For a kid who loves the slick production of video games on the iPad, something as simple as a turntable baffles and amazes him.

The other day I wanted to hear some music that I couldn't find in the digital world. So - I found the box containing my old turntable in the basement.

The problem: the stylus was gone and there wasn't a replacement available anymore. I had to buy a new one.

My son looks at me in such a quizzical way when I describe how the music comes from the circle with grooves in it. I get the impression he think I'm just making it up but he doesn't have the heart to burst my bubble.

He is wide-eyed with interest when I explain how you have to turn the record to play the other side and how you can control the tone-arm.

There is one drawback now that I think about it.

I didn't remember it being so irritating to change the record or go to Side B. I guess I'm used to my iPod playlists playing the entire album without interruption.

At least now I have a remote control for the record player. My son!