Geneva Model XS
My father travelled a lot for work. And as a child, I always lingered around his room as he packed, usually rattling off a list of things I wanted him to bring me on his return. I remember the Philips transistor radio that he always took on his travels. It went everywhere with him for all his music and news. It might have even had an alarm, but I can't be sure.
If he was still travelling, he would have surely fancied the Geneva Model XS - an ultra-compact portable hi-fi audio system that also has an FM tuner. Clearly inspired by the classic travel clock, it sits in a sturdy leather-like clamshell case that flips open to deliver rich and detailed sound.
It can connect to your iThing via Bluetooth or through an aux cable. The XS runs on a lithium battery and comes with an AC adapter. Easy to use, the digital FM radio tuner has an auto search function and conveniently, there's a clock with alarm. The speaker has a built-in digital amplifier and 1" tweeters and one 2¼" woofer.
The sound reproduced is crisp and clear and is way above the rest of the speakers in this category including the Jawbone Jambox. It's expensive, no doubt, but good luck getting something that looks this classy and sounds as good at the same price.
Dh890 at Dubai Audio Centre
Xperia Pro
It's hard to keep track of the number of Xperia phone launches now, and Sony Ericsson keeps them coming. The new Xperia Pro Android smartphone is clearly aimed at the business segment. It lets you view and share MS Excel, Word and other attachments easily.
With its glossy body kit and slide-out keyboard, the Pro is a seriously good-looking phone. The touch and type functionality is clearly its biggest draw. The hardest part about using the phone actually involved prying it open to insert the SIM card. An external memory card also requires you to open the battery lid. But, the lack of hot swap spot for a micro SD card is somewhat negated by the fact the Pro comes with built-in capacity of 8GB.
The phone has a dependable 8.1MP camera with a CMOS sensor, an HDMI link lets you watch photos and videos on your TV. The phone's heart is a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor and it runs Android's Gingerbread OS. Sony's UI is among the better ones we've seen on Android. The phone has facebook, so your phone's photo gallery has all the pictures that your fb friends upload, ditto for music and video. The Pro is a capable handset and a stylish alternative to the BlackBerry.
Dh1,499 at leading stores
Logitech Touch Mouse m600
Threatened by the growing popularity of touchscreen devices, the humble mouse has reinvented itself. So now here's a mouse with a touch surface that lets you navigate intuitively with your fingers? Meet the Logitech Touch Mouse M600. It lets you scroll and swipe from wherever your fingertips rest on the mouse. Also included is a tiny receiver that can connect up to six compatible mice and keyboards through one USB port. The M600 will be available in the UAE in April.
From Dh299 at leading stores
The short list
Tall order
Revo has just launched the K2, a towering audio hi-fi system that pulls in the audio from local FM and over 15,000 free internet radio stations and podcasts from around the world. It can also dock your iThings.
Dh1,699 at Eros Electronics
A case with a keyboard
If the lack of a keyboard has kept you from buying an iPad, you need to know about Belkin's new iPad folio that has a 1.2mm Bluetooth-enabled keyboard built into it.
Dh459 at leading stores
Now chat in HD
Sp Gigaset SL910 is a stylish full touch operation, with high resolution touch display, and a high-volume loudspeaker for excellent acoustics. The winner of a Red Dot Design Award in 2011, the phone is a stylish addition to your living room.
Price TBA, available from April
The force wil get you
Xbox 360 and LucasArts will launch Kinect Star Wars and the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle. Featuring new dynamic modes, this is a total Star Wars experience for fans.
Dh199 and Dh1,849
App and away
uBrush
If you can wield a paint brush in the real word, then you can do wonders with the drawing tools on uBrush.
$1.99, App Store
pdf Pen
Lets you edit pdf files on your iPad. A handy business tool, it even lets you store documents on iCloud.
$9.99, App Store
Photogene
There are tons of photo editing apps out there, but if you have to pay for any, get this one. Brilliant.
$2.99, App Store
Local Scope
Helps you find the nearest petrol pump, ATM, cafe etc. Can be erratic sometimes, but fun nevertheless.
Free, App Store
Foodspotting
Great app for foodies. Feeling peckish? Look for stuff around you, all recommended by users.
Free, App Store/Android
Smartr Contacts
Basically, organises and puts a face to everyone you've ever been in contact with. Scary, but useful stuff.
Free, App Store/Android
