Hi-tech travel

Apple TV (from £99)
This modest little box represents Apple’s latest foray into TV and it is expected that 2011 will be the year when the boundaries between conventional broadcasts and computing will be further obscured. Apple has taken a…

Apple TV (from £99)
This modest little box represents Apple’s latest foray into TV and it is expected that 2011 will be the year when the boundaries between conventional broadcasts and computing will be further obscured. Apple has taken a minimalistic approach to its design, which features HDMI and Ethernet ports, micro USB jack and optical audio hook-up for a distinctly unobtrusive device that is just 3.9sq inches. ATV is powered by the same technology as the iPhone 4 and iPad, allowing users to rent brand-new TV shows and HD movies, with the latter in certain cases being available on the same day release as DVDs. Another handy function is Airplay, which allows for the video content on iPhones, iPads and iPods to be accessed via TV at the touch of a button. The simple design extends to a small remote, which some may find the interface a tad clunky as it features just a four way rocker, menu and play/pause buttons. Apple has however launched an app for ATV which will allow users to utilise the keyboard functionality of other devices such as the iPhone.

 

 

 

 

BoomCases ($250)
Bay Area designer Dominic Francisco Odbert, or Mr. Simo as he is otherwise known, custom builds these portable sound systems into vintage suitcases. All cases feature built in chargers for easy portability, while the battery will last for seven hours on a single charge for those longer excursions. Virtually any device with a headphone jack can be connected to a BoomCase, which are capable of producing up to a thumping 200 watts. The beauty of these sleek hipster accessories definitely lies in their custom design, and Mr Simo will knock together pieces to suit all tastes, from with added option of a USB charger adapter for increased functionality. The relatively modest price tag for a custom piece of gear is also a distinct plus to this neat bit of kit, but note that design availability varies considerably.

 

 

 

Drobo S (Second Generation) (from £800)
The Drobo S, now in its second iteration (offering USB 3.0 support as opposed to USB 2.0), offers remarkable levels of security and reliability when it comes to storing data. For those looking to store huge amounts of data and who need to transfer lots of data quickly, the Drobo S is pretty much unmatched. USB 3.0 is where data transfer is headed, of course, and as such the product is future-proofed for years to come, and is much more affordable than similar systems designed for huge companies. The Drobo supports multiple storage volumes that will provide total capacities of up to 32TB and beyond and which can be easily removed or replaced. It also features a vast array of security measures to protect the data contained within, including ‘self-healing technology’ (essentially, the device will constantly monitor the data inside for troublesome areas, even when idle) and ‘redundant safety’ a process in which the Drobo will automatically transfer data from a failing hard drive to a backup drive with no prompting necessary. The only downside is that the base £800 model comes with no hard drives installed, meaning the cost will inevitably rise.

 

 

 

Logitech K750 (£80)
£80 might seem a tad pricey for a keyboard, but this is a keyboard that ensures battery issues are a thing of the past. Logitech’s K750 has integrated solar panels that are sensitive enough to pick up light indoors and a built in sensor – the Logitech ‘Solar App’ – that provides up-to-date readings of the keyboard’s power level. The keyboard is wireless (with extensive range) and, remarkably, can work for three months in complete darkness on a full charge. The board is slim and extremely lightweight, while the concave keys are designed to make typing as comfortable as possible. The K750’s long battery life and self-charging panels make it a great solution to wireless battery frustrations, eliminating the need for power bricks or charging cables.

 

 

Posted on December 10, 2010 Tagged Live, Gadgets

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