Electronics: The Must-Have
Accessory
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By: Chris Robertson
You might not see iPods on Paris runways, but
electronics have undergone a transformation from a
utilitarian necessity to a fashion accessory. While
electronics aren't exactly replacing jewelry as a
status symbol - bling is still the thing - the types of
gadgets a person can't live without speaks volumes
about his or her lifestyle.
Those in the halls of power can't live without a
BlackBerry - nor can Hollywood celebrities, it seems.
Keeping in touch - anywhere, anytime - makes everything
from cell phones to Bluetooth to PDAs must-haves. The
popularity of electronics hasn't escaped the notice of
those in the automotive world, as microchips have
migrated from those controlling the vehicle's on-board
computer system to the automotive accessory of the year
- the Global Positioning System (GPS).
There are, of course, the ubiquitous headsets, which are
connected to cell phones, MP3 players, or - for the
electronics fashionista - the iPod nano. On any give
airline flight, passengers will have a mind-boggling
array of electronics on board to entertain them or keep
them otherwise occupied. Computers, music players, and
portable gaming devices all appear once cruising
altitude is reached. With the plethora of must-have
electronics devices, it's a wonder that today's
travelers have room to pack their clothes!
Electronics have also begun to accessorize the home.
When the X-Box 360 sold out before Christmas 2005, eBay
sellers raked in the cash for the must-have gaming
console, which sold on the auction site for $1,000 or
more. Plasma and LCD televisions are proudly displayed
on walls, while microchips are finding their way into
our kitchen appliances. While true wireless integration
is still some time away, the stage is being set for
complete interactivity among all our electronic devices.
Luckily for consumers, the cost of electronics goes down
with the passage of time. The newest and greatest
must-have is sure to be priced at a discount within
eighteen months, and will grace the clearance aisle a
year after that. In the meantime, those of us who don't
have the cash or the desire to keep up with the trends
on the fashion runways or the trends in the world of
electronics can continue to observe how the other half
lives. |