Article by L. Arlington
Definition of a Gadget
The Merriam-Webster dictionary reads that a gadget is “an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty”.
The term “gadget” has no sure ethymology although it is believed that it comes from a French company by the name of Gaget. That company was making small replicas of the Eiffel tower in order to promote and finance the project of Mr. Bartholdi (i.e. the Eiffel tower, of course).
A gadget is really often thought of as an item that is ingenious, original, maybe fun, with – perhaps – an interesting design but that is not very useful. In a word, people are dubious about the effectiveness and usefulness of a gadget.
What about TV?However, people are often curious about a gadget because, as mentioned before, it may be fun and it is “often thought of as a novelty”. Think about it. When TV was first commercialized, in 1936, weren’t people calling that new item a gadget! After all, watching motion pictures in a frame was ingenious, original, even fun but not very useful!The border is thin. The gadgets of today may be the indispensable devices of tomorrow. Or essential (granted, TV is NOT essential). The matter of fact is, gadgets often bring innovation or, at least, put to use new technologies. In other words, oftentimes innovation is brought to mass consumption via gadgets. For instance, some LED lamps are sold to help grow plants – a technique that was developped by NASA.
A few last wordsWhether a particular item is a gadget or not is a subjective statement. To need or not to need (something) is relative and subjective indeed. So let’s not forget the fun factor. A gadget is first and foremost a discovery for most of us. It has the ability to bring a grown-up back to his or her childhood. A gadget is simply a great gift idea.
About the Author
L. Arlington is the founder of Luteo Electronic Gadgets. Luteo is located on 3 continents. In South-East Asia, Luteo staff explore the market in order to find the most innovative and amazing electronic gadgets. Feel free to contact him at luteo@ymail.com or explore the website => http://www.LuteoElectronicGadgets.com
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