Gdgt: Social Networking Niche Website Focused On Gadget Lust

With the exponentially increasing popularity of social bookmarking websites, it was inevitable that we would begin to see specialization of focus. Oh, sure...we all know about Digg, StumbleUpon, and countless other sites that connect people based on their attraction to a news item or a new product. The emerging trend now is websites that target a specific market, making those connections with like-minded folks a bit more profound and probably longer-lasting. And, it's no surprise that the niche market for the sites that are paving the way would be tech-oriented. After all, it's the technology-related areas of life that drive innovation.

One such site I discovered recently is Gdgt. The "disemvoweled" name might make you think this site is small-time, but it's actually got a lot going on. It's social networking for people who love their gadgets; the devices they have, the ones they drool over, and even the ones they had. Founded back in July of this year by Ryan Block and Peter Rojas (both from Engadget, among other endeavors), Gdgt has grown in just a few short months to catalogue tens of thousands of gadgets, tech-related definitions, and the people who love and use them.

Once you sign up and create a profile, you can get started. Using the simple menu at the top, you can browse popular gadgets to find yours, or you can get there quicker by using the "Finder," that asks you for specifics about the gadget, then displays the possible matches. When you find the device you're looking for, you can add it to your "Have" list, your "Want" list, or your "Had" list (which I think is a cool feature, as it shows your gadget history). If you don't find the exact gadget you're looking for, you are allowed to "Add New," as long as you're prepared to fill out a detailed specs form and provide a good picture of the gadget. If you do create a new entry, it won't show up right away, because the folks at the Gdgt site need to approve your entry. I myself added an entry for a Samsung SPH-A700 Sprint phone I used to have (seen in photo at right), and it was approved overnight.

So, now you've filled out your profile's gadget list...now what? Well, you can give ratings to your gadgets, for one thing. You could also try starting or joining specific gadget discussions from that gadget's page or clicking the "discuss" tab on the main menu for current popular discussions. And of course, don't forget the social aspect of Gdgt; connecting to people. On a gadget's info page is a list of folks who want it, have it, or had it...check those folks out and add them as friends.

If you love your cell phone, smart phone, portable media player, or other favorite device, Head over to Gdgt's website to start sharing your gadget lust.