Hot Stuff Gadgets – August
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by admin in Hot Stuff Gadget Review
Every month the editors of Stuff magazine choose the latest pretty, shiny gadgets for you.
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1
Rtba
www.fujifilm.co.za
Devices capable of capturing 3D are about the most exciting consumer technology development of the last ten years. We know what you’re thinking: it’s amazing that the W1 creates 10MP 3D images that can be viewed on its screen without special glasses. It’s even more amazing that it will work across its 3x zoom range, even in macro mode. It’s hard to believe it’ll capture 3D movies, too, or that the forthcoming 8in (20cm) Real 3D V1 digital photo frame will bring glasses-free 3D into the home, and that it’ll be possible to print 3D stills. But that’s not why we’re excited. Since 3D requires stereoscopic vision from two “eyes”, all 3D gadgets will have faces. Look, Fujifilm even gave it a smile, and a blue buck-tooth. Awww.
Sony PSPgo
Rtba
www.playstation.com
Welcome to the worst-kept secret in gaming – the PSPgo. Pictures of Sony’s next PSP were leaked days before its announcement at the E3 show in Los Angeles. It’s also no secret that 2009 is crunch time for portable gamers. With Nintendo’s DSi the clear king of the handhelds and Apple pushing gaming harder than ever, Sony had to come up with something special. By squirreling the buttons away a slide-down panel behind a smaller 3.8in (9.7cm) screen, it’s made the PSPgo 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the original. It’s also ditched the UMD drive in favour of a 16GB solid-state drive. It’s make or break for Sony, so let the games begin.
Jaguar XJ
From R970 400
www.jaguar.co.za
A frown crept across Q’s face. “Bad news I’m afraid, Bond. The product placement deal with Aston Martin has fallen through. Something to do with leaving their car at the bottom of Lake Garda during Quantum of Solace. Still, never mind, we’ve replaced it with this new Jag, which won’t sting the MI6 coffers for nearly so much. There are three different engine options, but naturally we’ve gone for the supercharged five-litre V8, which means it’ll hit 96km/h in 4.7 seconds. But it’s the cabin that’ll really steal your heart. It’s got more gadgets than all of your films put together. Just try not to wreck this one, 007.”
Nokia N86 8MP
R6 500
www.nokia.co.za
Ugly Betty and the N86 have a lot in common. Both are late bloomers, exceptionally smart, and no one expects you to fall for them based on their looks. The most obvious similarity is the strong lenses they both wear. Nokia has finally launched its first 8MP camera phone – after all its major competitors had been there, done that and shot pictures to prove it – with a wide-angle Carl Zeiss lens and a mechanical shutter (like the Samsung i8510’s) to reduce motion blur.
Rumours that the handset itself has existed since 2007 might explain ye olde keypad, but the N86 should hold some appeal if you’re looking for a no-frills smartphone. The 8GB internal memory, Wi-Fi , stereo Bluetooth, A-GPS and up to 16GB microSD should keep you hooked until you get to know and fall for the rest of its features.
Tag Heuer Monaco Twenty Four Concept Chronograph
Rtba (concept)
www.picotandmoss.co.za
Back before stunt doubles and computer graphics, Steve McQueen actually took part in Le Mans for the iconic film of the same name. He wore the same driving suit and accessories as famed Le Mans driver Jo Siffert, including the watch, for ‘those’ Porsche 917 scenes. The king of cool’s watch, the Monaco, has been synonymous with fast cars and dashing heroes ever since. This 40th anniversary Concept Chronograph is inspired by those classic race cars, hence the roll-cage-like design. Made from tungsten, it mirrors the blue and orange Gulf Oil livery used in the film. The squared design is water resistant to 100m, and this timeless masculine timepiece is fit for another 40 years.
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