Gizmo Heaven

Cool gadgets you never knew you wanted. Until now! A selection from T3 magazine’s annual list

Last Updated: Sep 23, 2010, 06:22 IST14 min

1.Sony Alpha NEX-5

Sony’s 14-megapixel rival to the Micro Four Thirds clan puts the interchangeable lens of your choice — albeit only from a choice of three thus far — on a body barely bigger than a standard Sony compact. The APS-C sensor makes for stunning photos and 1080i video and the look is pure Sony modernism.

Why you need it: Magnesium-bodied, compact photographic genius for true gear-headsRs. 44,000*, www.sony.com

2. Bowers & Wilkins P5B&W has expertly shoehorned all its audio expertise into these stunning headphones. The 18k outlay affords rich, natural sound with added noise insulation and a great look as well.

Why you need it: On top of everything else, they’re the comfiest headphones aroundRs. 18,300*, www.bowers-wilkins.com

3.Philips Table Grill HD4419

A high temperature grill plate that heats quickly to get cooked meat on your plate in minutes, complete with BBQ marks. Its removable splatter guard makes cleaning easy. The best part, no coal required.Why you need it: BBQ in minutes!

Rs. 5,495, www.india.philips.com

4.LaCie Network Space MAXA monolithic 2TB or 4TB slab of data, this will regularly back up and mirror the data stored on all your computers, then let you access it from any computer on your network.

Why you need it: LaCie’s remote access service also gifts data access away from homeFrom Rs. 17,000* onwards, www.lacie.com

5.Miha Bodytec

Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), low frequency current stimulation in simpler words, Miha Bodytec triggers the muscles to yield the required result — a toned you — minus the strenuous workout! Just wear the included vest and customise the settings as you need.

Why you need it: It’s the only way to lose flab without working out TBC,

www.geospafitness.com

6.Nike Free 5.0The Frees tone leg muscles and improve posture, like running barefoot.

Why you need it: Helps you run as nature intended, and for longerFrom Rs. 6,000*, www.nike.com

7.Griffin A-Frame for iPadThe Griffin A-Frame is a lovely piece of aluminium that holds your Apple iPad in portrait or landscape — perfect for watching movies. You can also fold its legs to get the perfect angle for table-top surfing or gaming.

Why you need it: The iPad can’t stand upright on its own without some helpRs. 4,499, www.stuffcool.com

8.Pioneer XW-NAS5 dock

Built with the iPod Touch in mind, Pioneer’s soundbar lifts Apple’s player into the realms of proper audiophilia. The two 15W front speakers provide rich sound, while a downfiring 30W subwoofer gifts gravitas. Composite and component video outputs only add to the package.Why you need it: Svelte looks sweet audio

Rs 33,000*, www.pioneer.co.uk

9.Olympus PEN E-LP1If you’re on the lookout for a shooter that will give you SLR-grade results minus the hole in your pocket or the strain around your neck, this Micro Four Thirds PEN camera from Olly is a great bet. Whip it out in low light and you’ll still eke out quality prints off it. An increasing number of lenses makes it future-proof as well.Why you need it: It’s compact, but packs the same bite as seen in big bulky professional camerasRs. 29,900, www.olympus-imaging.co.in

10.Dunhill Sentryman ExplorerThe arctic-bound wordsmith’s essential quill, the Sentryman is designed to flow even when temperatures drop below freezing. It also has a luminous tip, a flint inside for lighting fires and can be easily switched between fountain pen nib and ballpoint. Why you need it: It’s a limited edition of 150Rs. 2,56,000*, www.Dunhill.com

11.Natuzzi Sound Chair

Before you discard it as yet another fancy, egg-shaped armchair for your lounge, hear this. This fine-looking primo bachelor pad décor hides a 3.5mm audio jack that connects to your iPod or any MP3 player and plays tunes through the pair of hidden speakers inside the headrest. So you can lie back and let the soft ergonomic pillow sing you a lullaby.

Why you need it: It’s sure to get tongues wagging in the neighbourhood Rs. 1,40,000 onwards, www.natuzzi.com

12.LOOK3D glassesThe reinvention of 3D is upon us. The problem is those damned spectacles — they’re designed as a one-size-fits-all, sterilised necessity. In retort, LOOK3D’s huge selection of shades are compatible with RealD, as used in most cinemas, and bring the third dimension to your eyes in a fashionable and personal way.

Why you need it: To embrace 3D in style TBC, www.look3d.com

13.BBC LifeBy the makers of the very successful Planet Earth series, Life is an assortment of the most gorgeous HD footage you’ll ever see of life on our planet. 1080p videos of giant octopi, komodo dragons and leopard seals etc. are bound to make you go “ooooh!”

Why you need it: Utterly spectacular footage that you may otherwise never see in real lifeRs. 2,700, www.bbc.co.uk

14.Ogon RFID wallet

Need to keep your cards secure? The protective aluminium of this wallet is a cut above the flimsy leather of yore, providing a more durable housing for up to 10 cards. RFID-proofing means your card details are safe from scanners and demagnetisation, something that will become more of an issue as instant card payment systems become commonplace and criminals try to exploit the technology.

Why you need it: Keeps you free from snapped cards and thieving b******s alikeRs. 2,200*, www.firebox.com

15..Transcend 64GB Class 10 SDXC CardWith many digicams being able to capture HD video, you need high capacity and speedy media to store it on. This is just what the doctor ordered.

Why you need it: 25 MB/s transfer speeds and 640 minutes of full HD videoRs. 15,000, www.transcend.co.in

16. HP ePrint

Imagine being able to print on a printer from a different corner of the globe, straight from your smartphone or laptop, and without worrying about silly things like printer drivers. The new range of Web-enabled printers and all-in-ones from HP allow you to do just that — all you need to do is send an e-mail to the printer’s unique mail ID!

Why you need it: For the sheer simplicity and convenience it offersTBC, www.hp.com

17.Sennheiser Adidas PMX 680The most comfortable and best-sounding sports headphones available, the 680s boast consistent clarity across a range of volumes and rich bass. They’re also practically unshakable from your ears, resistant to water and sweat, while the cable is Kevlar reinforced.Why you need it: Motivation, b***h!Rs. 3,990, www.sennheiserindia.com

18.Amazon Kindle

Available in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G variants, the new versions of Amazon’s Kindle include a 50 percent higher contrast e-ink screen, double the storage and overall faster operation. But what really makes the Kindle the number one e-book reader is its 650,000 and growing library.

Why you need it: Because physical books are so previous-centuryTBC, www.amazon.com

19.HTC Desire Either the first or second best phone available, depending on how much you dig Apple. HTC’s monster is super-slick, has a larger screen and Flash support.

Why you need it: The best way to experience Android Rs. 28,900, www.htc.com/in

20.Garmin Forerunner 310XT

GPS-enabled training watch measures heart-rate and calories and teams you with a virtual training partner: Just key in your target time, then chase down your pace setter on screen. The 310XT collects reams of data for your online training programme and is waterproof to 50m.

Why you need it: GPS data offers a post-run Google Map of your progress Rs. 23,200*, www.garmin.coM

21.Magimix 11650 SlicerAn all-purpose cutter for all your precision food-slicing needs. The 19cm stainless steel blade is powered by a 125W motor, scything indiscriminately through whatever cooked or cured meats you proffer its way. Cut width can be accurately set from 15mm down to 1mm thin or, as it’s technically known, wafer thin.Why you need it: It’s the ultimate carnivore’s luxury. That and for Christmas, obviously…Rs. 7,300*, www.magimix.com

22.Toshiba Libretto W100

Toshy’s new dual-screen wonder doesn’t sport a keyboard or trackpad. Instead, it offers two 7-inch touchscreens with customised on-screen keyboards. Running Windows 7 with 2GB of RAM and loaded with a 64GB SSD, it’s a lot more than just an e-book! Why you need it: It’s a netbook and an e-book reader at the same timeRs. 79,990, www.toshiba-india.com

23.Sony KLV-40NX500Colours on this telly are extremely lifelike and punchy. The blacks are inky too, rivalling the best plasmas out there. But best of all is the sweet price that the NX500 is available at. When you consider its pretty looks, the package is rather hard to resist.

Why you need it: It’s easy on the pocket and pleasant on the eyesRs. 68,900, www.sony.co.in

24.Cannondale ONThe nine-speed ON bike pioneers a one-sided chain case which is fully enclosed and part of the structure. It also keeps the brake and gear cables neatly inside the hydroformed alloy frame. The hub gears, disk brakes and one-sided fork also mark it out as a road-ruling bicycle.

Why you need it: No more torn or oil-stained trousers and a lot less maintenanceRs. 2,00,000*, www.cannondale.com

25.Flipboard iPad AppThis app lets you build a magazine by grabbing content from your social networking feeds. The simple UI hides powerful features. Tagged as the world’s first social magazine, it brings to life the content shared across Twitter and Facebook.

Why you need it: If you don’t have an iPad yet, this will make you get one right awayFree, www.flipboard.com

26.Dyson AM02 Tower Fan

Air sucked in is amplified by a factor of 15 before being pumped out as a smooth breeze without the need for spinning blades that, so Dyson insists, cause “buffeting”. The unique design keeps you looking cool both figuratively and actually.

Why you need it: An infinitely fashionable and efficient fan Rs. 22,000*, www.dyson.co.uk

27.Panasonic TH-103PF12

Who needs a projector when you can have a 103-inch plasma at your disposal? Sure, it’s expensive, but look at what you’re getting: A 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a service life of 100,000 hours. Packing in Panny’s acclaimed Neo PDP tech, this panel is slimmer, brighter and much more vivid than its predecessor Why you need it: Sometimes even the best home cinema projectors aren’t good enough...Rs. 30,00,000, www.panasonic.co.in

28.Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10With 12x optical zoom on offer, this compact comes with built-in GPS — letting you tag pictures with your location. The 25mm wide-angle Leica lens, and 720p video capture in AVCHD lite are the cherries on top.

Why you need it: For the crazy features packed inside a relatively compact body Rs 24,990, www.panasonic.co.in

29.Le Creuset Screwpull WT-110 waiter’s friend

The Swiss army knife of booze, this device was designed for the waistcoated Frenchmen and Australians who de-cork our wine with the greatest panache. Featuring a defoiler and beer bottle opener as well as a corkscrew, in one pocket-sized stainless steel package, it’s easily better than even the most elaborate tabletop corkscrew.

Why you need it: Elegant decanting for cheap Rs. 800*, www.lecreuset.co.uk

30.Paul Smith Steering watchThere’s a vintage racing car steering wheel embossed on the back of this peerless stainless steel quartz analogue watch. The watch face is covered in dual sphere sapphire glass for scratch resistance, too. Why you need it: Tells the time oozes class Rs 1,15,000*, www.paulsmith.co.uk

31.Vestalife MantisDocking with iPhone and iPods — a line in is included for other sources — this spherical speaker provides decent sound quality and beautiful looks, with its globe shape opening up to accept your iThing.Why you need it: Serves as an ornament when not in use can run on AA batteriesRs. 13,500, www.accessinfoworld.com

32.Victorinox Alox cigar cutter

The perfect accessory to a Montecristo, this smart, three-inch Swiss army knife trims your stogie with a super-sharp trifecta of cigar-slicing blades. The stainless steel multitasker also boasts a nail file, scissors and blade.

Why you need it: It’s the cigar smoker’s iPhone Rs. 4,700*, www.Victorinox.com

33.Albartross Black Jack BiancoThese stylish, Italian leather, handmade golf shoes are the most fashionable fairway footwear going. Waterproof outer and breathable inner mean ultimate comfort.

Why you need it: Other shoes in the range rejoice in the names Honest John and Riskio TuttoRs. 25,100*, www.albartross.com

34.David Linley Watch Mansion

Quite possibly the best-named product ever — and it would also make quite a good shop or TV show name — this ebony, walnut and rosewood case houses six watch winders up front. The interior has three removable trays with watch rolls and watch tool storage. It also has a hidden drawer, presumably for watches.

Why you need it: You like watches, right?Rs. 5,10,000*, www.davidlinley.com

35.Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 11 subwooferInside this enormous bulb-shaped subwoofer sits two opposing, monster 6.5-inch drivers and a 200W ICEpower amp, all ready to add rich, thumping bottom end to your music and films.

Why you need it: Sounds good looks even better Rs. 1,35,000, www.bang-olufsen.com

36.Powermat Portable Mat

This charging mat serves as a power source for all your gadgets, thanks to a wide range of “receivers” for different gadgets, as well as dedicated docks for your iPhone, BlackBerry and Nintendo DS. This portable version charges up to three devices at once before folding away.

Why you need it: It’s useful, high-tech and a classic tech geek’s talking point Rs. 5,750*, www.powermat.com

37.Asus NX90Encased in aluminium, this monster laptop boasts of an 18.4-inch LED backlit screen flanked by speakers specially tuned by B&O. It also has top-notch specs — Intel Core i7 chip, nVidia GT335M graphics, 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. If that doesn’t make you drool, we don’t know what will....

Why you need it: It’s extremely flaunt-worthy! Rs. 1,31,999, in.asus.com

38.James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DBSBond’s most iconic run-around, driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball, is going under the hammer this year. It comes complete with the bulletproof shield, revolving number plates and various pop-out weapons — all non-functional, alas — that earned it a place in movie history. One careful owner? Not exactly.

Why you need it: The ultimate big boy’s toy Estimate £3.5 million, www.rmauctions.com

39.Samsung LED 9000Not only is Sammy’s flagship 55-inch telly 3D ready, it’s amazingly thinner than a pencil. Part metal and part glass, it packs in a 240Hz refresh rate, LED backlighting and the works.

Why you need it: 55 inches of the best in the business, baby! Rs. 4,40,000, www.samsung.com/in

40.SkyWatcher Explorer 200P EQ5 Telescope

This award-winning telescope with 40x, 80x, 100x and 200x magnifications will ensure you find out earlier than most whether aliens are on the prowl.

Why you need it: A (reasonably) portable window on the heavens Rs. 27,500*, www.skywatchertelescope.net 41.Flip Sync iPhone cablePlastic key fob flips open to reveal an iPod/iPhone connector — a life-saver for a battery-draining power user like you.Why you need it: Trust us, it’s one of the handiest things you’ll ever own Rs. 1,350*, www.firebox.com

42.BlackBerry Torch 9800When the iPhone 4 and Androids are grabbing all the headlines, how can BlackBerry be far behind? With a bold new design that marries a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a slide-out QWERTY, a whole new OS, 5-meg camera, the same kickass e-mail features, and always on connectivity to social networks, the Torch is RIM’s answer.

Why you need it: It’s a BlackBerry, period TBC, www.blackberry.com

43.Native Union Moshi Moshi 04

Moshi Moshi devices 01 to 03 are what can only be described as Bluetooth handsets for your, er, handset. They mean you can use the functions on the screen of your smartphone while taking actual calls on a more traditional-shaped phone. This one, the 04, is an iPhone dock and speaker phone. It can be used anywhere in the house, and also works for Skype and as a music streaming speaker.

Why you need it: Ever tried resting your mobile between your ear and shoulder when cooking?Rs 10,200, www.nativeunion.com

44.Honda VFR1200F BikeIf we were to describe this in one word, it would be “drool”. The ultimate machine available on two wheels, this is Honda’s new baby and it’s available here, officially. The 1233cc VFR1200F is powered by a fuel-injected, liquid cooled V4 engine and has many firsts to its credit. And the way it looks, sigh!

Why you need it: The man, the machine, the babe… you get the drift Rs. 17,50,000 (ex-showroom), www.honda2wheelersindia.com

45.Vivitek H9080FD

Before you gawk at the price, get a load of this — this Vivitek projector is one of the very, very few in the market that’s 1080p ready with LED projection. In the sense, an LED light source is used in place of a metal-halide one. End result is a lamp life of 30,000 hours. Glorious visuals only add to the fun.

Why you need it: For bringing the silver screen into your home Rs. 10,00,000, www.vivitek.in

46.Polar Wearlink+ heart rate transmitterNike has teamed up with Polar to launch the Wearlink+, a heart rate monitor compatible with existing Nike+ products. Upload data from the system to nikeplus.com and you can track how long it took you to achieve your target heart rate zone during exercise, see a visual representation of your BPM progress and check that you didn’t actually die and are now a Zombieland bona fide resident.

Why you need it: Takes the efficiency of your workout to a new levelTBC, www.nike.com

47.Dell Streak

Call it a large smartphone or a mini tablet, the Android-powered Streak is a delight in more ways than one. Great looks, loaded features, and the 5-meg snapper that delivers great photos, it’s a top gadget. It runs 1.6 currently, though an update to Android 2.2 is promised.

Why you need it: A viable alternative to both the iPhone and the iPad, a double whammy, isn’t it?TBC, www.dell.com

*Prices are indicative TBC, to be confirmed NA, not available

(by Rob Temple, Adam Bunker, Chris Smith, Deepak Dhingra, Nikhil Hemrajani & Madhulika Dash)

First Published: Sep 23, 2010, 06:22

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Gizmo Heaven

Cool gadgets you never knew you wanted. Until now! A selection from T3 magazine’s annual list

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