Brilliant Christmas Gizmos: Top 10
By Safiya Kinshasa
Fellows and Associates guest contributor, Safiya Kinshasa, gives her view on some of the latest gadgets on the market
Having the best hi tech gadgets not only helps to create a professional and top quality image but these wonders have improved on those recurring little annoyances in previous technology which seemed to make life that much harder. I spent some time testing a variety of products to see if the new gizmos lived up to their expectations and have composed a list which anyone involved in the world of business or a practising gadgeteer should seriously consider stuffing in their Christmas stocking or adding to their wish list.
Power Mat
Gone are the days where we are constantly surrounded by wires and cables to charge our numerous devices as the ingenious invention PowerMat is here and enables us to charge electronics wirelessly. The sleek mat comes in two different designs, each of which charge up to 3 devices at a time using just one cord. The first mat is designed for the home or office with built in cord management, it is not very heavy but the intention is to keep the product in one secure place. The second version however is portable with the same features as the first and comes with a travel case; it also enables you to fold the mat up which is convenient for any long journey. From £70 – £80 this is certainly a useful item that helps to de-clutter ones desk.
Digital Compact Camera – DSC WX1
It has never been easier to act as a photographer or video maker with this exquisite new camera. Not only does it create close to perfect images with panoramic vision but it also records in HD. The stylish device is very easy to use and has a number of additional features which include; sweep panorama, enhanced face detection, red eye reduction and even smile shutters for the non photogenic (detects smiles in order to capture the perfect moment). The high sensitivity and exposure control along with intelligent focus makes it effortless to create professional looking images and film and for the quirky moments there are fun scene selections including the beach and firework scenes. With everything you need in a camera all for the fantastic price of around £100, all you need to worry about is the colour.
IRiver Spinn
The stunning new IRiver Spinn mp3 and mp4 player embodies a special rotating dial feature which scrolls through the menu options. This makes it very difficult for you to lose connection with an application or data as you can choose multiple windows and files at one time, providing a significant advantage of this over other touch screen mp3 players. At only 70g this clever piece of technology includes: a movie player, podcasting, a radio and Bluetooth. The sound quality is fantastic and although switching between audio content was tricky it does support both visual and audio content in files making it is simple to store your data. With a playtime of up to 25 hours of music and 5 hours of video for £160, you will be more than satisfied with the Spinn.
Ergo Luggage Digital Scale
This may seem like rather an odd gadget but for £20 this simple product could save you a great deal of hassle at the airport. If you do tend to travel heavy and don’t want to be caught out by the strict restrictions on luggage weight, possessing a clear and accurate device such as this may be a good investment. Weighing your luggage is very straightforward – you just attach the portable gadget onto your luggage then lift, waiting for a beep. The scale does have a maximum weight of 44kg or 100lbs but with a 32kg maximum per suitcase for health and safety reasons this should not present a problem and you can choose to read your weight either in lbs or kgs. The numbers on the scale are very clear and the design basic but convenient.
Palm Treo Pro
Sophisticated and practical the Treo Pro is the perfect business phone, so much so that simply calling it an “all in one” phone is perhaps an understatement. The Treo Pro includes its own mobile office using the Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Edition so you can practise presentations with Power Point and revise calculations with excel almost anywhere outside the office at your convenience. Like many of Palm’s competitors you can access music, video and the internet but the advantage of the Treo Pro is the speed with which you can access all of these features. There are numerous shortcuts to be used and for those who dislike touch screen there is also a full keypad. The GPS and internet features do mean additional costs but getting the most out of the Treo Pro at £380 is worth every penny.
Microsoft Zune HD
The Microsoft Zune HD is another MP3 player which sets the standard for futuristic visual and audio experiences. This is a music lover’s fantasy due to the Zune’s unique new feature which enables you to view and collect the majority of the artist’s previous music along with related artists and other additions to that particular genre. A web browser is available but the HD’s strength lies in the selection process and quality of received data. Finding your desired choices could not be easier with the QuickPlay settings that create playlists for your favourite media selections which can be saved permanently also allowing you to save full albums from a variety of genres at a time. The High Definition ability acts as the cherry on the cake with High Definition Broadcasting of Zune’s FM Radio giving the user access to a vast array of radio channels, more so in cities. At roughly £150 this is a phenomenal device for music on the go.
Ectaco ITravel Dulux Translator
This is the ideal gadget for anyone travelling abroad as it will enable you to take control in 17 languages. The ITravel will soon become an essential part of your journey due to its outstanding services with exceptional quality. Imagine yourself browsing through a foreign article or reading an important notice and after searching through many pages of your pocket guide you find an unclear translation, well with the ITravel Dulux you could scan the text with the touch of a button and receive an instant translation or save it for your desktop for later. Detailed maps and information on popular destinations are also available and you can even pinpoint your current location. You will be amazed at how much you learn within a short space of time as it includes a built in teacher so any phrases will be translated back to you in an authentic dialect. If you do find yourself in trouble the IHelp feature allows you to express your emergency and will translate your problem in seconds. For £470 multilingual communication has never been easier.
Kindle
There is nothing like reading a great novel and now with the Kindle you can read as many as you like on your travels without having to worry about the weight of your hand luggage. The Kindle, with its slim and practical size, also allows you to upload documents so certain files or documents you would not want ruined can be safely loaded onto this gadget. The Kindle has surprising handy features like the studying aspect which allows you to highlight and make notes on your texts, bookmarks that can be cleverly added and an in-line dictionary that works by just scrolling your marker over any word. Imported from the US, this gadget comes in at roughly £215.
Olympus Voice Recorder DS40
Despite this being the oldest product on the list it still has its place here. Scientists have recently stated that listening to your own voice is more likely to help you remember information and it has been proven to help boost confidence therefore this would be a fantastic product to help you with your ambitions and goals into the New Year. This handy device would also be useful for anybody who wants to capture those great sparks of genius at random moments. You can record up to 136 hours with long play mode, there is 512 hours of integrated memory and it allows users to download podcasts and WMA and MP3 files which can be sorted into your own unique folders. The design is very practical and the buttons are conveniently placed, making the recorder uncomplicated and allowing you stress free access to any desired content. Considering the amount of storage and special features the price is a reasonable £185.
HP Dream Screen
The Dream Screen is a portable miniature Tv like box that includes your own personalised digital content without you having to access a Laptop or Computer. This wireless, ingenious device embodies the world’s favourite features like facebook and internet radio. The elegant screen can be kept anywhere in the home and can even act as an alarm clock, a day to day weather forecaster and an interactive calendar. The speakers are very good especially when watching movies and video clips and once photos are uploaded you can even create a slideshow with music. It is ideal for travelling and there is of course a USB flash drive which can upload any digital content so £150 to turn this little dream into a reality is a great price.
So there you have it, a sophisticated Christmas list perfect for those who are intending on starting the New Year with some of the best gadgets the world has to offer.