However, this got me thinking maybe there is an ounce of truth in that statement.
I think we can all agree to the usefulness of our mobile phones; having the ability to be able to call up someone from anywhere in the world is not only a convenience but a must in todays fast-paced world. Yes, the mobile phones importance cannot be undermined, but what about the other mobile gadgets? Other than a mobile phone, what other pieces of gadgetry are the people of today carrying most often? Two products immediately come to mind digital music players (Apples iPod) and portable gaming systems (Sonys PlayStation Portable).
My friends will most probably have a field day with this. What usefulness, other than being entertained, can a product like an iPod or Sony PSP offer us? A lot, actually.
The iPod, at its core, is basically a Walkman of the new century. You put music into it, you charge the unit up, you take it out with you, plug some decent stereo earphones in it, and youre in for hours and hours of self-indulgence via your favorite tunes. Its as simple as that. But with a little ingenuity on the users side and by spending a few more bucks, the iPod can be much more than a portable digital jukebox. A person who works in sales and marketing can take advantage of the iPods colored screen to display pictures of his wares to show to prospective clients. IT managers can use the iPods abundant memory to store backup of important files; students can buy the voice recorder attachment of the iPod and use it to record class discussions and lectures. I can somewhat agree that the Sony PSP is really just a toy and can, in no way, be classified as anything else, but it can still have a few uses outside of gaming. For instance, it can be an impromptu Internet portal since it has a Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi. Stockbrokers can use the Sony PSP to connect to the Internet and look at the latest stock quotes in the Wall Street Journal. Yes, I understand that no self-respecting stockbroker would use a PSP as a business tool, but you get my point. Right?
A product is made with a single purpose in mind, but its purpose in the end is defined by the user, not the manufacturer. An iPod or PSP or any other mobile gadget may have entertainment as its main selling point, but that doesnt mean it should serve only that function. Explore and experiment, let your inner geek run wild.