OK...meaningful...here goes...

For that definition, it was probably an electronics learning kit I got for Christmas at about age 8 or 9. As I recall, it didn't teach electronics formulas or resistor codes, but was full of projects to hook up input devices like switches and output devices like buzzers and lights. It was like learning how to connect all the devices to your hi-fi, or connecting all your peripherals to a computer. It also gave me a good start toward understanding logic rules, like both switches have to be on for the light to shine, or if switch A is on, then switch B selects which light is on.

I call this one the most meaningful, because, pretty clearly to me, it preceded my other important gadgets and inspired me to like gadgets and to understand how to build some. It's like how the transistor led to the chip, which led to microprocessors, which led to personal computers. Everything goes back to the first invention, in that sense. This electronics kit gave me the understanding that made it easy to progress to large logic devices with multi-pole switches, and some relays, which then progressed to a large tic-tac-toe computer with transistors which progressed to a large adding/subtracting machine with transistors, etc.

The word 'meaningful' has the root 'meaning' which implies some emotion. In that sense, my first transistor radio, at about age 10, would fit the bill. It gave me portable music that I could listen to all night long as I slept, every night. 20 years later came the walkman, and 20 more years later came the iPod, but the real change in life, the one having the most 'meaning', was with the transistor radio.

I always wanted my own computer. With the Apple I, I now had a machine that I could program. I would never run out of things to do in my entire life. So it's a close runner up to the other two.

The gadget that has been the most attractive of attention ever is not my Segway. It's my nixie tube watch from CathodeCorner. It looks very large to other people and looks very strange. It's handmade in America too. The nixie tubes run on 140 volts on your wrist. Airport security guards who have seen every kind of watch ever made have a thrilling time with this watch.

I used to fly to Japan regularly to scour new gadgets, and always bought tons of things which were always surprising at the time, but looking back, few have special meaning. The first consumer digital camera, I think the Mavica technology, was meaningful. The first one for computers, not TV's, was the QuickTake from Apple. But in many ways, no digital camera to this day has been as good as the first Ricoh one.

The HP-35 calculator was also very meaningful in my life, as it led me to an incredible job designing for the follow-on models.

Much thanks to Woz for helping to kick off our series. Coming up soon: Phil Torrone, gadget maker and modder extraordinare.

Image credit: Sony Mav, HP Calculator

What are these "calculators" I am talking about, you ask? Please, allow me to pull a Chris Anderson here:

The HP-15C was a high end scientific programmable. To the HP-34C's numerical integration and root solver the HP-15C added complex numbers and matrix calculations.

The HP-12C is HP's longest and best selling calculator. Though it has been followed by many newer models, with both more and less features this model continues to sell well. In fact an EduCALC catalog says of the HP 17BII (in bold type): "It's 15 times faster than the HP 12C, and displays more than 4 times as much information." And of the HP 19BII: "It's 15 times faster than the HP 12C, and displays more than 9 times as much information." In addition, both newer calculators can print via infrared to compact printers, have more memory, general purpose solvers, menus etc.*

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Oh man, that was easy. Now the question is: Do you really want to spend $15 on a financial calculator or $30 in the scientific one? If you are asking that, probably you shouldn't buy it, but here is the answer: Yes, get the iPhone version because the actual financial calculator is $80 and the 15C doesn't even exist anymore—and newer models are more expensive. [HP 12C and HP 15C]

HP Announces Calculator Software for PCs, iPhone and iPod Touch

HP announced that some of its most popular calculators will be available as software applications on PCs, iPhones and iPod touch devices.

HP 12c and 12c Platinum software are exact replicas of the original calculators that millions of business professionals and students use. The software is built with the same algorithms and calculation sequences and has the identical layout and functions as the originals. The Platinum version of the industry-standard HP12c adds the choice of time-saving Reverse Polish notation or traditional algebraic data entry as well as convenient editing features such as "backspace" and "undo" keys.

Ideal for engineering professionals, teachers and science students and professionals who already use the HP 35s Scientific Calculator, the software version offers quick, accurate answers from the PC. The software offers the identical HP 35s calculator layout and functionality and provides quick results to scientific and engineering calculations. The software was developed by HP, recipient of the IEEE Milestone in Engineering for the original HP-35. The HP 35s software also offers more than one hundred built-in functions, HP Solve where the user can store an equation, then use it to solve for any variable and the ability to copy and paste calculations directly into financial documents.

Designed for business professionals and students, the software version of the HP 20b Business Consultant is identical to the calculator. It is designed to be a convenient tool for finance, business, and real estate functions. The large two-line display enables the user to view up to 12 digits and scroll through variables, detailed real-text labels, menus and worksheets, and prompts as well as copy and paste answers into other documents.

The HP 15C application, designed for iPhone and iPod touch, replicates the original calculator's layout, functions, algorithms and calculation sequences. Used by college students and career people alike, the programmable HP 15C was revolutionary when it was introduced in the 1980s. Like the hardware version, the software application provides an array of matrix calculations plus complex functions and a Solve key that finds the root of an equation.

Pricing and availability

The HP 35s application for iPhone and iPod touch is available on the iTunes App Store. Software for the HP 20b and 15C is available at www.hp.com/buy/calculators. Software versions of the HP 12c and 12c Platinum are available on both sites. Most of the software is available now on the iTunes App Store and through HP at prices starting at $9.99.(1) The 12c Platinum solution is expected to be available in late summer.

About HP
HP, the world's largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

* All this from HP museum site.

The problem is that the mat isn't hooked up to anything. It's not a gigantic calculator and it can't connect with your phone to send text messages. Still, I see potential here. Working computer keyboard mats, television remotes and the like could make for an amusing fitness routine that wouldn't grow old for at least a few hours...maybe even a few days. [Exergame Fitness via Shiny Shiny]

In high school, I made a pipe out of a TI-83 Plus calculator. the calculator still works, even now, as well as the pipe. Even though the tube is made of duct tape, it works fine. I cut into the bowl itself so it can be flat and still allow airflow, and put another piece of metal under it so the tape will not heat up. The stem can be separated and placed into the calculator to be more hidden. Inside the calculator, there are also compartments for matches, toothpicks (pokers), and screens. There is also enough room on the inside for a small bag of whatever is going to be smoked. It has been named the TI-420 Tokeulator.

Holy shit. The bar has been raised.

[Thanks, Dave!]

It can also tell your fortune, if you're living life solo these days. I'm assuming both solo and couple fortunes are pulled out of thin air and are wildly inaccurate and/or vague, but hey, maybe it's actually a magic calculator that can learn about the various nuances of your personality based solely on your birthday and the fact that you'd buy such a stupid calculator. Anything is possible. [Amazon.jp via Technabob]

The new calculator, in a noticeable change, now has a history of previous inputs. That's more than handy for long equations where your mind gets so confused you forget what step you are on. Also new to Windows 7 is the addition of Programmer and Statistics mode. Since I suck at math and avoid it whenever possible, I can't say much but, "awesome, functions I'll never use or understand." Still, it's better to have too many options than too few, I say.

The real highlight of Calculator are the new extra features included. They include Unit Conversion and Date Calculation under the Options menu, which do exactly what it sounds like they do. Under Templates in the same menu, you'll also be able to calculate your gas mileage, lease payment and your mortgage payment. Now, that's handy. At least, I'll be better prepared should I ever decide to own real estate. [Windows 7 at Gizmodo]

View our other Windows 7 tips and our continuing coverage here.

What this little robot lacks in function (it's not even a full scientific calculator), it more than makes up in cold intimidation. Set this puppy upside down facing the teacher's desk, type in 1134 and watch as your child aces algebra. It's also a nightlight.

$20. [UrbanOutfitters via Botropolis]

The Consolation Money Calculator, as it is called, has two modes: one for normal functions and one for for "consolation calculation." In that mode, I enter my profile information, choose from a list of common perpetrators (boss, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc) along with a few other details and then press the "mental damage" button. Presto! I now know the net worth of my misery and can extract payment promptly. This novelty calculator is set to debut in Japanese stores starting on January 24th for around $27. [Wiz Inc. via CScout Japan]

You see, most tape measures stop at just one function: Measuring. And we all think that's OK because, so far, it has been OK. We've been living our OK lives in our OK houses with our OK toolboxes without ever considering that there might be something out there that's better than just OK.

Then the $17 Multi-Function Tape Measure upped the ante in a big way.

It added a calculator and sticky notes for managing your measurement data. And then it shoved in an LED flashlight to top things off.

I woke up this morning to a new, boundless world. Where Man will go from here cannot be known. [Positive Gifts via Nerd Approved]

[RoofRay via Treehugger]