Berry's nine standards for technology are worth considering:<p>1. The new tool should be cheaper than the one it replaces.<p>2. It should be at least as small in scale as the one it replaces.<p>3. It should do work that is clearly and demonstrably better than the one it replaces.<p>4. It should use less energy than the one it replaces.<p>5. If possible, it should use some form of solar energy, such as that of the body.<p>6. It should be repairable by a person of ordinary intelligence, provided that he or she has the necessary tools.<p>7. It should be purchasable and repairable as near to home as possible.<p>8. It should come from a small, privately owned shop or store that will take it back for maintenance and repair.<p>9. It should not replace or disrupt anything good that already exists, and this includes family and community relationships.<p>I'm not sure even his own tool choices (typewriter and wife) meet the criteria. The typewriter replaced the quill pen, and at least initially failed conitions 1, 4, 8, and 9.<p>There might also be other factors for consideration. I'm <i>not</i> prone to jump on the latest technologies, but do own several computers (and a typewriter). Net effectiveness, suitability to task, expansion of possibilities, and other factors are amongst those I'd consider. Many of Berry's concerns would seem to me to come from the realm of <i>unintended consequences</i>, and might be better considered in that light.<p>His is a useful meditation, whether or not you adopt its conclusions.