Gadgets that have enriched your life

[shanaleonhart]

More recent gadgets that I didn't think I'd use much when I bought them but somehow, they all get used every single day now.

Smartphone - Only bought one since I moved to London, only really wanted one for the map function so I wouldn't get lost... have ended up using it for pretty much the whole of the internet, learning Japanese, MP3 playing and some occasional gaming.

Laptop - Small laptop, basically like a slightly bigger tablet but with a keyboard, great for watching anime and typing up things.

Headphones - I originally bought these to use on planes to block out the sound of the engine and loud people. Now I use them every day on public transport for exactly the same reasons.

[Dark Hearted Disco Queen]

All my portable music devices over the years - from my very first bright yellow Fisher Price one with rubber buttons to my 'adult' walkman I bought myself when I was about 11, to the Discman, the MD player and now the MP3 player - having music on the go has been such a big part of my life I can't imagine life without it.

My netbook that I got last year and now go on practically every day... or maybe that has had a negative impact as I'm probably online too much now?

My first mobile phone - one of those big Nokia ones with the aerial and clip on face. I'm not a mobile phone fan and barely use it now but back then it was amazing - texting my friends, playing Snake - very strong memories of that phone in particular.

A bit boring but I love my hand held blender, it is only a cheapo Asda value range one but it does a good job of all the soups and sauces I make, a big time saver and keeps mealtimes interesting.

The microwave for when I'm being lazy.

Games consoles past and present but the two that stand out for me are the NES and Gamecube.

Honourable mention goes to my Tamagotchi, now long dead.

[Necro]

Whenever anyone anyone mentions old mobiles, it's always the good ol' Nokia 33*0s that come to mind. Snake was the best.

[happosai]

I'd have to say the smartphone.

I've had a few over the last few years (I was a relatively early adopter: Nokia 6600, 6680, 9500 Communicator, E90, N97 and I currently have a Nokia N900) and love the convergence of phone, camera, music player, satnav, Internet terminal, computer, etc. all in a device that fits in my pocket and can be used pretty much anywhere.

[Happosai]