When my wife recently noticed the DVR was turned off she began troubleshooting it by wiggling the power cord (I mean, what else can you do?). She immediately stopped wiggling when the unit responded with sparks and small puff of smoke. The bold assumption was made that further attempts at resuscitation would be fruitless and, after a moment of silence for that cute little antennaed TiVo guy, a new unit was promptly ordered.

 

During the very long few days it took to receive the new DVR, I had to explain to my incredulous kids why we couldn't fast-forward through the commercials, and I even had to dig up the time capsule in the back yard to retrieve a VHS tape on which to record the baseball opening day game (gosh, I hope there was nothing important on that tape). Anyway, it got me thinking about the technology we now rely upon and even take for granted.

 

NDS, a company that makes DRM products for pay-TV providers, released a study last September that claims Americans rank the DVR as the third most indispensable household item after the washing machine and microwave ("We may not have cold food, but hey, we've got every Lost episode!"). The study also revealed that 79% of respondents with partners thought their DVR improved their relationship. Oh TiVo, is there nothing you can't do?

 

My list of indispensable technology would definitely include things like GPS, MP3 player, debit cards, downloadable audio books, the Major League Baseball package on satellite TV, the Snuggie, and instant messaging. What's on your list? Blackberry, iPhone, Facebook, satellite radio? What about for business? A recent podcast on Startupnation.com offered a very practical list of 5 small business essentials, including anti-virus software, a server, and CRM software.  

 

What's on your business' "essentials" list? Yes, Peachtree of course, but what other technology has your business come to rely upon?