Which is the greatest bit of world-changing technology?
World-changing tech

MSN Tech & Gadgets presents a selection of world-changing technologies, old and new. But which is the greatest?

  • Where would we be today without the light bulb?The humble light bulb

    In the first of our series on world-changing technology, we look at the simple light bulb. Where would we be without it? In the dark, that's where.

  • Pointing the way: the trusty compassThe trusty compass

    Before global positioning satellite navigation, there was the trusty magnetic needle of the compass.

  • Into orbit: the space shuttleThe space shuttle

    Humankind's ticket into outer space: Nasa's world-changing space shuttle.

  • CyclistThe bicycle

    Cheap, clean, convenient people-powered transport: could the bike be the greatest piece of everyday technology?

  • Microchip on circuit boardThe microchip

    The basis for all modern computing. Is the microchip the most important technological innovation?

  • John Logie Baird, inventor of the television (image © PA/PA Archive/PA Photos)The television

    The television has had a huge influence on society since its invention in the 1920s. Could it be the most important technology of all?

  • A reconstructed version of Gutenberg's original printing press (image © AP/AP/PA Photos)The printing press

    How do you begin to measure the impact of a technology that brought books to the wider world?

  • @ key on a keyboardThe internet

    The newest invention in the list, the internet has already changed the way the world works. Is it the most important innovation?

  • Modern wheelThe wheel

    Surely there can be no more important technological advance than the development of the wheel?

  • An engine (image © AP Photo/Honda Motor Co., HO)The engine

    The internal combustion engine transformed the way we live and travel. Is it the most important invention of all?

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    Apple's new, super-speedy iPhone 3GS continues to hog the headlines following its launch last week. You could be forgiven for thinking it's the only choice for people looking for a high-spec smartphone.Not so. These days, the iPhone faces some serio...

  1. Which is the greatest of these world-changing technologies?

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  1. Which is the greatest of these world-changing technologies?
    1. The light bulb
      10%
    2. The compass
      3%
    3. The space shuttle
      1%
    4. The bicycle
      2%
    5. The printing press
      11%
    6. The combustion engine
      7%
    7. The wheel
      33%
    8. The internet
      14%
    9. The microchip
      14%
    10. The television
      5%
4438 responses, not scientifically valid, results updated every minute.