Rishi Khiani, COO, Web18, might have difficulty deciding whether he likes the email function on his BlackBerry or the snooze button, but he is sure that his customised Nike shoes, which connect to his iPod, are worth showing off while exercising.
Have you ever bought a gadget that could not justify its price tag?
My first digital still camera set me back by a couple of lakhs. It was heavier than a brick and took a poor one-megapixel image.
What is the longest time you have spent mastering a single gadget?
One month on a custom-made GPS unit that had all the instructions in Japanese. I had to learn the language fast.
What’s your favourite function in a gadget?
That’s a tough one: it’s a toss up between the email function and the snooze button on my BlackBerry Bold.
What was the first gadget you owned?
A Franklin pocket language translator, which I bought when I was nine years old. I don’t need it any more, as I have learnt most of the languages on it.
What would be the perfect geeky gift to give your family?
The Nintendo Wii is a perfect gift and can really get everyone immersed in the game.
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Name an ultra-expensive gadget that you want to buy for yourself.
I am waiting for a large-screen OLED TV to be introduced in the market. The pictures and contrast on these TVs blow the pants off today’s plasmas and LCD televisions.
Do you have any customised gadgets?
I just ordered a customised pair of Nike id+ shoes. They sync up to my iPod and can track the distance of my daily run.
What gadget holds you in its awe?
Most of the Bang and Olufsen products. They are known for futuristic styling and product innovation.
What’s the most stylish gadget in your home, car or office?
A GPS-cum-TV unit that flips up from the dashboard of my Mazda RX8, resembling a James Bond gadget. It even comes with space for a vodka martini.
How often do you buy gadgets? What’s next on your shopping list?
I am impulse driven, mostly. But next on my planned purchase list is the 17-inch Macbook Pro.
If you could, what dream gadget would you build?
A human-embedded nanocomputer that would help me remember people’s names, details like birthdays, and, of course, have the ability to erase some people completely from my memory.