A Retro Look in High-Tech Electronics

Based on the Dec 25th NY Times Article located at this link.

     This article explain how new technologies are being retrofitted to resemble or even be compatible with classic, lesser functioning techologies (i.e. a typewriter fashioned to work as a keyboard for a computer, pictured above).  Though this doesn't make a whole lot of sense function-wise, I can truly see the appeal.  One on aspect, these retro looking electronics are just plain cool.  There is an appeal of classic items; people collect them all the time just to be looked at.  These new technologies now allow people to actually put use to items they collect for their classic charm.  There is also a certain irony and humor to these objects.  They hearken back to a simple age of technology and combine this with very current and high-tech electronics.  These classic items also provide a sense of durability and permanence.  Items were created to take more of a beating in the past and were generally bulky, giving the user a better sense of security than current, fragile pieces of electronics. 
     I just think these retro electronics are incredibly charming.  They're a wonderful consumer product idea and I think they will stand the test of time, as people will always be wanting to recognize and appreciate the past.