January 5, 2005

Do We Have Too Many Gadgets

Technology companies and consultants would have you believe that if you don't have the latest and greatest gadget you are the most backward person in the world. Surrounded by friends with PDAs, smartphones, Blackberry's and more - you MIGHT feel left out.

Washington Post writer Steven Pearlstein bring us back to reality.

He writes My sense is that the story of much of this technology is one of supply creating its own demand -- technology that solves problems we never knew existed, satisfying urges we never knew we had, creating capabilities we never wanted or needed. Its flaw is that it confuses convenience with efficiency, information with intelligence and the number of interactions with the quality of communication.

He goes on to write...

I'm sure it's only a matter of time before someone produces an all-purpose, handheld device that will allow you to make calls, take notes, exchange e-mails, surf the Web, download movies and music, play games, transmit pictures and video, keep track of your appointments and phone lists and stock portfolio, wake yourself in the morning and remind your mother to take her medicine at night, plus tell you where you are, how to get where you are going and what the weather will be when you get there.

Do we really need a ski parka with a built in cell phone. If you are expecting a call that is so important that you are going to stop skiing and break away from friends and family - why not SCHEDULE the call or re-schedule the ski trip.

Thanks Steven.

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