Misc

Placing your valuable data on a small portable device can be risky unless the device comes with plenty of protection.

While I often complain about finger smears defacing modern appliances, an equally annoyance occurs when switching on a device to discover its battery has run down. Here is a possible solution for the latter but not the former.

WOWee – no I have not been partaking of certain substances nor have I accidentally impaled part of my anatomy on something sharp.

Two more offerings from the kings of USB Brando in Hong Kong. Both are used for cooling the first also carry a message or messages that show while spinning. The second a little more novel it comes in the shape of a cannon.

No matter how many USB ports you have, there could come a time when none are available for a new device especially when support for USB 3.0 is required.

It’s been a while since I have reviewed a watch with hands. In the last couple of years my life saving heart rate watch and the rather stylish – if strange – Nooka offering have taken my time, here a Casio Chronograph but it has hands.

Headsets tend to be a very personal choice with regards to style and functionality. I prefer the over-the-ear style for my listening pleasure.

Once again Birmingham has five days of mayhem with the Gadget Show taking centre stage, amongst the outrageous and unlikely are some more grounded items. In the storage arena these are shown by Verbatim on their stand.

Rather than add to cable clutter, why not make use of existing cables such as those used for electricity when setting up a network.

Here two items from different companies that apart from their individual uses also will work extremely well together. E6 is a headphone amplifier so is great when output is just too low, and, Bondi will hold lots of things like an iPhone in position for all sorts of uses.

First one designed for use with an iPad and by having Bluetooth it can also work with other systems even if it does not fit smoothly in. Second something the size of a ‘Palm’ type device with a small QWERTY keyboard and large trackpad.

Building up a network can be made easier by using existing facilities in the home in conjunction with Homeplug technology.

With the wrist watch seeming to go the way of the pocket watch nearly a century ago – most people now seem to check the time on their phone – a new offering needs something different about it to raise more than a glance.

STM has introduced a vertical laptop shoulder bag in which the computer is stowed vertically rather than the normal horizontal. This turns out to be a remarkably comfortable way to carry a machine together with its basic accessories, possibly an iPad, and some paperwork and so many people may consider it a viable alternative to the conventional ones.

This is a small 32 key keyboard that connects via USB to your PC. The software is what makes this small keyboard something that really stand out it is Sibelius First a slightly cut down version of the full product that costs several hundred pounds.

While out-and-about listening to your favourite music, your enjoyment can be reduced by outside noise elements. Noise cancelling headsets offer to reduce this problem.

Touch is the current hot topic when features are mentioned. Now Microsoft’s latest mouse joins the party.

The iGo Memphis is a solidly made over-ear stylish stereo headset with built-in microphone for those who don’t like in-ear headphones. With its nicely padded -- but not too large -- ear cushions and headband it will provide a convenient companion for smartphone users who want something better than the headset normally provided with their phone.

On a recent trip to Reading I was allowed entry to a research establishment working at ensuring unwanted hair is not a problem.

Needing to charge various devices when on the road can cause problems. The latest IDAPT product offers to help and includes an in-car option.

While regular readers will not be surprised that the latter does something else almost everything from Brando does, they might be more surprised that the former is far more than a standard mouse but you will need to have Windows 7.