Of those aged 16-24 who responded to the survey, 42 per cent named the mobile phone as their favourite life-changing gadget. The mobile also topped the poll ahead of the laptop, and the MP3 player with digital cameras and satellite navigation systems also proving popular.

But mobile phones have become a crucial part of modern life, and it appears it is not just for keeping in touch with friends and family, but also acting as an address book, calendar and diary. For some people, their mobile phone even synchronises all of this information with the computers back at home or in the office.

Today, there are more than 3.3billion mobiles in the world and Britain has one of the highest rates of ownership. This year saw dozens queuing outside shops when Apple's latest iPhone was released. This latest device has high-speed internet access as well as more standard features such as a camera

Satnavs were also described as invaluable by those polled. One person surveyed said that their Tom Tom satnav device had on one occasion navigated an alternative cross-country route to the airport when the motorway was at a standstill, and so saved the expense of having to buy new plane tickets, paying for itself in one fell swoop.

Even , which are relied upon by hundreds and thousands of women to remove their kinks and curls, came in at 11th position in the survey.

However, the poll also found that not all gadgets improve our lives. The foot spa, for example, was named the most useless gadget, with the bread maker coming close behind along with the ice cream makers, orange peelers and electronic carving knives.

However for the domestic goddesses of our time, the forever reliable washing machine, vacuum cleaner and microwave all ranked in the top ten. Even the salad spinner earned its place in the rankings.

But not everyone is convinced of the importance of gadgets. Half of those polled who were over 65 said they could not identify a particular item that they felt had made a real difference to their lives.