Printers and Cars - A Reflection

As mentioned in my earlier note, we were considering a variety of choices vis a vis printer/scanner. So we took the opportunity on Merdeka Day to browse the array of options available at Harvey Norman. Earlier in the day, we also decided to 'kaypoh' around by following one of my colleague to the VW Showroom at PJ. He was weighing whether to buy a VW Passat (try to be a good family man) or a racy VW Golf GTi (fulfill his inner self as a boy racer). What sets me 'reflecting' was that we have gone a long way in terms of technology for these two household products!

THE PRINTER

It seems not too far away when it was a relief that the 'Liquid Paper' is a thing of the past. With a computer printer, one can make amendments before the document is sent for final print. Typewriters fell into the shadow of obsolescence the moment the computer printer became something affordable for the mass in the mid 80s.

The Epson printer on the left was such a cool thing especially in the late 80s. However, a distinctive feature of dot matrix was that they were notoriously loud during operation, a result of the hammer-like mechanism in the print head. Furthermore, the the low dot density produced printouts of a distinctive "computerized" quality. Having said that, despite its flaws, it was a luxury then

When I started work in the 90s, laser jet was the flavour of the decade. It was able to print volumes after volumes of documents. The print was fantastic too. It's no longer of 'computerised' quality and they are also pretty silent. Perhaps two things I note about them is that (1) They are generally large in size (2) Its B&W esp during the 90s.

Since the late 90s, I have not been paying attention to development of printers until recently. My, the changes are so significant! Now, not only I have colours but I can have'all in one' machines ie scanner, printer, photo prints and even fax - all in one single machine !

Well, the above HP C5280 in my mind is an example of how technology has redefined our lifestyles significantly. I can easily work at home with all these technology now accessible to the mass, although at times this also mean that you can go on to work 24-7 i.e. adverse effects to the work life balance which everyone of us is striving for!

THE CAR

Being a family man OR a boy racer - that was the question for my colleague yesterday. For a moment, he sounded like Hamlet to me! :-)

Anyway, the type of questions he posed to the Sales Consultant are very typical of modern day buyers i.e. asking for everything under the sun. Some of the questions are

1. Is the cabin space sufficient for my family? (considering he has only a family of 3)


2. Is the handling up to my expectation? (and the expectation is that of a F1 car handling!)


3. Is the car safe enough for my family? (the safety element becomes perennial importance when one has small child like many of us)


4. I like the power but what about fuel consumption even though I know both elements do not go hand in hand?


5. What about resale value cos I want to buy a car that I would not want to lose my pants when I sell it a couple of years down the road? (A typical Malaysian question and I always thought only the bean counters would consider this point)
   
   So, finally based on his analysis and they are as follows:
   
   The Passat
   
   
   Good family car and spacious. Good safety features. Handling not up his expectations. Resale value may be in question.
   
   
   The Golf GTi




Superb handling. Better resale value. Small for the family.





and the FINAL ANSWER is.................................... He did not commit any purchase yet. Preferred the GTi but looking for more discounts ( A typical of the bean counter trait ! :-))

Anyway, when I compared my friend's analysis in to my dad's purchase of his Honda Accord 27 years ago, the factors to consider were somewhat similar but expectations were definitely very different!




The 1980 Honda Accord !





My dad similar to my friend, takes power and handling very seriously. But for my old man, a 83 hp 1.6 litre Honda powered engine is sufficiently enough to excite him. But for my friend, a 200 hp VW turbocharged engine is about 'right' for his expectation ! Even then, it was not enough for him in a mid size car like Passat !

Family safety was important for both person in the different generation except that modern cars have more to offer Eg. Isofix for child seats, airbags and etc.

I believe cabin space was less of an issue 20 years ago. We were a family of 4 likewise for Pinky's, but our fathers were happy with small sedans. A Honda Accord was already considered a luxury. Whereas in today's world, I hear so much about friends complaining that the likes of Toyota Vios, Honda City have too 'little legroom' for the passengers at the back and a small MPV is a 'minimum'.

TO SUM UP...........In any case, I can see technology has brought so much changes in both products over the years. However, in my mind, the changes in printers have more impact in our everyday lives cos it allows us the flexibility to work from home and do things (like print photos) which we never dream of doing at home.

As for the car, modern cars may have more powerful engines, better handling and offer better comfort to the passengers (relative terms). The fact remains that it takes the same number of hours (assuming I adhere to the 110km/h speed limits) to go from KL to Penang whether I drive a 1980 Honda Accord or 2007 Hot VW GTi.

Ah yes, one final point on price. I just received the price quote for the HP C5280 at RM550 for cash and and carry. I dun remember how much the dot matrix printer cost then but definitely not more than 4 figure. But for cars, I remember vividly that the 1980 Honda Accord set my dad back by about RM20K. But, today a 1.6 litre car equivalent say Toyota Altis would make you poorer by RM100K ! Notwithstanding a Golf GTi which my friend is eyeing fetches a price close to RM200K.