Turn on, tune in
Next-generation gadgets to fall in love with
TIME-SAVING, SPACE-SAVING GADGETS DESIGNED TO GO WHEREVER YOU DO
Words: Camilla Chafer
iHome iH19
If you want to If you want to keep your iPod keep your iPod protected while protected while you’re out and about you’re out and about then you’ll need a then you’ll need a protective case. protective case. This one is stylish This one is stylish and functional and functional with micro-stereo with micro-stereo driver speakers on driver speakers on the exterior along the exterior along with a control panel with a control panel so you don’t even so you don’t even have to open the have to open the case to pick your case to pick your favourite tunes. favourite tunes.
It also serves as It also serves as a dock so you can a dock so you can charge your iPod charge your iPod with the included with the included AC adaptor, and AC adaptor, and handy brackets so handy brackets so that you can attach that you can attach it to your bike or it to your bike or gym equipment gym equipment while 
working out. while working out. Available in black or Available in black or pink. pink. £59.99; www.iHomeintl.com
Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman phone
Storing up to 470 tracks with up to 20 hours’ playback, this clever phone also has TrackID to identify unfamiliar tracks, and step and calorie counters for sporty types. There’s a colour screen, 2MP camera and 3D gaming. Price dependant on contract; www.sonyericsson.com
Freeloader solar charger
Make the most of the summer sun with a gadget that utilises solar power to give you free energy for your devices. Use all over the world, with a full charge giving iPods 18 hours of playback and mobile phones up to 40 hours’ standby; it’ll also work with digital cameras, PDAs, PSPs, Nintendo DS and more. The metallic silver charger will auto-charge its internal Li-ion battery, needs only daylight rather than full-on sun glare and can be used with the supplied USB cable when daylight isn’t available. £29.99; www.maplin.co.uk
USB Cell
With batteries that can be recharged via your laptop, you’ll never be caught on the hop again without some juice for your battery-operated gadgets, from cameras to your wireless devices. Just flip open the top and plug in to a USB port without the need for any additional bulky chargers. £10.99 for a pack of two; www.usbcell.com
HTC Shift
Better known for creating smartphones, HTC are launching the Shift for mobile computing in mid-June. If you thought your laptop was ultra portable, think again. Around the size of a pair of DVD cases, this is packed with Windows Vista, seven-inch colour touch screen, 30GB hard drive and a QWERTY keyboard. High-speed global connections are key to this mini-computer with Tri-Band UMTS/ HSDPA, 3G, Bluetooth
2.0 and Wi-Fi. With Windows Media Player 11 onboard you can also store music, pictures and video. It’ll fit easily in your carry-on luggage, leaving you room for other essentials. For price, see www.htc.com
Sony HDD Giga Juke
A stereo that doesn’t need CDs but has it all stored on board the hard disk drive? Must be Sony’s new HDD Giga Juke. The stylish stereo stores up to 40,000 tracks on its 80GB HDD system and 250GB deck with music ported from virtually any source, be it CD, vinyl, cassette, radio or MP3 player.
Auto-labelling ensures your music is tagged with artist, album and track, and the x-DJ function will compile playlists for you.
For price, see www.sonystyle-europe.com
