Hello, dear readers of the blog. In my social circle the terms “device” and “gadget” are often used, but the speaker is not always aware of the fact that these concepts are somewhat different, and not synonymous. Moreover, often what should be called a device is called a gadget and vice versa. In this small publication I decided to dot all the i’s so that no doubts arise anymore.
The confusion most likely stems from the fact that these terms were borrowed from the English language and were used by many along with “wow” to emphasize their involvement in the world of technical progress and to show their advancement in this matter. That is why I want to define what is a gadget and what is a device in their original sense, as well as define the fine line of difference in these concepts.
What is a device?
The term “device” refers to some fairly complex device, appliance, or automaton. Since we are surrounded by such things (computers, laptops, smartphones, game consoles, etc.), it is clear why this term is so widespread. It is easier to say device than the full name of the device, which many people do not even remember.
However, not every device falls under this definition. Is your wristwatch a device? Is the alarm clock on your desk? Probably not. They do not reach this high concept, because they lack technology and sophistication (a lot of functions). But a watch with a phone function, with a radio and a built-in hard drive is a device.
It should also be more or less compact (well, at least like a computer or printer). A communications satellite is much more functional than anything we have ever come across, but it is a bit of a mouthful to call it that. But a modern cell phone, music player, video recorder, camera, navigator, game console, pedometer, food processor and other technical devices, which contain at least one chip, are devices.
And the main thing that, in my opinion, distinguishes a device from a gadget – the first should be a complete device, which to work only needs energy in the form of batteries or connection to the network. Gadgets, by definition, are only a supplement to anything, but about this below.
What is a gadget and how does it differ from a device?
So, what is a gadget by definition? The history of this word comes from the English gadget, which means a device from the category of novelties. Here is something so hot with heat and directly into the hands of users.
But gadget – this, in contrast to the device is not a complete (independent and self-sufficient) device, but some kind of technological addition to it (for a tablet or laptop, or an external flash for your camera). Although many of us often consider a gadget in this example laptop, and a device – a modem made in the form of USB-flash drive.
More examples of gadgets can be computer parts, which by themselves do not work, but are important parts of the main device. I.e. gadgets can not work by themselves and are designed to extend the functionality of the main device.
By the way, if we move from the world of hardware to the world of software, then we will also meet with the term “gadget”, which will have a very similar interpretation – a small software application that provides some small additional functionality or some fairly specialized information (eg, a widget weather or clock on the desktop Windows). In general, from the category of “a trifle, but nice.
So, to summarize. The gadget has increased functionality compared to the main device, but it has very limited features, because it can not be used on its own, but only serves as a supplement to the device. It is connected to the latter with a connector or inserted fully into a niche designed for it.
But in our everyday life we are so used to equating these two notions, that my publication is unlikely to change anything in the balance of power when device and gadget have merged into one and are synonymous for 90 percent of Runet users. This, it seems to me, already nothing and no way to change, though for the general development all the same to know the true situation makes sense.