Gadgets for the high-tec day trip
We check out the essential kit for a high-tech day trip
TomTom GO 510
£349
TomTom is the best for easily portable satellite navigation units. Its touch-screen interface is a joy to use, and for such a small unit, it projects voice directions with clarity and depth. This model has a glare-free, four-inch widescreen monitor and performs more functions than WD40. As well as getting you to your destination with ease (the bird’s-eye view is brilliant), it’s also Bluetooth compatible, so you can use it as a hands-free car- kit for a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. It comes ready armed with all current speed camera locations (newer ones can be downloaded from the website). An all-round good egg.
TomTom (0845 161 0009/www.tomtom.com).
Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital camera
£279.99
Just released, this six megapixel compact has an especially sensitive sensor so you can take pictures with shorter shutter speeds, which is better for fast-moving subjects, reduces camera shake and means there’s less need for flash. And if you can’t decide whether your subject needs a flash or not, there’s a neat ‘natural + flash’ mode, which takes two shots in quick succession, one with flash and one without – so you can decide later which one you prefer.
Fujifilm (0870 084 1310/www.fujifilm.co.uk)
Article continues
Intempo Digital PP01 DAB radio
£109.99
This latest DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio from Intempo gives you the joys of having extra channels and great sound quality as well as portability. It is very slim, with flat-panel speakers, and has a rechargeable battery which lasts up to 20 hours. And you can even decide what it looks like, because along with a range of covers that pop on and off, you can even personalise the covers with images of your own.Intempo (0161 828 5248/www.intempodigital.com)
Altec Lansing IM9
£139.99
This battery/mains-powered iPod-specific model rules the roost. Constructed from solid, weighty materials with a rubberised trim for extra shock protection, the IM9 delivers a level of bass and room-filling oomph that belies its size. It fits all current iPods via its cradle-cum-charger and it’s as easy as pie to use, with just a single on/off button and a volume rocker. Pop in four D-size batteries and it’ll go on playing for 20 hours – perfect for rocking the beach. It even comes with its own courier-style carry bag.
Euro-Tech (0870 458 0011/www.euro-tech.co.uk).
Nitro-e emergency phone charger
£9.99
Should your mobile phone run out of juice, plug in this anodised, single AA-battery back-up charger and your phone’s life is restored for another 30 minutes of talk time. It comes with five short mobile phone plugs so there’s every chance it’ll fit yours. Available in five colours.
www.wildday.com
Wharfedale WDP-1210 10-inch portable DVD player
£149.99
Put an end to cries of ‘Are we there yet?’ from troublesome kids or backseat drivers by occupying them with a DVD. This model has a huge 10-inch widescreen and comes with a car kit so you can set it up for back-seat use. It has a rechargeable battery and a mains lead that plugs in to both a regular wall socket and the car. Plus there’s a remote control (hint: keep this to yourself so you can turn the movie off if you get lonely in the front).
Argos (0870 600 1010/www.argos.co.uk).
Derek Adams and David Phelan
