Have you noticed? Differentiation is diminishing in gadgets these days.

Everything is a music player.
Everything is a camera.
Everything is touch-screen controlled, internet accessing, Tweeting, Facebook status updating, connected electronic gold.

There are always pickles when it comes to defining new toys – but is this good or bad? After all, how good the camera is depends on the device. How the web browser operates has a big impact on the kinds of websites it’s useful to access through it. And while every device may have every feature, the how is not just key, it’s increasingly important.

Some people buy iPhones. Others refuse, and buy BlackBerry instead – sometimes for reasons they can’t explain. Who knows why anyone buys an LCD television over a plasma – sure, statistics and sales pitches can be compelling, but without an exit form (and why would we want one for simple purchases?) There’s no way to know.

Let’s move out from toys, and think about the platforms we connect to them. Why are some people still avoiding Facebook, but devouring Twitter? And the reverse? Is it an awareness of corporate paradigm, or a preference for features? Maybe just a love of feathered mascots or awkward CEOs. Who knows?

Don’t get annoyed with diversity – get specific about your selections.