Back then computer hardware was much more reliability. The original IBM PC was built to a standard that achieved a mean-time-to-failure of 20 years. This is mainly due to pin-in-hole technology and low density silicon.
However, without surface mount technology and ultra high density chips, smart phones would be impossible.
It takes a bit of time for a computer to write data to a disc. If the disc is removed before the write is finished, there will be loss and/or corruption.
"Because of the curious mathematics of the pop charts ..." With digital music sales, it is easy to count how many time a song has been sold. Back in the day, those numbers were not so accurate and had more to do with the promotions department than actual sales.
However, without surface mount technology and ultra high density chips, smart phones would be impossible.
Family member freak out, pros turn slowly and say, "Unfortunately for you, this is interesting for me." Then the discussions start.
Sure, we put men on the moon with them, but their time has come and gone. Just like encyclopedias.
My mother told me that figures do not lie but liars do figure.