If You Had To Choose: Microwave or iPod
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 8:03AM 
There was an interesting infographic in the USA Today over the weekend. (Yes, the print edition... someone must have been at a hotel ...) As you can see, the chart asked Americans how much certain items are needed, or are considered necessities. Since 2006, the microwave has fallen 21 points, while the iPod has gained a point, along with high-speed internet and flat-screen TV as gainers. It's interesting to note that "home computer" dropped a point over the same time period, so good luck syncing those iPods.
Clothes dryers and home air conditioning were also big losers on the list, moving from necessity to discretionary according to the Pew research. While the gains for most electronics are well within the stated (and large) 3.6% margin of error, it looks like we're headed to a world in which we slave over the stove, or dine out, and hang our clothes up to dry. It's all good as long as we can listen to our iPods while we do it.
As much as I enjoy my iPod, I have to tell you if I was stranded, and had ample electricity, I would probably go with the microwave, or at least a computer before I would worry about my iPod.
What do you think? Bogus poll, or a real shift in our perceptions of necessity items in the 21st Century?
iPod, just for fun, usa today Permalink
Reader Comments (1)
I don't know if it's a bogus poll but the many of the above items are probably taken for granted. When I was a kid, the microwave was the new high-tech gizmo for the home. Most kids and adults today probably don't think twice about a microwave because it's simply part of their life. They use it without thinking about it much like the clothes dryer or air conditioner. Put the people who took the poll in their day-to-day situation without those three items I'm sure their attitudes would change. I have to live without an air conditioner. It's no problem in the winter but once the summer kicks in with over 90 degree days I'm wishing I could have an air conditioner. And anyone who's had to wear damp (or just slightly damp) clothes to work or school will cry to the heavens for a clothes dryer.
Like I said I don't know if it's a bogus poll, maybe it's just a bit too nonchalant about what items they think are and are not needed.