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Do you really need all the gadgets?

The question may sound awkward but I really mean it. Many of us are aware of the viral ChannelsTV interview with the NSCDC guy who made the phrase "oga at the top" so common in our mouths.  Well, that same man at would have had iPhone, tablet, laptop and probably a desktop - all with internet connectivity. Yet, the result we got in scene for reasons best known to him. Click here to watch the interview.

In one of the offices I worked, some colleagues would come to office, login to a workstation (desktop) and do their work with no difficulty using any of the applications installed for the job. But, whenever they want to do any computer basic stuff - like copying a file from the computer to an external memory (flash drive or external hard disk), they run to me for help. Sometimes to copy a file from a media CD to a flash drive or on the computer's hard disk, or to edit a simple document.

At first, I was full of surprises about how they could use the complicated applications for our work but finding it difficult to use basic applications in Microsoft Office suite. In my quest for why their actions, I realised that most of them believed it was difficult to use the computer. What they used to do their works were JUST TOOLS provided by the company to aid their works. So, somehow the apps were not part of a computer or its usage.

Similar notion exists in people who buy a lot of gadgets they do not need. Some just believe a phone cannot be used as a modem, therefore it can just be used to do simple browsing and make calls, but the main browsing has to be done with a computer accompanied by the USB modem or in an internet cafe. Except for sales, Telcos can teach their customers how to reduce luggage of carrying gadgets around all for what their phones can simply do. We are in an age where a smartphones can be used as modem, projector (See Samsung GalaxyBeam), mouse and lots more with the help of series of downloadable applications either free or for a fee. I find Android to have more utility apps probably for it being opensource.

With the advent of technology, one can use the smart phone to do some basic office works such as creating word documents, excel, power-point presentations, etc. Perhaps when you have much work to do, you may need a larger screen or additional enhancement.

The message I am trying to pass is to appreciate the technology around us and optimally use it. Indeed some buy gadgets because they are gadget freaks, that is okay for they know why they buy. Mostly, people waste resources buying gadgets they actually do not need. Let there be the need before you buy. Consult someone you think is more knowledgeable than you are in IT to advice you.

For mobile phone users, see how you can make your Android, iPhone and Blackberry phones WiFi Hotspot. Make sure you have subscribed to a data plan before you do and consult your service provider for guide on data usage.

You can save yourself a lot of resources by simply seeking the right advice.

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