For most astute gadget geeks, style and design can be as important as function. In fact many would argue that success of Apple’s range of products is decidedly due to their sleek design, if not their utility. Here’s our round-up of gadgets that satisfy both the design-conscious gadget seeker and digital media enthusiasts and a few, we believe, would continue their dominance in 2009 too.
With regard to hardware, the Apple iPhone device is a joy to use in so many ways and slender enough to fit into any pocket or bag. Add to it, the integration of AppStore makes it quick and easy to download and install applications, of which there are a few thousand now. The iPhone 3G starts at Rs 31,000 and wears the badge for being the most stylish gadget of 2008.
The latest Macbook Air, with a 13-inch display comes for Rs 87,900 (plus taxes), is another stunner from Apple. A second-generation product despite its unchanged appearance masks the fact that the Air uses Intel’s newest Penryn-architecture low-power mobile processors. So, what you get is a faster processor, better graphics, speedier memory, and a larger solid state drive.
Apple iPod will be challenged by elegant-looking media players like Cowon S9 Curve in 2009. Cowon S9 portable media player features a curved-back casing surrounding a 3.3-inch Active-Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) touch screen display which complements its sleek form design. Cowon Systems, a global leader in digital multimedia solutions has launched the player in the US and is available with 8GB or 16GB internal flash memory with prices starting at around Rs 10,000.
Apple iPod, starts at Rs 3200 for 2 GB model. What makes Cowon desirable is the fact that like iPod Touch, it too sports a G-sensor accelerometer for auto-pivot display and an extended battery life of 11 hours for video and 55 hours for audio. Above all, Cowon S9’s audio experience is a notch ahead of Apple iPod.
Even if you haven’t done it yourself, you would have witnessed other drivers doing it — answering a phone call while driving. It’s a bad habit, and one that you can easily rectify using a reliable in-car speakerphone such as the MotoRokr T505. It’s a speakerphone, not a Bluetooth headset, so it’s not intended for walking around or for individual listening.
It pairs with any Bluetooth mobile phone, allowing you to chat hands-free while manoeuvring around. You are not limited to use the T505 for just phone calls. If you have a phone (or MP3 player) that supports stereo Bluetooth then you can also stream music to the device or to your car’s stereo via the built-in FM transmitter. Once you pair the T505 with your phone, the device dependably reconnects the next time you get into the car. At Rs 4,000 (approx), it’s one smart gadget to own.
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Talking of exclusivity, Vertu’s Rococo collection can’t get any more exclusive. Inspired by the handcrafted techniques of the Rococo period and developed by French craftspeople, Vertu has used pioneering techniques with Rococo collection to embellish these handsets. Special attention on aspects like the leather back embroidered with coloured metallic threads to create a floral design hints at handset’s exclusivity.
More than that, the Vertu Constellation can be used just about anywhere in the world. Each Vertu Constellation handset also features the Vertu Concierge service that provides even the most demanding traveller personal advice and assistance around the clock, and around the world, at the touch of a button. Perhaps, a price tag of Rs 3.37 lakh does qualify it for the most exclusive handset of 2008.
The Eee Box looks all set to take the desktop market by storm. It is half the thickness and overall has a smaller footprint when used with the included stand, though it is admittedly longer and wider at 27mm x 220mm x 177mm. Also, it will not only be available in many different colours, but feature various patterns. It is not as powerful as Apple’s baby, with the latter featuring a much more powerful dual core processor, but then it’s only half the price of the cheapest Mini, and uses far less electricity.
The only downside — and this is a big one for some — is that it does not have an optical drive, so forget about playing CDs or DVDs. Basically, you get a fully functional PC at an attractive price of Rs 16,490 (comes preloaded with a Windows XP operating system).