persistence. The available sources do not establish how many people or organizations currently use pagers, or provide a detailed account of the sectors where they remain in service.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
YouGov’s 2026 U.S. survey found that 9% of former pager or beeper users missed them and wanted to use them again. That figure says what some former users feel; it does not estimate current pager use.
5. Floppy disks: a reminder that replacing legacy systems can take time
Floppy disks are a vivid example of technology embedded in a larger system. A legal-scholarship article discussing older technologies cites the U.S. nuclear system’s partial reliance on 8-inch floppy disks until 2019. That is a historical example of a legacy system, not proof of current use.
Rank #4
- 【Kids Friendly Design】This retro handheld game console is specially designed for kids, with a stylish arcade-like appearance and a compact body that fits children's hands perfectly. Every game is thoughtfully created for children, bringing nonstop joy and excitement that keeps young gamers fully entertained.
- 【Lots of Classic & Enjoyable Games】As an emulator handheld, this retro device comes with 240 fun kids' video games, including entertainment, sports and adventure types—just like classic retro gaming console handheld. While playing, kids can enhance hand-eye coordination, thinking and problem-solving skills.
- 【Fun Gaming Experience】Equipped with a 3.0-inch high-definition screen and quality speakers, this handheld game console offers an immersive visual and auditory experience. Small, lightweight and ergonomically designed, this hand held game console is easy to hold and carry, letting kids fully enjoy their gaming time.
- 【Rechargeable, Long-Lasting & Ultra-Portable】Powered by an 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, this kids' game console supports long hours of fun and uninterrupted play, with no need for frequent battery changes. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's perfect for gaming on the go or playing at home. It's a wonderful little gaming partner that brings endless joy to every child!
- 【Ideal Surprising Gift】This handheld gaming console is a wonderful surprise gift for kids, teens and even adults, perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. As a popular gaming console, it brings joy to recipients. We prioritize customer satisfaction, with our team ready to serve you wholeheartedly.
Replacing a device in an established system can involve more than finding newer hardware: connected processes, data, compatibility and security concerns may all need attention. The academic analysis discusses institutional inertia and the legal and privacy issues that can arise when organizations de-implement systems or migrate sensitive information. It does not show that every organization keeps old equipment for the same reason, nor does it quantify present-day floppy-disk use. See the Georgetown Law Technology Review for its analysis of legacy technology.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why old technology can be difficult to replace
People value the experience—or keep the device anyway
Consumer attachment helps explain renewed interest in vinyl, but nostalgia is not the only kind of persistence. Eurostat’s 2024 figures show that many EU residents keep older electronics at home even when the question is disposal rather than active use.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
| Device kept or disposition | Share of EU individuals aged 16–74, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Kept an old mobile phone or smartphone at home | 51% |
| Gave or sold an old mobile phone or smartphone | 18% |
| Recycled an old mobile phone or smartphone | 11% |
| Threw away an old mobile phone or smartphone without recycling it | 2% |
| Kept an old laptop or tablet at home | 34% |
| Gave or sold an old laptop or tablet | 12% |
| Recycled an old laptop or tablet | 11% |
| Threw away an old laptop or tablet without recycling it | 1% |
These statistics concern retention and disposal, not ongoing use. The Eurostat release reports what people did with old devices; keeping one at home is not the same as relying on it.
Organizations may have dependencies beyond the device
An older technology can be connected to familiar procedures, other equipment and sensitive information. Changing it may require coordinating a migration rather than simply replacing a box. The legal analysis of fax and other legacy technologies highlights institutional inertia and established social practices, while the UK landline transition illustrates how a network change can reach devices attached to that network.
How to read the evidence without confusing nostalgia with use
- Former-user sentiment: YouGov’s 2026 U.S. figures describe whether people who no longer use a technology miss it. They do not show current ownership or prevalence.
- Household retention: Eurostat’s 2024 figures describe old phones, laptops and tablets kept or disposed of by EU individuals aged 16–74. They do not establish that the devices are still used.
- Infrastructure transition: UK guidance describes the 2025 status and stated January 2027 target for migrating PSTN-reliant devices. Its geography and date matter.
- Organizational reliance: Academic legal analysis helps explain why legacy technology can remain embedded, but it is not a current-use census of fax machines, pagers or floppy disks.
Read together, the evidence supports a more useful conclusion than a simple “old tech is back” claim: a device may persist because people value it, because a workflow still depends on it, or because the surrounding system has not yet been migrated. The reasons—and the evidence for each—differ by device.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
