The Toys 4 Big Boys exhibition this weekend will feature 20 acres of all the latest and greatest in gadgetry, writes Ciara O'Brien
GADGET FANS will be flocking to the Toys 4 Big Boys exhibition this weekend to get a look at the latest and greatest devices on offer. Organisers are expecting more than 27,000 attendees, with 160 exhibitors showing their wares, including Nintendo and SanDisk.
With about 20 acres to cover at the exhibition, we've picked out the best of the gadgets at Toys 4 Big Boys.
Canon Eos 5D Mk II
The Canon Eos 5D Mk II is one of the latest digital SLR cameras to hit the market. The 21-megapixel camera has some impressive features like face detection and a full-frame CMOS sensor - so no unwanted cropping of images. We particularly like the high-definition video recording feature - 30 frames per second at full HD (1080) - and a HDMI output so you can play it back in all its glory on your HD TV.
Sony Bravia Zx1
Thin is in, especially in the tech industry, and TVs are no exception. We like the Sony Bravia ZX1, a 9.9mm thick 40-inch LED TV that includes a wireless receiver. So you can stream your video and other media from your media receiver without any pesky cables to spoil the look of your ultra-chic TV.
Sandisk Sansa View
It's hard to interest some people in digital music players if they don't come with a shiny Apple logo.
But we think the Sandisk Sansa View is worth a look. The device plays music tracks, video files and audio books, and will display your digital images all in one compact player.
We particularly like the integrated FM radio - something sadly missed from certain music players.
The Wii Fit
Designed to get even the laziest coach potato up and moving, the Wii Fit is as much about looking daft as it is about getting fit. Yoga, muscle exercises, aerobic workouts and balance games are all part of the fun, with the pressure-sensitive Wii balance board to track your moves and your progress.
Getting fit by stealth is the aim of the game, although it won't turn you into a medal-winning athlete overnight.
R2D2 projector
Not just for Star Wars fanatics, the R2D2 projector is an integrated DVD and CD player in the shape of the robot of the same name from the films. If its quirky shape won't tempt you, the 20W speaker and the docking station for iPods might.
iPhone 3G
It may have been on the market for a while, but you simply can't get away from the iPhone these days. Especially now as it's on pay-as-you-go, making it more attractive for iPhone fans. The 8GB or 16GB 3G version is a vast improvement on the original, giving you access to high-speed mobile internet, or if you'd rather go wireless, 12 months' Wi-Fi access.
Swarovski USB key
Who said USB keys have to be dull and uninteresting lumps of plastic? The Swarovski USB key is sparkly, heart-shaped and aimed at women - or the more flashy men out there.
Available in 1GB capacity, the USB key is tucked away inside the heart, which is covered with Silver Shade crystals set in ceralun. Bling at its best.
Steel Series Iron Lady Bundle
There are a lot of female gamers out there who may have been overlooked and ignored by the industry up until now. Steel Series is aiming to change that, with a gaming bundle aimed specifically at the girl-gamer.
It includes the SteelSeries Ikari Laser Mouse, SteelSeries QcK mouse pad and a branded wristband in pink or white.
Sony Rolly
One of the more puzzling gadgets is the Sony Rolly, an MP3 player that will react to your music by throwing itself around the room and flapping its "arms" about. Interesting to watch for about 10 seconds, but after that, all you're really left with is a 2GB music player that won't stay still . . .
Nokia N96
The much-anticipated Nokia N96 is winning fans already, and we're definitely among them. The latest addition to the N series of handsets is an all-singing, all-dancing device that is built for video and music entertainment.
It includes 16GB of internal flash memory and will play back up to 40,000 hours of video and 12,000 tracks.
Impressive stuff.
