What's the best gadget you ever bought?

[LAPlayer]

I believe that would be the best "gadget" ever made - the iPod. It ushered in the new world of smartphones. Arguments about cellphones in general aside, what iPods brought to the world in that ultra-compact form transformed portable electronics forever.

[Murphy Slaw]

I had to cut up a big tree yesterday.

I know some people don't like 2 stroke engines, but a cheap old chainsaw will do one heckuva lot of work for mere pennies. When you consider the thousands of revolutions and amount of wood cut in a few hours that would have taken weeks with a hand saw.

A chainsaw might be the most efficient tool of all time.

[12FanMan]

I bought an old iPhone5 with hopes of using some of the software on it w/o activating the phone (I already have an android that I use for calling.) Is that possible?

[Chipotle]

Originally Posted by 12FanMan

I bought an old iPhone5 with hopes of using some of the software on it w/o activating the phone (I already have an android that I use for calling.) Is that possible?

It ought to, most phones will run fine on a WiFi connection even if you don't have a cell plan for them. I have an old Galaxy S9 (Android) that I use this way.

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by 12FanMan

I bought an old iPhone5 with hopes of using some of the software on it w/o activating the phone (I already have an android that I use for calling.) Is that possible?

I'm pretty sure that's a big fat no. However, you'll know when you turn it on.

[xaxinojo]

https://techcrunch.com/2007/07/03/ho...ut-activation/

[Kh1967]

I quite like gadgets and they are fun to try and explore. So, this thread is a fun read.

Two things I am currently really enjoying, but the first one is an app, so it may not apply:

1. Libby: An app that allows you to download, for free, books, audiobooks, magazines from the library. I read or listen on my cellphone or iPad. Saves me money, while I try to keep my brain sharp.

2. The manual push mower: We moved from a 10 acre homestead to a small residential area with an HOA. The HOA cuts our grass, but they start a little late in the season for my taste. Also, they often cut the grass on the higher side, so midweek, I find it looking unkempt. My stealthy push mower solves our issues and avoids spinning up the neighbors.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Kh1967

2. The manual push mower.

No noise except the whirring of the blades. No fumes, just the smell of freshly cut grass on a Sunday morning.

Happy memories.

[Murphy Slaw]

Wow, I remember those old manual mowers.

I didn't realize they still made them. Are they hard to push?

[Tunesalot]

I used my daughters manual mower and had to get a running start. Yes I looked ridiculous. She cant even do it. In our area the grass is ridiculously thick and lush, better do it twice a week or it won’t be possible manually. The electric mower guy next door barely gets thru and only if he does it twice a week. Gas hogs work but ughh the noise. Looking for a powerful electric. Had a corded one yrs ago, but our yard is big and cords are so last century.

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by fitness1

I'm not a gadget guy - really only have what I absolutely need.

The first thing that came to my mind was a CD player in '82

Let me guess, CDP-101? My brother bought one as soon as they hit the market. A friend of mine still has it, I think.

[Acousticado]

Although I used a garden tractor to mow the grass on my 1.5 acres in Canada, when wintering in the Fort Myers Beach area of SW Florida for 10 years until 2022, I used a manual push mower to trim the relatively small patch of grass despite the weekly HOA service. It was easy to push and worked well.

Btw, love my Leatherman!

[Murphy Slaw]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Btw, love my Leatherman!

Don't get me talking about Leatherman stuff....

[xaxinojo]

Not sure that it’s a “gadget” but just started fermenting vegetables and bought this kit to get started.

https://www.masontops.com/products/c...ct-information

[MrDB]

Bought a small DeWalt cordless driver/drill a few years back. 1/4 drive socket spring load. Comes in handy for a lot of small household projects. Battery charge lasts a long time.