Folk have consistently been interested in technology and this obsession is manifested in the way people make quite a stir whenever a new tech device comes out in the market. Just glance at the number of device review websites, forums and online stores all devoted to tech gadgets and similar products.

Gone are the days when a gizmo or gadget is literally capable of performing only one kind of function. Tech gizmos nowadays are packed with multiple functions and features, plenty of which cross over or share functions with other gadgets. So the question which will arise would be : The correct way to select the right tech device for the job.

Preferred Tech Gadgets with Cross Over Functions

The following are three popular tech gadgets that have multiple functions that are similar with each other.

• GPS or world Positioning System tech gadgets have GPS tracking or receiving as its core function and almost all of its programming are design specially for using GPS signals to plot directions on a graphical route map from one location to another. However , many GPS units are also built with additional features such as media players that will play music or movie files, a television tuner, a radio tuner, GSM and Wi-Fi connectivity for web access.

• MP4 Player - MP4 or what's more technically called MPEG-4 Part 14 is a multi-media standard for digital video and digital audio as set by the MPEG or Moving Picture mavens Group. MP4 Players are specially built to play multimedia and video files in the MP4 formats as well as audio files in the MP3 format. Although a media player is its main function, many MP4 players are also supplied with additional features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, television, Digital television, games and a camera.

• Android Tablet - tablets are smaller versions of the laptop but are built as a slate or tablet with a touchscreen rather than a keyboard. An Android tablet employs the Android operating software from Google and is a full PC in itself but is designed mainly for reading content in the web. As a complete computer, Android slates can also do other things such as a multi media player, gaming, GPS tracking and a camera.

Comparing a GPS with an MP4 Player and an Android Tablet

There are good points and bad points when using tech gadgets such as GPS Units, MP4 Players and Android slates. Each has their own advantages but these widgets should be used only when it is suitable and when the situation calls for it.

Just take for example the difference in screen sizes among these widgets. Slates have seven to 10-inch screens which are a lot bigger than other contraptions and are ideal to use for web-browsing. GPS units have a wide range of screen sizes from the little 3-inch screens of little transportable GPS receivers to the larger 7-inch models used often inside autos. But the smaller sizes of these screens are not as suitable to use as slates when skimming the Net. MP4 players on the other have even way smaller displays that it would be impractical to use for reading the web.

MP4 Players cost the least among these widgets and would be priced less than one hundred dollars. This is indeed a better price than GPS receivers and Android tablets which can fetch anywhere from below $100 to as high as $500 or even more dependent on the brand, inclusive features and accessories.

Battery lifetime is another area of comparison between these devices. Due to their multiple functions, these widgets drain their batteries much faster but the smaller MP4 players consume battery juice the least. Battery life-span is important especially for GPS units such as people, especially hunters or walkers, certainly don't want to get stranded in the badlands because of batteries conking out.

Regardless of the multiple functionalities these gizmos offer, there are downsides and issues each one of these contraptions have. MP4 players have the least function among the three and could not be used as a communication machine. GPS units are far more complex to utilize and is dependent on the effectiveness of the installed software, otherwise not all extra features would function correctly. Slates on the other hand sometimes have poor battery charge lifespan and its limited computing power would end in slow processors and shut down making it even more tough to use.

As for users, slates are favored by people who require full computing power but in a swish and transportable package which they can carry around anywhere they are going. GPS units on the other hand are required by people who require help with coordinates, positioning and directions. MP4 players on the other hand are utilized by folks who are engaged in certain activities that call for a smaller gadget. In such activities such as hiking or jogging, it would be unrealistic to use slates instead.

Tech widgets are truly outstanding and this is clear with the multi-functionality of each one of these devices that usually cross to another. This makes it difficult to select which of these widgets would be right for a selected job. Each one of these contraptions has weaknesses and strengths, but a gadget that's considered feeble in one area could be quite capable in another. The vital thing here is to identify these strengths so you may know what particular tech device would be applicable for each particular need.