Check list
Anthony Teasdale on this month’s must haves
Biba chair
Much modernist furniture looks fantastic, but after about 20 minutes your back is screaming for a comfy DFS sofa. This is why the new Biba Chair – named after the legendary 1960s/’70s clothes store – is so appealing. Made in faux suede and sitting on a very shiny chrome base, it’ll bring style and comfort to your lounge. And your cat will like it too. £545, www.funkylifestyles.com 4/5
Right choice
Filson/ Apolis Activism briefcase
Look cool and salve your conscience with this beautiful ‘Philanthropist’ briefcase, the result of a collaboration between luggage makers Filson and Fairtrade company Apolis Activism – it’s mainly constructed from ethically sourced Ugandan canvas. But don’t let the philanthropy behind this bag make you think that it’s substandard: this is one of the finest, best designed briefcases out there – perfect for laptops, iPhones and your organic lunch box. £239.27, 4/5
Monster ‘Tour’ earphones
A collaboration with hip hop producer Dr Dre, these in-ear buds deliver devastatingly complete sound, especially when compared to most other smaller makes. Using the same technology that has made their closed-cup cans so successful, the earphones will be able to deal with pretty much anything that your MP3 player can throw at them. Of course they look dead cool too. £112.99, www.beatsbydre.com 5/5
Rosetta Stone language courses
Only 20 per cent of Brits speak a second language fluently, yet 65 per cent would like to be able to. If you’re among the struggling linguists, we suggest you try one of Rosetta Stone’s packages. The language software specialists educate speakers naturally. Their ‘total immersion’ technique gets you to start talking immediately, without translation or memorisation – mimicking the way you learnt your first language. With plenty of real-life images and situations, this is much better than a phrasebook. From £169, www.rosettastone.co.uk 5/5
FIVE FACTS ABOUT…
The Toshiba JournE Touch
- It’s a 7-inch ‘tablet’-style multimedia device that’s just 14mm thick and weighs 400g.
- With built-in HDMI, you can plug the JournE into your TV to watch HD movies. It can connect with your PC so you can transfer photos and music.
- Running Windows CE, the JournE Touch will also be able to access Toshiba’s new app store – but they may not be good.
- Basically, it’s like a slightly larger iPod Touch, but without the inbuilt memory. £250 (TBC) www.toshiba.co.uk
