Krishnaswamy Subrahmaniam, president and managing director, CSC India, likes doing his bit for the environment and that means saying no to batteries in his wall clock even though that requires him to wind the clock every week. He is on the look out for an energy-efficient mobile phone.
Which was your most extravagant gadget buy?
The Nokia mobile phone (N97) with a Bluetooth handsfree for my car cost me a fortune; it was more expensive than the mobile phone.
What is the geekiest thing you have ever done, with the help of your gadget?
I clicked a picture of a newborn in my friend’s family and sent it to the grandmother in rural India on MMS. Later, I heard how happy she was to see it.
What’s next on your shopping list?
I am looking for a sleek, feature-packed, ultra low power consuming mobile phone which can be charged just once a week.
How many hours a day do you spend on the Internet?
On an average, I spend around 30 minutes to two hours on the Internet. But I manage to keep some days in the week Internet free.
How often do you set-up and install a gadget by yourself?
I am a techno-freak. I personally install all gadgets and also help others when they are stuck up with troubleshooting issues. I usually read manuals that come with the gadget and this helps in saving time and energy.
Do you remember any embarrassing moments while exhibiting your gadgets?
Yes, I remember one incident in the early days of the cell phone. I was explaining to my aunt that now she could talk to her grandchildren from anywhere in the city. But when she tried calling somebody, the battery failed due to lack of charge. My aunt smiled and said, “Electronic goods are always like that.”
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What was your first gadget and do you still have it?
My first gadget was a pocket radio the size of a match box with earphones. It is no longer with me.
Is there any gadget that has you in awe?
I have come across several of them — be it miniaturised ones like the latest cell phones or cameras or even engineering marvels like cars, planes or robotic gadgets. I have always believed that admiring one does not mean you have to own them.
What would be a perfect geeky gift?
A Bluetooth adaptor that can enable any Bluetooth device, used with a large screen monitor/ TV to display pictures, video and audio. I have not found one yet.