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Gadget and accessory round-up Words Ashley Norris
BlackBerry 8700g
It seems you can’t go anywhere without seeing someone gazing lovingly at their Blackberry. So successful is the device and its push email system (which sends the message to the device as soon as it is received by the internet service provider) that you could be forgiven for thinking that other phones don’t do email. The latest version of the Blackberry 8700g is a slightly revised version of previous gadgets. Three major improvements are that this model is more stylish than previous models, comes with a clearer screen and it has a faster processor. The only negative is that the easy-to-use Qwerty keyboard of previous devices has got smaller. Don’t worry too much though, even this chubby fingered user had no problems composing quick emails. On sale now (price dependent on network) from a number of mobile phone networks across Europe. www.blackberry.com
Kodak V570
If you think all digital cameras are the same you clearly haven’t taken a recent peek at Kodak’s range. The company was first on the scene with wireless models, which enable the user to email an image direct from the camera (with no need for a PC) via a wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspot – and now it has just launched another revolutionary model. The big selling point of the five mega pixel V570 camera is its innovative dual lens system, which allows users to choose between an ultra-wide angle lens (23mm) – great for snapping landscapes – and an optical zoom lens (39-117mm), handy for close-ups. The beauty of this camera is the way it seamlessly flits between the two lenses. The V570 also includes a host of other features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and 22 pre-programmed scene modes. On sale now throughout most of Europe for around €500. www.kodak.com
Motorola RAZRwire
Bluetooth headsets for mobile phones are a wonderful idea in theory, letting you make and receive hands-free phone calls. They do, however, have two down sides. Firstly they tend to feel uncomfortable if you wear them for too long. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, they can make you look a little odd. Motorola has devised a clever solution to both problems by developing a tiny Bluetooth module that stylishly snaps onto a pair of Oakley sunglasses. The mini receiver still looks a bit strange, but the glasses/receiver combo is far cooler – the shades look great – and much more comfortable than traditional headsets. The headset is simple to use, too, and within minutes we had teamed it up with our Bluetooth mobile and were making calls. They don’t come cheap though – expect to pay around €300 – but it can only be a matter of months before other companies will follow suit and devise their own clip-on Bluetooth headsets and at, perhaps, more competitive prices. www.motorola.com
Garmin nüvi 350
One of the hottest items to own at the moment is a GPS satellite navigation system. Apparently we can’t get enough of them and Europe’s roads are full of drivers with half an eye on their maps. One of the coolest new GPS systems, and one most likely to appeal to regular business travellers, is the Garmin nüvi. As a portable GPS navigator, the nüvi 350 works both in a car and on foot. Its prime feature, as a GPS system, is that it works both in a car and on foot.
Garmin has packed a great deal into the device. The software incorporates a travel guide that not only features details of places of interest but also incorporates information on bars and hotels. It even doubles up as a currency converter. The device also has a built-in MP3 player and can display digital images. Also onboard is a world clock and, to soothe you to sleep, an audio book player. Is there anything this device doesn’t do? On sale now for €1000. www.garmin.com
Plantroncis Pulsar 590a
Sick of getting tangled up in the wires of your music player headphones? Here’s a high-tech solution, the Plantronics Pulsar 590a. Not only are these headphones capable of excellent sound quality, but they are also wireless. The user simply clips the small Bluetooth adapter to their music player and switches on the headphones, able to listen to music from up to ten feet away. The headphones also work with Bluetooth mobile phones, and if a call comes through the music cuts off, so the user can talk on the phone. Unlike some of its rival wireless phones the Plantronics Pulsar 590a will work with any audio device, so it’s perfect for using with a CD player or personal media player, or for listening to music via your PC. At €200 these headphones aren’t cheap, but prices are sure to fall. www.plantronics.com
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