Gadgets

A gadget is a device or an appliance that has a useful specific practical purpose and function but is often thought of as a novelty. Gadgets are invariably considered to be more unusually or cleverly designed than normal technology at the time of their invention.

Gadgets are sometimes also referred to as gizmos. In some circles the distinction between a gadget and a gizmo is that a gizmo has moving parts, whereas a gadget need not have them. For example, a digital watch would be a gadget, while an analog watch would be a gizmo. Thus a gizmo is essentially a mechanical gadget.

Programmable gadgets

Most of the modern gadgets belong to this category. These gadgets are invariably based on a microprocessor and often have flash memory. They use embedded software which controls their functions. Such gadgets are found not only in the pockets of gadget freaks, but also in their cars and homes. Some examples of gadgets in this category are notebook computer, mobile phone, iPhone etc.