History

So who is Poppa Gadget? Up until I created this blog he didn’t exist. I don’t mean that in the literal sense but rather that, as the author of this blog, I didn’t really have an identity in mind just the wish to create a vehicle that I can use to share my love and obsession with gadgets with a wider audience.

Why Poppa Gadget then? I’d decided I would create a blog about my tech and gadget obsession. I’d decided I would use WordPress and I’d decided that my target audience was a slightly older demographic than what’s out there at the moment. What I needed was an online identity that would fit with all these aims. A quick search of the internet revealed a number of sites similar in theme; it also revealed that most of them were defunct and those that are active aren’t quite aimed at my target audience.

After much head-scratching for something a bit different Poppa just popped into my head. To me, a Poppa is someone who you go to for advice, is dependable and trustworthy, avuncular, cuddly and wise. At this point in my life I think I’m already a few of those things and hope one day to be all of them! It also seemed to fit quite nicely with my blog mission statement and, best of all, the domain was free.

So Poppa Gadget was born and like a tailor-made suit, the persona just seems to fit me perfectly!

Poppa G’s Gadget Background

I started my love affair with tech back in the winter of 1980. In my spare time I would loiter in the calculator section of WH Smith. There, on a shelf surrounded by other spotty youths was the Sinclair ZX81. Oh the joy at seeing something that you could plug into your home TV and do stuff with. I didn’t know what I’d do with it I just knew I had to have one.

After much cajoling my parents bought me one and I’ve never looked back. From there it’s just been one continuing path of upgrades and part exchanges to work my way from the ZX81 through to a Dragon 32, a BBC Model B and various models of PC to my current position as an owner of many Apple and Windows-based devices.

To be honest it’s not just computing devices that get my Poppa up! The excitement generated when I deposit a new shiny box on my kitchen table and proceed to slowly and respectfully unwrap it is almost religious. Even if it is just a new kettle.

I regularly help friends and neighbours with all things gadget, from setting up computers, email and networks to advising on cameras and other device purchases.

I love tech and gadgets and this blog is here to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with you, my readers.

Poppa G