Hi Jane,
I agree with you, gadgets are very expensive nowadays and unfortunately not everyone can afford them. But they are definitely useful! If you have friends and family abroad there are many apps you can use to phone them free of charge and even send pictures and videos. Also, there is an endless amount of educational information you can find on the internet just in a few minutes.
I have a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. I use them almost every day for studying but also to play games, talk to my friends, watch videos, read news and many more. To be honest, I don't want anything else. I think these three gadgets are enough to fulfil my needs.
Best wishes,
Kate.