Tech check
Rounds up the latest gadgets for home and away
TrekStor 1.8 DataStation microdisk
It’s barely bigger than a supermarket loyalty card but it’s worth much, much more. This microdisk measures just 9 x 5.7 x 0.64cm, and can hold up to 120GB of storage capacity. Backing up needn’t fill your packing up. £100, www.trekstor.de
T-Mobile G1
It’s finally here: Google’s attempt to knock the iPhone off its rather smug perch. The G1 is the first phone to run the web giant’s Android operating system – and with a pull-out Qwerty keyboard and super-responsive touch-screen, it scores big marks for usability. The Chrome web browser is a dream, the built-in GPS works well with Google Maps and there’ll be plenty more downloadable applications to come in the future. On the downside, the 3.2MP camera is uninspiring, the music player isn’t worth bothering with and as for its looks, boring is all that can be said. Free with contract, www.t-mobile.co.uk
The Flip Mino Comcorder
It plugs into your computer through the USB slot
It’s tiny, about the same size as an iPod Nano
It’s ideal for uploading videos toYouTube/Facebook and the like
It’s not HD, but in this case that’s not important
Its 2GB storage is the equivalent to one hour of good quality footage £120,
www.theflip.com
Loewe Individual 40 Compose TV
At the upper end of the TV market, Loewe inhabits the rarefi ed audio-visual atmosphere populated by the likes of Bang & Olufsen and Linn. The superb Individual 40” Compose is the TV equivalent of getting a Savile Row suit made.
Armed with HD+ and a hard disk recorder as standard, you get to choose how you want the sound configured, the colour of the set, what side panels suit best and even whether you want it mounted on a pole or stand. You could probably wear it to dinner at the Ritz. Price varies according to retailer, www.loewe-uk.com
Tivoli Audio NetWorks
Tivoli are best know for their iconic ‘iPal’ MP3 speakers, but here they bring their minimalist sensibility to the medium of digital radio. The Tivoli Audio NetWorks can tune into any radio station in the world and stream audio directly from your computer wirelessly, meaning you won’t have to shell out on any separates if you’re short of space. It’s not cheap, but like all Tivoli’s products, looks and sound quality are at the forefront of their priorities. Tivoli Audio NetWorks, £495, www.veda.co.uk
