10 Important Gadgets In Modern History

Since the dawn of time, technology and gadgets have gone in hand. You couldn’t talk about one without mentioning the other. To this day, it hasn’t changed. We use the latest technology in our gadgets to make our lives easier and because of that, we’re able to do more in less time than ever before.

With that in mind, we’d like to pay tribute to some of the most important gadgets of our time, gadgets that have made our lives easier while becoming a necessity of everyday living.

Radio

Where would we be without the radio? The radio gave us the ability to listen to news, music and was the fastest form of communication at a time when newspapers and telegraphs were the only other options. While the traditional radio use has declined over the years, it’s still an extremely popular choice as million of drivers still listen to the radio on their morning commute to work.

Television

The importance of the television clearly has no boundaries. It became a staple in family homes and still continues to be the main focus of any home. The TV took on a new meaning during the Vietnam War, when war was brought into our living rooms, hence the term for the war, the “television war.” It gave Americans a glimpse into a war in in a country most knew nothing about. Today television provides our daily news, and entertainment. Although the internet has led to the decrease in television viewership, can you imagine a world where a 60-inch TV was not the center piece of a living room.

Telephone/Cellphone

What can you say about the telephone other than it’s the most common form of communication in the world and without it, many of us would lose touch with people we keep in contact with everyday. The invention of telephone opened up communications unlike ever before. Today, the telephone has evolved into the modern day cellphone/smartphones, capable of calling from almost anywhere (remote villages in some countries have access to cellphones). Today without cell phones, it’d be extremely difficult to do a lot of things. It’s become a necessity. Don’t you feel disconnected somehow when you don’t have your cell phone to text or call someone?

Car

Where would be without cars? I guess the environment would better but traveling wouldn’t be the same without the car. It’s tough to call a car a gadget but it’s still one of the most coveted items by many. When you ask a friend, “What would you do with a million dollars?”, the first or second answer is always a car. There’s a reason for that. For some, cars are their lifeline, without it they wouldn’t be able to go anywhere or do anything.

Camera/Video Camera

It’s one of those devices we use on a regular basis and never really think of its importance. We wouldn’t be able to capture the beauty of anything without the camera. And of course the camera eventually led to the video camera. Imagine not being able to record games or watch live TV, or sporting events. That’s a world that would be extremely difficult to live in.

Computer/Laptop

When I get a paycheck every month, without having to do any physical labor, I thank my computer. Without it my work would be impossible. Like myself, there’s millions of people who are dependent on the computer to do work every day. Laptops make doing that job even easier with its portable capability. Of course the internet is a huge part of having a computer but the features of the computer itself make it one of the most important gadgets of our time. Put it together with the internet and it’s probably THE most important gadget today.

Refrigerator

The single most important device in the kitchen. You can make an argument for the stove, but I can’t imagine living without a fridge. The one month I didn’t have a fridge freshmen year in college, I thought I was going to die. I couldn’t save food for later, nor could I buy food in bulk. It was such a hassle. And imagine having to drink hot soda, water or beer….

Mp3 player/iPod

Cassette and CD players were amazing gadgets and made listening to music easier but when the mp3 players finally hit the markets, the days of carrying a bulky CD player was over. Mp3 players, especially the iPod, redefined how we listen, buy and share music. Can you ever imagine going back to the cassette player or a CD player? I have one of each at home and every time I look at them, I can’t believe I carried those bulky things around.

Stove

Again, this may not be something most people consider a gadget but it’s a gadget nonetheless. Without it, cooking would be extremely difficult. I lived in a 3rd world country for 3 months and witnessed first hand how difficult it is to cook without a stove and I was glad I had a stove back in the states. Many of us take the stove for granted because it usually comes included in our rented apartment or house but in many parts of the world, a stove would be a godsend.

GPS Systems

It’s available in cars, cell phones, even some laptops. The military uses it to fight wars. It’s become a necessary tool for travel and almost everyday functions. I never thought I’d need GPS until the first time I drove 4 hours to college and almost got lost. Worried the next time, I’d get lost somewhere and get mauled by a bear, I decided to buy a GPS system. The second time around my drive easier and I actually learned how to get to many other locations because of the GPS device. Having it on my iPhone was also great when friends gave me directions to meet at a location I’ve never been to. It saves a lot of time.