The demise of the gadget

[crich70]

Certainly the word won't go out of style any time soon.
Definition- noun: gadget; plural noun: gadgets
a small mechanical device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one.
I also found this tidbit of word origin of interest. Gadget - late 19th century (originally in nautical use): probably from French gâchette ‘lock mechanism’ or from the French dialect word gagée ‘tool.’

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by crich70

Around 1900 or so I understand people were certain that everything had been discovered and/or invented. Well here we are almost to 2017 and look how many more things have been discovered and/or invented since then.

(sorry, I know this is an old thread)

I find it incredible that anyone would think that human invention could ever cease. As long as we exist and have imaginations, we'll go on creating new things. That's what we do.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Shane R

(sorry, I know this is an old thread)

I find it incredible that anyone would think that human invention could ever cease. As long as we exist and have imaginations, we'll go on creating new things. That's what we do.

"1500 years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe... 500 years ago everybody knew the Earth was flat... 15 minutes ago you knew that people were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll 'know' tomorrow."

--Agent K, Men In Black

[avid01]

Originally Posted by issybird

I'm kind of a Luddite myself. I usually don't like the "new-and-improved," preferring the "tried-and-true." Moreover, I tend to like dedicated gadgets, rather than an all-in-one, to the extent that my tote tends to clack with the assortment I'm carrying - dumb phone, unactivated smart phone, eink reader, small tablet (sometimes two, or with one bigger one), plus Fitbit.... well you get the idea. And I tend to go to bed with a jumble of devices. But I assume I'm in the minority.

No MP3 player??

[frahse]

Originally Posted by issybird

For me, the word "gadget" implies both a certain level of portability and, dare I say it, frivolousness. I'd argue that a cellphone per se isn't even a gadget anymore, although the latest iPhone is. A wristwatch isn't a gadget, but a smart watch is. So I do think that stuff can evolve from gadget to necessity; however, I still think a gadget has to be smaller than a breadbox.

I presume you are also at least implying that a "gadget" can't have a propeller, an engine, truck tires, or even hooves. If so, put me down as disagreeing.

I think a gadget is better defined by usage or intent. Not size!

[rkomar]

Originally Posted by frahse

I presume you are also at least implying that a "gadget" can't have a propeller, an engine, truck tires, or even hooves. If so, put me down as disagreeing.

I think a gadget is better defined by usage or intent. Not size!

Then please do so. What do you think a gadget is? I wouldn't call an airplane a gadget, so I'm interested in your definition.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by rkomar

Then please do so. What do you think a gadget is? I wouldn't call an airplane a gadget, so I'm interested in your definition.

Define airplane. I think that a flying car, which has a propellor, is a gadget.

http://nltimes.nl/2017/04/19/flying-...markt-location

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL-V

[rkomar]

Are you sure you don't just mean "machine" when you think of "gadget"? Here's my American Heritage Dictionary's definition of gadget: "A small specialized mechanical device; a contrivance. See synonyms at tool". My dictionary predates personal electronics (except for maybe the transistor radio), so I would say the definition includes electronic devices as well as mechanical ones these days. But I still think it refers to something small and specialized. Vehicles don't fit that definition, and smart phones are the opposite of specialized. That was the whole point of the original article, that specialized devices are being replaced by a general purpose device that does everything that they can do.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by rkomar

Are you sure you don't just mean "machine" when you think of "gadget"? Here's my American Heritage Dictionary's definition of gadget: "A small specialized mechanical device; a contrivance. See synonyms at tool". My dictionary predates personal electronics (except for maybe the transistor radio), so I would say the definition includes electronic devices as well as mechanical ones these days. But I still think it refers to something small and specialized. Vehicles don't fit that definition, and smart phones are the opposite of specialized. That was the whole point of the original article, that specialized devices are being replaced by a general purpose device that does everything that they can do.

A Dutch description (translated)

A gadget is an article that is innovative and often also cleverly designed. Usually, a gadget is a consumer electronic product (but it doesn't have to be so). The technlogy or design is innovative, so a trendsetter will gladly buy it. Often a gadget will be bought as status symbol. A gadget is mostly interesting (and even then it's more often bought for entertainment rather than functionality), later there are too many people who also have it, and it's no longer interesting to have (or to show off with).

For me, that's the definition of a gadget: a niche product (because of price, form, or functionality) that doesn't even have to be very useful, as long as it's not common.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

For me, that's the definition of a gadget: a niche product (because of price, form, or functionality) that doesn't even have to be very useful, as long as it's not common.

Merriam-Webster:

Definition of gadget

: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

Novelty? That's new.

So cellular phones and MP3 players no longer fall into the 'gadgets and gizmos' category?

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Define airplane. I think that a flying car, which has a propellor, is a gadget.

http://nltimes.nl/2017/04/19/flying-...markt-location

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL-V

Gadgetry is bordered by size.

[ApK]

Innovation, novelty, both have to do with newness.
New things are interesting and unfamiliar.
Perhaps when a device becomes ubiquitous and familiar, it loses its gadgetness.

[Cinisajoy]

I have seen all three definitions, so yes a flying car could be a gadget as often does not mean always.
A smart phone is a gadget because it is a speciality item. So are ereaders and tablets.

In words, there is usually more than 1 definition so one can't just say the first definition is correct and the others are wrong.

Do not get me started on kitchen gadgets.

[Ravensknight]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

...Do not get me started on kitchen gadgets.

But wait! There's more! If you keep reading this post, I'll keep on writing. AMAZING! I type, I correct, I backspace. What can't I do?

And you can do that TOO! For 1 easy payment of $19.99...

[just to be clear, with this post I am copyrighting all typing as MY idea. So the Internet owes me, big!]

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by Ravensknight

But wait! There's more! If you keep reading this post, I'll keep on writing. AMAZING! I type, I correct, I backspace. What can't I do?

And you can do that TOO! For 1 easy payment of $19.99...

[just to be clear, with this post I am copyrighting all typing as MY idea. So the Internet owes me, big!]

And how much is the postage and handling?