Computers
Sometimes we take our humble PCs to its outer limits and we ask too much of them.
We tend to use them, even abuse them. We expect our machine to be a typewriter, a corrector, a calculator and a publishing unit. Sometimes, we transform it into a photo lab, complete with image processing, developing and printing facility.
Not only that, but it is also a telephony installation, a messaging system and more.More, for some of us, it is a sound recording studio and a juke box with its own music database. Or even a complete off-line video suite, replete with special effects.And yes, for some of us, the home PC is all of that at the same time, for all the members of the family.
On the other hand, software vendors expect us users to dedicate our machines to their one single programme only: a totally unrealistic view, even if it s the case for professionals who build up workstations around image processing or video production, or other media application which requires heavy resources.
Gadgets
The question is: is it better to have one gadget for each function or to acquire a gizmo that does it all?
In the first case, our bags or pockets could burst at the seams with:
- mobile phone, mp3 player, dictaphone, camera,
video camera, portable radio, PDA and more.
Think about the different batteries to buy and recharge, about the cables and accessories to loose, the various software to upgrade, the hassle of keeping all those gadgets going.
Or should we go for one of do-it-all gizmos that make phone calls, play and record music and videos, take photos, include a voice recorder and a FM tuner and let us connect to the internet to upload audio, photo and video blogs directly. Maybe there is not one single gizmo that does everything yet, but they are getting there quickly; and by choosing carefully, you could buy just 2 gadgets to cover all of your needs.
Much easier to keep track of, cheaper to run, less batteries and cables.
