Gadgets
Words: Camilla Chafer, Maisie Lynch Stay ahead of the game with the latest tech devices to hit the market 1 Touchscreen PC The HP TouchSmart IQ504 comes with a 22-inch highdefinition scratch-resistant touchscreen that’s thinner in size than its predecessor. You can access panels, play music files and view pictures using your fingertips, while a built-in microphone, speakers and webcam [...]
Words: Camilla Chafer, Maisie Lynch
Stay ahead of the game with the latest tech devices to hit the market
1 Touchscreen PC
The HP TouchSmart IQ504 comes with a 22-inch highdefinition scratch-resistant
touchscreen that’s thinner in size than its predecessor. You can access panels, play
music files and view pictures using your fingertips, while a built-in microphone, speakers
and webcam will keep you in touch via instant messenger
or video chat, plus a DVD burner is ideal for making copies of home movies. A
light means the wireless keyboard can be used in the dark. You can also zoom in
and out by “pinching” the screen with two fingers.
£1,099; www.hp.com
2 Charger/adaptor
Wherever you are going and whatever gadget you are
carrying you should be covered with the Santok World Travel Charger
Adaptor. Suitable for use in most countries (including Europe, North America,
Australia, New Zealand, Africa, parts of South America, China, Singapore,
parts of the Far East and Pacific islands), the adaptor also has a handy USB
charger so you don’t need to have access to a computer to charge up personal
gadgets such as digital cameras or MP3 players.
£14.99; www.santok.com
3 Digital video camera
Touted as the world’s smallest and simplest
camcorder, the AA batterypowered Flip Digital Video Camera measures just
10.4cm x 5.4cm x 2.9cm and weighs 97g (minus batteries). The screen may be small at
1.5 inches but it does have a 2GB memory for up to 60 minutes of filming with a
fast three-second power-up time. Simple on, start and stop buttons make it easy to
operate. The USB arm plugs directly into your PC to download movies without
the bother of wires. Available in pink, black or silver.
£99.95; www.firebox.com
4 DAB radio
If you loathe fiddly buttons, the compact Dualit DAB Lite
radio is dominated by large dials on the front for ease of use. Preset buttons can store
up to 10 DAB and 10 FM stations while a blue display provides you with station and
track information. An alarm clock, snooze and kitchen timer make it adaptable to
different rooms, while an internal battery charger for up to nine hours’ life and an
energy-efficient switch mode adaptor give it eco credentials. It’s suitable for indoor and
outdoor use and comes in chrome, black or cream.
£85; www.dualit.com
5 Home security alarm
The AlertMe alarm kit allows you to monitor your home via your mobile phone or
broadband. The wireless system is easily installed by placing sensors around your
home that alert you via text or email if someone is trying to break in. It also lets you
know if the smoke alarm goes off and even if the central heating has come on. You
operate the alarm using a keyfob, which also allows you to check who comes and goes
from your home and when. £399 (software updates and customer support
£11.75 per month); www.alertme.com
