Seriously, there is real advancement in many parts of our lives, dishwashers, refrigerators, music systems, televisions (monitors?),microwaves, flashlights, cell phones, etc.
Probably the most concentrated area of technology (including what we can’t see, in passive safety systems etc.) is cars. I’m guessing that the difference between a 1993 Lexus, and a 2008 Lexus would be stupid for a wealthy person to ignore.
One of my brothers just bought a new BMW 7 Series. The first time I drove it, I felt like I could total it at 100 MPH and walk away without a scratch. I swear that 7 Series at 100 MPH on the interstate makes you feel as if you are going about 40. It is so smooth and stable at high speeds. Now if he would have just bought the V12 version, that would be major fun!
Refrigerators no longer belong on that list, microwaves are questionable and practically all of the flashlights are pretty much disposable.