Left: A comlink from the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Right: A smartphone

Sometimes, science fiction can get a wee bit dated. In a comlink, you have a glorified walkie talkie in an easy-to-lose form factor.

In a smartphone, you have a miracle device that can instantaneously place calls, access information from an unlimited number of databases from any location, give you directions, tell you where you are, access a wealth of auditory culture from across an entire civilization, instantly take photos and videos…

Then again, a comlink isn’t running on the AT&T network, so it’s guaranteed to work when you find yourself trapped in a garbage compacter.