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ESL forum >
Ask for help > Help needed
Help needed
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Poppingdale
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Help needed
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Hi, dear members.
Can a computer be considered a gadget? Thank you!
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29 May 2013
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portugueseteacher
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Hello, Popping Dale. I had the same doubt some time ago. According to the Oxford Dictionary the Definition of gadget is: a small mechanical device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one: a variety of kitchen gadgets
I know that I-Pod, I-Pad are considered gadgets... So, apparently a computer shouldn �t be considered a gadget unless it is small or sophisticated...Hope it helps! |
29 May 2013
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libertybelle
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I don �t consider them gadgets - if so, then they sure are expensive ones!
Readers, tablets, i pads, laptops and stationary computers are more tools than gadgets.
A computer originally took the place of the typewriter and I never considered a typewriter as a gadget. Now a computer can do so much more - so I really don �t think of it as a gadget.
I also associate gadgets with something that is cheap, and those you listed are far from it.
Just my humble opinion!
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29 May 2013
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spinney
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I agree with the above to a point. I wouldn �t class a PC or a laptop as gadgets but I would an ebook and a tablet. Mind you, I think Libertybell has a point in referring to them as tools. That �s going to bug me the rest of the day!  |
29 May 2013
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yanogator
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Gadgets are definitely a kind of tool, but I agree with Libertybelle. Gadgets are usually fairly small and inexpensive, and usually useful for only one thing (or very few things).
Bruce |
29 May 2013
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supermarketdragon
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Hi,
I believe this query isn �t just a matter of right or wrong, but of opinion. Having said that, here �s my opinion. When I think of a computer I don �t think of it as a gadget.
So there you have it, five answers that all agree that a computer is a tool.
I still remember my sixth form teacher saying as he introduced us to Apple Mac computers back in 1991: "Remember, as designers you must think of these Macs as just another tool. The same as you would your markers or drawing pad."
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29 May 2013
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cunliffe
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I agree a computer isn �t a gadget, which are small and used to be considered gimmicky. Supermarketdragon �s teacher gave excellent advice; alas, these days, computers rule the world.  |
30 May 2013
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Zora
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First of all, gadgets aren �t always cheap ... but in general computers are not usually considered a gadget. I guess they are too big or practical to be considered such a thing - although some webpages that sell gadgets and gizmos list them as �gadgets �.
My boyfriend is a huge gadget fan, here �s one of the pages he looks at so you can get an idea.
http://www.red5.co.uk/new-gadgets.aspx
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30 May 2013
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