Misc

Here I am looking at two more unusual items, first a 7 port USB hub with all ports switchable. Second an LCD water powered clock in what looks exactly like a soft drinks can, the surprise for regular readers is only one is from Brando.

Not everybody can get on with the ear-bud style of headset. If you fall into this category then a Sennheiser headset is a viable option.

Here I am looking at two of Brandos more whacky gadgets. First what looks like a Hamburger but it is a hand warmer and massager. Second what looks like a largish mouse (not the rodent) but is a card reader with a memo taker.

As house guests go I would not normally consider allowing a gorilla to share my abode but in the case of this minigorilla I might well make an exception.

First two are a wooden (yes wood) mouse and a wooden keyboard that both feel wonderful to the touch, they really look the business when on a desk. Third a USB Card Reader that is wonderfully compact and easy to fit in a pocket this also has another purpose.

One name that immediately springs to my mind when I think of SatNav products is that of TomTom. With over 3,300 employees spread over four business units (TomTom, Tele Alias, AUTO and WORK), the company is a world leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps.

Voice Recorders have been around for a long time, mainly as an office tool for the executive wanting to dictate notes or letters when away from the office. Of course many other devices such as MP3 players can do this now.

Have you noticed how inanimate objects have a habit of developing the ability to conceal themselves in a variety of locations? You may also have come to the conclusion that the effectiveness of this ability increases with the relative importance of the object at the given moment you need it.

Two USB devices that can help keep you warm during chilly weather, neither is an item of clothing. First a cup warmer and second a lunch box warmer, both from those clever people in Hong Kong who do all things USB. Finally a device that works out how much power your PC can save without shutting it down.

Tripods are normally considered something to attach your camera to that allows you to get a steady shot either with a very slow shutter speed or when you are using a large optical zoom. Here two rather different takes on a tripod.

Even though the majority of us are not, as yet, using Windows 7, the situation must surely change before too long. After all, it is now being installed on new machines. Furthermore, there are many Vista users who will want to migrate. This book could well ease them through the migration process.

Two rather different items that would make ideal Christmas presents the first for a young child Junior Classic Games for the Nintendo DS. The second a novel shopping bag holder with an undoubted plus for an older person.

At a loss for what to get the kids for Christmas? Bewildered by the array of boxes on the shelves of the local toy shop? Help is at hand!

Snuggies are an ideal solution to some of the colder aspects of the British winter.

Do you ever make paper notes when out and about and then have to copy them into a PC. If so then this package might save you time and potential mistakes in transcribing.

Like fish & chips, bread & butter or UK Bank Holidays and their associated rain and traffic jams, the keyboard and mouse go together hand-in-hand.

Speech recognition on mobiles hasn't moved beyond answering the odd call - Vlingo aim to improve matters!

Sometimes having to wait a while to see something is a good thing. If it is still around a year after you requested it then it probably does the job it is meant to, sometimes however the world has moved on. Here I am looking at a very small projector either hand held or mounted on a tripod.

Two unusual items from those clever Hong Kong people. Neither of which will break the bank. First a combination lock to fit on a USB stick to keep your data safe. Second what looks like an old cassette tape but of course it isn’t.

Wireless mice have many advantages but can cause frustrating when their battery dies in the middle of carrying out an important task. Perhaps a rechargeable mouse might be the solution.

Although my laptop has the standard touchpad for controlling the cursor, it is a device that I have never felt comfortable with despite several attempts to adjust. As a result I always attach a mouse such as the one which is the subject of this next review.

Two items that fit rather well together the first something to allow you to save as much power as possible in your computer. The second something we will all need if power is not saved so here some batteries that last and last.

A Wireless Mobile Mouse

No matter how much hard disk storage space we start with, there will come a time when more is required either for local use or as a means of transporting data.

According to Sod’s Law, the battery on your mobile device will run out when you need it the most. But, like a boy scout, you can be prepared.

Two very different approaches to music through a speaker. First the rather grand Yamaha offering that enables your iPod to be located away from the speaker. Second a small (fits in pocket) speaker to give a good sound for iPod or MP3.

No matter how careful you are, modern devices often show evidence of any handling by the user. Instead of wearing gloves you might consider this solution.

First a tiny speaker shaped to look like a Pandas head, and second, a four port card reader that is stated to support no less than eighty one (yes 81) card types. Remember whatever the size of your order you only pay $3 (US) p&p.

Recharging an array of gadgets while on your travels has always been a problem - Duracell have a solution thanks to USB

My lack of horticultural skills is such that my only chance of success is with virtual gardens such as those found in a new title from Playrix Entertainment.