'Great inventions in my lifetime: have there been any?' blog discussion 14 July 2008 at 11:18AM in Martin's blogs & appearances & MoneySavingExpert in the news 36 replies 6.5K views

Former_MSE_Lawrence

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's 'Great inventions in my lifetime: have there been any?' Blog.

Click reply to discuss below.

bladesuk1

how about the mobile phone? the first non-vehicle mobile communications device was invented in 1973, which just falls inside your lifetime, and they've made a huge impact on the world as a whole...

b

*MF*

Perhaps it is the "context" against which the invention arises which gives it real importance and value.

In the late 80's and early '90' we all became aware of how widespread Aids was in Africa - but how in areas covering thousands and thousands of square miles do you get any medical or health information to people?

That was the precise background to the invention of the Clockwork radio from Trevor Baylis. Radio - new? Not for us, for sure. But isolated and with no electricity - that wind up radio may well have been the invention of all time.

Zyyb

My vote probably goes to the ISS or the new Virgin Galactic Space Ships that will allow 8 minutes of weightlessness 68 miles high

verloren

I'd go with the Euro.

kopicbloodaxe

The personal computer (better known as the "PC", in case you haven't heard the term )

Putting computing power into the hands of the general "non IT professional" public and enabling the internet to really take off, connecting everyone across borders and boundaries into the "global village" regardless of race, colour or creed.

foreversomeday

bladesuk1 wrote: »

how about the mobile phone? the first non-vehicle mobile communications device was invented in 1973, which just falls inside your lifetime, and they've made a huge impact on the world as a whole...

I think the mobile phone has had a dramatic effect on society, too. Possibly not the greatest invention, though!

MSE_Martin

Its fascinating to read.... and i suppose part of the question depends on how much you choose to define it

E.g. Was the PC such a great invention. The computer certainly was - but was but was turning it into a personal use version not innovation more than invention.

The same for the mobile phone?

More please

Crabman

MoneySavingExpert.com

mymatebob

In my lifetime, there has been

Interferon
Internal Pace-maker
The VCR

and the first satellite

*MF*

Year of your birth Martin - computed axial tomography - was introduced - and as a result of the success of the Beatles. Now we all knew that didn't we, lol.

Yup! the Cat Scan was originally called the EMI Scan - and EMI were only able to afford the research costs because of those 4 guys from Liverpool.


*EDIT*

Got me thinking this has ...

.... debate the PC, but would any of us be happy without the invention of a "mouse"?

.... anyone not used Post-It notes?