Define: Gadget - When is something a Gadget?

[Johan]

For all you philosophers here...

When is something a gadget and when is it just an appliance or consumer product or whatever something is when it's not a gadget? What makes a gadget?

Can something be a gadget and later relegate to being a non-gadget?

Is it to do with desirability? Newness? Pure tech?

What IS a Gadget?

[amitpatel_3001]

hmm gadget can be called something cool , may be something which is related to the future :)
They make people lazy :p

[Al]

To me a gadget is a toy for grown ups. I suppose TFT's where gadgets when the first cam out whilst now they're just screens (unless they've very big or very small).

[amitpatel_3001]

they are just screens yes but still they make the look differant.
they look posh when you setup in your office rather than a big normal screen.

[Johan]

Then you could argue that gadgets are just for fun, not serving a true purpose. I guess the borders are fuzzy on the definition of a gadget.

I think it's a combination or the following:

- 'Wow Factor'
- Scarceness as in not everybody has one (unlike iPods)
- Based on technology which the average Joe wouldn't be able to explain even in rough terms
- Many people want them, not many have them i.e. desirability

TFT's, iPods etc. would not be included IMO - 42" Plasma's, MacBook Pro's, Roomba's etc. would.

[kadhal]

Then you could argue that gadgets are just for fun, not serving a true purpose. I guess the borders are fuzzy on the definition of a gadget.

I think it's a combination or the following:

- 'Wow Factor'
- Scarceness as in not everybody has one (unlike iPods)
- Based on technology which the average Joe wouldn't be able to explain even in rough terms
- Many people want them, not many have them i.e. desirability

TFT's, iPods etc. would not be included IMO - 42" Plasma's, MacBook Pro's, Roomba's etc. would.

I totally agree with you.

Gadget is something that makes my life better and fun as the time looks cool.

[amitpatel_3001]

Make you look special before your gf's ;)

[Liam]

To me it's any device which makes your life easier and chances are your mother doesn't know how to use :).

[proxops-pete]

Gadget, to me, is an object that does something that we can't do on our own.

[Johan]

Sounds a bit broad to me. The oven, tv, car etc. would all be a gadget. Goes to show the individual character of what is a gadget.

Let's see what it is 'officially':

A gadget or gazza is a device that has a useful specific practical purpose and function. [..] In contrast, a device of clever design that has no practical purpose is called a novelty item.

appliance: a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

A small specialized mechanical or electronic device; a contrivance.

So officially it seems that usefullness and purpose are the defining characters. No so much technology etc.

[Livo]

Any symbol that is manipulated to perform a function.

[Scott]

Gadget: Something that is cool, I want it, realistically I probably can't justify the price tag on it but what the hell!

[Johan]

An element of guilt in there perhaps Scott? :) Like 'Shouldn't have' type of idea.

[Scott]

Yeah, like I shouldn't have spent 70 quid on a floating globe, that really felt like a shouldn't have, but then.. it like.. totally floats in the air with no wires..ahhh! karma intact I can usually sense buyers remorse coming and switch that part of my brain off :cool:

[Johan]

I'll take it off you for £40 to make you feel better. Have any links to it?

[Summatra]

I think gadget is... small. It can not be a BIG something? So my definition is: something relatively small but of BIG avail/coolness :)

Another idea: Gadget - anything that you like :)

[jenneymac]

A device useful to perform some functions to facilitate daily life and also to have fun.