I write about technology for (part of) a living, so I perhaps take a little more interest in the latest addition to the iPod range than your average woman. But I still think what I’m about to assert is true: women need to become more in tune with technology.

A lot (in fact, most) of the women I know leave the tech stuff to their husbands, brothers, dads, or male friends. They say things like “Oh, I couldn’t program our TiVo if my life depended on it!” or “I wouldn’t know a BlackBerry from a boysenberry, ha ha ha.” Meanwhile, I grit my teeth and try not to grimace.

What’s Going On Here?

Why are so many independent women who have children, careers, and smarts so willing to let men take total responsibility for choosing and installing what could be some of the most expensive and frequently-used equipment they’ll ever have?

Despite what some people have tried to tell me, I don’t think it’s because men are gadget-obsessed and women have far more important things to worry about. I think it’s because women are a bit intimidated by the male-dominated tech world and can too easily fall into gender stereotypes that tell us we should leave anything electronic to the men. But it’s time to rebel against that kind of early 20th-century thinking!

You don’t rely on a man to tell you what to wear or read or who to be friends with. Why should you let him tell you which phone or mp3 player to pick?

We need to get more involved in choosing technology that works for us (and in letting tech companies know what we don’t like) so that the market is less saturated with “toys for boys.” We also need to understand that technology can make our lives easier and more fun–and that it isn’t that hard to use once you learn what to do (it takes more time to call a man every time you want to record a show or charge your iPod than to learn how to do it yourself, no?).

So here are my top incentives for turning yourself on (so to speak):

It Can Make Your Life Easier

Since my dad moved to Australia, we have stayed in touch via Skype, a quick-to-download program which allows us to chat via Web cam for as long as we want and whenever we want, for free. I also have a PVR, which records every episode of the TV shows I love without me having to remember to set it each week. When I fly, I use noise-reducing headphones that cut out plane noise and let me hear the movie without going deaf. And now that there are handheld GPS units (or GPS for smart phones), couples never need to argue over directions again. Great technology isn’t just about playing with fancy gadgets; tech is at its best when we can use it to improve our lives.

It’s Fun

Tell me that a Chumby wouldn’t make your life more enjoyable–just try. Or how about a Nabaztag, the cute little rabbit that will read your emails to you? If you’re missing out on new tech, you’re missing out on some truly cute innovations.

It Really Is a Feminist Issue

Would you let your man choose your winter wardrobe? (Please say no). Then why would you let him take sole responsibility for a purchase that’s going to last a lot longer that this season’s coat? Learning to use your own phone, set up your new TV, or organize your own Internet service is part of being a grown-up, and it’s a lot less difficult that you might think. If you believe that women are equal to men, prove it, and switch yourself on.

You never know, you might just enjoy it. (I know I do.)

[Photo by ||!prliignore3||]