Misc

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.

Things have changed hugely since I last looked at a baby monitor. Wired has long gone and now wireless with its limited channels has now been replaced with DECT technology, this unit however goes much further.

Sometimes a product’s title can cause some initial confusion as happened with kit developed by Bluelounge

Backups, as has been stated many times, are important; not only for your peace of mind but also to ensure you have the appropriate tool to help you recover when disaster strikes.

An external USB2 CD/DVD drive is obviously extremely valuable for those who have a netbook or a notebook that lacks such a drive. Furthermore, it can often rejuvenate a somewhat tired machine or even one with a dead DVD drive. The Lite-On eSAU108 series are USB-powered and are thus easy to connect and use.

The value of data can decrease if it is not immediately available. A portable USB storage device will allow you to take your data with you on your travels.

When did you last perform a backup? You do backup your data, don’t you? Perhaps this next product might help.

The concept of a paperless office continues to be a myth as can be seen with this next product which combines traditional elements with modern day technology.

One for the fashion conscious - a smart way to carry your gadgets around with Urban Bagz

It's not easy being a consumer these days. There's so much choice and it's very difficult to detect a real bargain. Our job at GadgetSpeak is to review products and bring you our experience before you buy. But with the economy the way it is, it's also interesting to take a look at price comparison sites like Ciao, designed to help you compare value from retailers.