Top Ten Sci-Fi Devices
Man, that iPhone is something, isn't it? In honor of Apple's new superdevice, I decided to put together a 'Top-10' list of Sci-Fi devices. Note that there will not be any Stargates, Holodecks or Battlestars included here; to make this list, a device must be personal and portable!
Without further ado, here is the list:
#10 The Remote Control ("Click")
A remote control that can pause, rewind and fast forward your life. What's not to like? Well, the movie was only OK...but the remote was sweet.# 9 The Marauder's Map ("Harry Potter")
Harry Potter is full of interesting magical objects. But, the most memorable one for me is the Marauder's Map - a map of Hogwarts that shows the location of everyone in the building. I am surprised that some enterprising cell phone application developer has not created this product using current GPS technology. We have the technology!# 8 Jack Bauer's Cell Phone ("24")
"24" is not Sci-Fi - but Jack's cell phone took a picture of a detonator with enough resolution to read the serial number off of its cover, transmitted the photo back to CTU and then reconfigured itself so that it could transmit the exact frequency necessary to take over control of the detonator. Sounds pretty Sci-Fi to me!# 7 The Morpher ("Power Rangers")
Even if you think the Rangers are kids stuff, think on this: the 15th US season of the show is starting this February and there are over 30 seasons of the still-running Super Sentai series in Japan (which is the inspiration for the Power Ranger franchise). Any device that turns you into a superhero is all right with me.# 6 The Tricorder ("Star Trek")
Scan just about anything! Although there are several different types of tricorders, my favorite is the medical version - quick diagnosis of any alien disease by waving the device over a body. Not bad!#5 The Jack ("The Matrix")
I am speaking of the cybernetic implant (installed in the neck) that was used to jack into the Matrix. However, even though I have it ranked #5, it is probably the only device on this list that I really wouldn't want to own.# 4 Sonic Screwdriver ("Doctor Who")
The Doctor knows tools. This little gem opens locks, repairs things and fits in the Doctor's coat pocket. Nice.# 3 Babel Fish ("The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe")
Consider this an organic device. The little Babel Fish, when inserted in your ear, acts as a universal language translator. No more language barriers!# 2 The Lightsaber ("Star Wars")
The greatest Sci-Fi weapon ever (blasters just do not count, and lightsabers deflect those blasts anyway) - and, it hangs from your belt. Whoom whoom...the sound is awesome, too.# 1 The Communicator ("Star Trek")
Arguably the predecessor to every major cell phone and smartphone on the market, the Star Trek communicator is an amazing device. It works planet to ship, never needs charging and has perhaps the most distinctive ring tone in history. It was a close call, but I am proclaiming the Communicator as the Number 1 all-time Sci-Fi device.
