The Jakarta Post - Weekender

Keep in mind that the word “gadget” has actually undergone a broadening of meaning. Traditionally, each time we hear people talk about “gadget freaks” we know that they are referring to devoted fans of the small electronic devices that we all carry with us. However, programmers also use the same word to refer to customizable mini applications on the computer. Let’s stick to the more traditional meaning of the word for now.

When it comes to gadgets and their inherent fear factor for the newcomers to the digital world, it is important to talk about the cellphone. It is now estimated that two and a half billion people around the world have a cellphone. Even if you have a severe case of gadget-phobia, you won’t want to remain in the dwindling population of the unconnected.

The problem is that cellphones have become a compacted chest of assorted technologies. New models come with an optical zoom camera that captures high resolution still images and video clips, an MP3 player, a radio, a voice recorder, an Internet browser, e-mail, even Global Positioning System. There are standard functions as well, such as a calendar, a calculator and an alarm clock.

And, if the ads placed by operators in newspapers or on TV have led you to believe that you need 3G, you may have bought a cellphone with two cameras. One at the back to take pictures, and one on the front panel so that the other party can see your face as you talk with her using the video call.

With so many functions crammed into a device no bigger than a pack of cigarettes, nobody will blame you for feeling intimidated, especially in the beginning. That’s normal. Even seasoned gadget-maniacs sometimes experience the same angst.

“I only need the cellphone to make voice calls or send SMSes,” you may say. And that is also typical for someone new to the world of gadgets. If you are such a person, the first rule to heed is to buy only the gadget with the functions that you need. Even low-end models may have some useful extras, like games and interesting ringtones.

Don’t hesitate to play around with the phone until you can make sense of the menu. It is very rare that you will destroy the gadget just by trying out all it has to offer. If it stops responding, or “hangs”, as it’s known in gadget lingo, all you need to do is turn it off, take out the battery and replace it.

After you become comfortable using your first gadget, or your basic cellphone, then take a look at a more sophisticated model. You can upgrade to a smartphone, for example. It is a cellphone that has all the functions we listed above (don’t worry about disposing of your old cellphone, you can easily find a grateful person to give it to).

By the way, not everybody trades in their ultra-basic cellphone for more sophisticated models. A lot of high-tech savvy people still use a four-year old cellphone. First, as its functions are more limited, it may have a much longer battery life (more about this later). Another reason is that the old cellphone holds important contact numbers, and the owner is simply too lazy to copy the phonebook to a new cellphone one item at a time. Third, they manage to hold on to the time-battered cellphone because it is unattractive to snatch-and-grab thieves!

So, if you see someone using a cellphone that looks like it has just been fished out from the Lapindo mud, don’t sneer. He or she may have other expensive smartphones in their pocket.

Another reason it is common to carry more than one cellphone is that the new models are overloaded with functions and the battery can last only a day or two. If you have forgotten to turn off the Bluetooth and WLAN features, and you have set your 3G phone to dual mode, the battery life can even drop to just a couple of hours. It is not because you have mishandled the battery or because the battery is a used one, it is just the downside of the technology convergence. To be safe, stick to a simple cellphone for your communication need.

In general, the gadget performs best when it is designed from scratch to perform its intended purpose. For example, no matter how sophisticated the camera on your cellphone is, chances are it cannot match a decent compact digital camera.

If you are new to the world of gadgets or gizmos, tread carefully into the new territory by going basic first, and upgrade to more feature-laden devices as your fear subsides.

Remember, just like buying a computer or a car, you don’t expect to buy a gadget and use it the rest of your life. A gadget is not your spouse. At some point, you will have to replace it.

+ Zatni Arbi

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