Stumbling upon new finds

GIZMOGEEK

In the habit of changing his collection of gadgets every couple of years, Rajan Mehra, country head, eBay India, is one of many who lust after the Apple iPhone. His wishlist goes on to include a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device, known as the Segway Personal Transporter, typically marketed as a replacement for larger forms of personal transportation, such as automobiles.

What is the next gadget on your must-buy list?

The iPhone. With the iPhone, Apple has pulled off another marketing coup. I think it's a cool gizmo and love the fingertip navigation, zooming and scrolling on offer. The display looks great and I look forward to its India launch.

If you were a gadget, what would you choose to be and why?

The iPhone. As everyone wants to have it, and for the cool technology clubbed with a fabulous visual interface.

Which one of your gadgets was a complete waste of money?

Today, it is my car radio. It is completely defunct now as I listen to my iPod while driving.

One wacky application that you had fun experimenting with.

Stumbleupon.com is a cool new website that allows other stumblers to stumble upon new websites, blogs etcetera based on individual interests. For example, if you are an F1 enthusiast, it allows you to discover new sites showcasing the latest buzz in the F1 world. It brings back the serendipity of the early '90s Internet.

If you could, whose computer would you hack?

Stephen A Schwarzman, CEO, founder of the Blackstone Group, the private equity firm. Powerful, super-rich and flamboyant, the executive is revered as one of the kings of Wall Street.

Which of your gadgets helps you to unwind?

My iPod. Music helps me unwind and also concentrate better. In an open plan office like ours, when I need to focus on something, I put on my headphones and listen to some great music, for instance soft rock like Billy Joel, Dire Straits, Sting among others, while working.

Your costliest contraption, to date would be...

My first computer, the ZX80 Sinclair personal computer, cost me a bomb.

Any gadget that you regret not buying when the time was right?

The Segway Human Transporter that has still to come to India.