Top 5 Gadgets of 2011
Science editors Mark Atwill and Shaun Butcher announce their top five gadgets of 2011
5) Nintendo 3DS
The latest foray into the games market from the all-conquering innovators at Nintendo brings the first ever 3D handheld games console to the table. While at first glance it appears much the same as its 2D brothers, its big draw is the full stereoscopic 3D screen – that’s 3D without the glasses. It’s also the first time since the N64 where a Nintendo console has outclassed its competition in tech specs. This is a device that’s going to grab everyone who picks it up, but at the same time has plenty to offer the gaming hardcore as well and that’s just as big a step forward as the specless 3D visuals. With the price recently shashed to £120, it’s well worth writing to Santa for.
4) Blackberry Playbook
Since the launch of the iPad, every reputable electronics company has been beavering away to get their own version of this innovative technology on the market. While there are literally hundreds to choose from, the Blackberry Playbook stands out with a really excellently clear and responsive screen, is light and neat and performs very well with multiple windows and tasks. The target market may be is the briefcase and pinstripe brigade, the product is nothing but perfect for note-taking in lectures, watching movies on the train and sending emails and messages on the bus. Priced at between £200-250, it’s not going to break the bank, and being so light and compact, it won’t break Rudolph’s back either should you want one in your stocking.
3) Samsung Galaxy S2
Samsung, Apple and HTC have been battling it out all year for the crown of ‘the best phone of 2011’. Almost everyone seems to like iPhones, but I won’t be spending £600 on a phone any time soon.
So what’s the alternative? Just about topping the HTC Sensation, reviewers have gone mad for the dual core powerhouse that is the Samsung Galaxy S2, touted as the ultimate media mobile, with a superb camera and web browsing technology. Indeed it would seem this guy has not only set a new benchmark for smartphones in 2011; it’s smashed the bench, marked it with its own heady scent and placed it atop a big greasy pole at which competitors flounder for a foothold. At around £400, it’s a still pricey for a sim-free, but contracts start from as little as £20 a month, so it’s still an option for the savvy student. Then again, maybe you’ve just been very good this year, and I’m underestimating Santa’s magnanimity.
2) Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle has truly revolutionised the way we read books. Instant gratification can be achieved because downloading ebooks doesn’t take long and if you ever come across a word you don’t know the meaning of, you can use the device to find the definition. You can read books, magazines and newspapers anywhere with this very light and portable device. The popularity of ebooks is growing and publishers are beginning to realise the grass-root demand due to paper-lovers ditching their environmentally unfriendly craving for mental sustenance so more ebooks will soon be made available. You can pick these ereaders up fairly cheaply because the price is heavily subsidised due to Amazon being the biggest ebook provider – if you have one, you’ll probably buy your ebooks from them.
1) XBOX 360 Kinect
The Xbox Kinect is another revolutionary piece of technology and although it isn’t actually new – some might remember the EyeToy for PS2 – Microsoft have knocked their competitors out of the park. However, it still provides a genuinely new gaming experience due to the fact that the Kinect completely removes the need for a controller; you use your voice and movements to play the games, as the 3D camera tracks your movements. You can also use it with the DVD functions of the Xbox and your hand movements can fast forward and rewind the film.
Few games are out at the moment that properly take advantage of the technology, but that is soon to change. This is a great addition to the Xbox software and will bring your friends and family together.
