When I think about it, there’s not too huge a number of gadgets I use every day, day in, day out. So lets take a look at my ‘standard’ day in the week to see what I use from the realm of gadgets and tech:
Kettle/Toaster: Physically these are of course two separate objects, but both help me form a breakfast (very English it is too) of tea and toast in the morning. Thus they are genuinely useful and fulfil the basic human need of sustenance.
Car: I drive to work in a (now new) car. More mechanically impressive than a true gadget, it still has gps, power steering, anti-lock breaks and an alarm. These all meet my needs for a safe, comfortable journey to work as well as giving peace of mind that my vehicle will be there when I return. Another thing to note is my recent upgrade to a new vehicle with a much larger (half as powerful again) engine, which provides a quiet and probably more green journey, with less need to hit the high revs.
Computer: I work in accounts – a world vastly altered (and much improved) but technology. Expedience and accuracy here are the key changes, which means that the computer I use for my work is an essential technology.
Mobile phone: Of course, even at work I may need to get in touch with people. Today for instance I had to arrange a flight to attend a relations’ wedding. I could look at prices on my phone before proceeding, and get text messages with furter details.
CD player/radio: Inevitably due to rush hour traffic my journey home is actually longer than my journey to work. As such, I’m really grateful to have a sound system in my car – which even has steering mounted controls! This helps me stay alert after a long day and entertained on a long drive.
I really believe that, even just looking at this half of my day, the technology mentioned makes a huge difference. It has a massive positive benefit to my life. I hope this has made you think a little more of the gadgets you use every day. I know I for one am more appreciative of them. However, it has also made me really nervous of a time when I’m ever without them. Then again, they’re all replaceable – after all it’s the abilities you buy in to, isn’t it?