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GIZMOGEEK: Deven Chachra

In the age of the multiplex, Satyam Cineplex promoter and managing director Deven Chachra keeps very busy, and makes the most of his gizmo-gazing. While he waits impatiently for the iPhone to officially hit Indian markets, he's trying to figure how to use the Nintendo Wii. But no gadget can be too hard to crack with a gizmo guru for a wife!

What's the first thing you look for in a gadget?
The appearance, because even before you touch it, you want to see it. The finish, the appeal is what I always look for in a gadget first.

Who's your one-stop gizmo guru?
That would be my wife. She's totally clued into it all. She gives me tips and I follow her advice, as one always should!

What gadget have you been waiting to buy?
The iPhone. I'm quite excited about it. It's got a host of features and avenues to unwind. You can download and store a lot of stuff. I'm hoping that it comes to India soon so that one doesn't have to go to the grey market to buy it.

Is there a gadget you regret having spent a lot of money on?
My Vertu cell phone, though I was aware of the fact that I was spending too much on it even when I was buying it. For the phone and the features it's not worth it at all. The only good thing about it is the clarity of sound which stands out as compared to other cellphones. Apart from that, it has nothing else unique to offer.

Is there a gizmo that's always with you?
Me and my BlackBerry are inseparable. It's got all my information and contacts. These days that's important for anyone who is dependent on a cellphone. People don't remember phone numbers any more.

What gizmo is highly overrated?
The Sony PlayStation is just about all right. But people just go on about it. The graphics are okay, nothing impressive.

Is there a gadget you still haven't been able to figure out?
That's the Nintendo Wii. It needs a lot of setting up, on top of the television, et cetera. It's not an easy thing to figure out at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's smooth sailing.

How much do you read the gadget literature?
Not much at all. When I buy a gadget, I act like a smartie and figure things out by myself. As far as gadget books are concerned, I just read some gizmo magazines on flights.

Has a gizmo ever had you so frustrated you wanted to pull your hair out?
I was trying to figure out how to use the Nintendo Wii. It was a gift from Japan, and the instructions and the games were in Japanese and hence I struggled to operate the machine.