Mary-Ann Winkelmes looked out at her students one evening 15 years ago. Even now, she can remember their day jobs: banker, security guard, plumber, lounge singer, priest.

The upside of 21st century life? The dizzying array of cool electronic gadgets we have that let us do just about anything anytime and anywhere we want. The downside of 21st century life? Having to wade through that dizzying array of cool electronic gadgets whenever the ones we already have go on the fritz.