What is the most useful technology in your life?

well, right now, my Android phone. i got it in March, and it's already helped me out several times.

i've always been "The Computer Guy" who fixes peoples' tech problems, and looks stuff up online for those without a computer/skills to find things online. now, last week, i was out with some friends, and while we were talking, one of them said something along the lines of "...You'll have to look that up for me when you get home...". well, with my smartphone (and my data plan), i was able to check it right then :)

also, i got lost down some wrong turn in the middle of nowhere, and if it were not for my phone's built in GPS, would have been late for work! (last time i try a new route on my way to work!)

and i can't tell you how much fun it is to be able to play a quick game of something while i'm waiting for a friend, or for time to start working, or waiting for my ride. especially when that game is FREE (many of them ARE on Androids).

there have been a few other cases, but yu get the idea. much likea computer (but not quite), it is a handheld box that is designed to do nearly anythig, and my new favorite bit of tech :)

Most Useful Technology

I like your question.

I am going to answer broadly, since technology is "the methods and tools that a society has developed in order to facilitate the solution of its practical problems" and not just limited to the latest electronic gadgets/tools.

For me historically it has been:

age 9 - my bike

age 18 my car

age 20 my TI calculator

age 26 the first computers at work

age 60 GPS and cell phone, closely followed by MP3 player

As I think about it, it's the older technologies which are the most useful everyday:

electricity

air conditioning

plumbing

etc.

My matter replicator. I stole one from a secret government lab.

My goat

My brain.