(Column) - Technology has affected our lives in a digital way for quite some time, and it's fascinating to take some time and think back on all of the hardware and software that you've seen evolve over the years. Laptops, PDAs, cell phones, and other associated devices have changed our lives, and we often take them for granted. I know some people who would probably drop dead if you took their BlackBerry away from them. I've been tempted to get one for myself, but I'm trying my best to avoid getting sucked in by the multipurpose device.

Our reliance on certain technological products is obvious and accepted, but due to transparent integration, we often forget about the effects that technology has had on physical products, as well. Just because it's not always noticeable, it doesn't mean that it's not there. The digital experience is progressively being blended with many of the things that we use on a daily basis, and it sometimes happens in surprising ways. For example, Apple and Nike recently teamed up to make your shoes more than just a place to put your stinky feet.

I don't know about you, but I sure have seen a lot of runners with headphones in their ears, and usually they're white, which is a dead giveaway for an iPod. It makes sense that these runners would want to listen to music while they do their thing. Having a musical soundtrack synchronized with your run provides motivation, and it makes the whole process seem like it's going much faster. You may have never noticed the connection between an iPod and a pair of shoes, but it's there, and it's very real. Who would have thought about it?

Next