A gadget is a device that has a useful specific purpose and function.
Gadgets tend to be more unusual or clever than normal technology.
In contrast, an device of clever design that has no practical purpose is called a novelty item. Gadget comes from Gaget, one of the workers on the Statue of Liberty, whose idea it was to sell small copies of the statue as souvenirs.
In fiction, gadgets are best known in popular spy films, especially in the James Bond series. Superheroes, especially ones like Batman and Iron Man whose premise revolves around equipment, have numerous gadgets themselves. There is a cartoon character whose super powers come from an assortment of gadgets named Inspector Gadget.
Engadget (http://www.engadget.com) - A professionally edited blog about brand new gadgets
TechLore (http://www.techlore.com) - A consumer electronics community for sharing knowledge, experiences, and opinions from the people that own and use gadgets