Bodum Pebo Coffee Maker
Yes, it does look like something you would find in a school's science laboratory but this makes damn fine coffee. There has been a lot of emphasis on the coffee pod generation over the past few years so it is nice to see something simpler and a bit different on the market. This coffee maker might not be brimming with electronic bells and whistles as it's designed purely to provide great-tasting coffee using a vacuum brewing process. And thanks to the Pebo's clear bowls, you get to see the action as it happens.
From Bodum.com for €69.90
Wearable Camcorder HX-A500
Designed to help you capture moments on-the-go, this camera shoots in 4K HD. It is lightweight, waterproof, small and attaches to your body easily. It’s also waterproof. Ideal for home use or extreme sport situations and will also shoot clearly in low lighting condition and deals well with high speed movement. You’ll get about 30 minutes footage time.
Available from Harvey Norman, DID , Power City and other electrical retailers for around €459
Samsung Curved UHD TV
Curved televisions are the next big thing, at least according to the manufacturers. It has to be said that they are eye-catchingly attractive. Part of the appeal is that the TV is meant to provide a more immersive experience as it provides greater depth and better viewing angles. This TV is also ultra high definition (UHD) which is four times more definition than standard HD so at full tilt it really is a spectacle to behold.
From around €1,899 in Power City, Harvey Norman, DID , Expert and Euronics
Google Chromecast
Don’t have a smart TV? Worry not as this little device from Google will transform your regular flat screen into a Smart TV. You’ll be able to access YouTube and Netflix and stream from your device’s content to the Chromecast and onto your TV.
Available from PC World, Currys and other electrical stores from €39
iPhone 6
Apple is still the aspirational product for the masses and the iPhone 6 is one of the priciest phones around. You can of course get one through a mobile operator deal. Of course the operator in question will probably want to lock you in to a 25-year contract and take your soul. But some would say that that is a small price to pay to have the latest toy from Apple. If you want a few extra screen inches why not opt for the new 6 Plus which has a larger screen?
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Belkin Chef Stand
More and more of us are using recipes online but it can be a pain if you have to pace back and forth between oven and computer or try to find somewhere in your kitchen to put your tablet without it getting covered in something sticky. Plus how do you swipe with floury fingers?
Belkin has come up with a nifty little stand on which you can perch your tablet and use the accompanying stylus to touch the screen. The stand has non-slip rubber attachments to keep both your tablet and the stand in place.
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Lego Builder Case for iPad Mini
Lego has been going through a resurgence of popularity in the last couple of years. The licensing of its name has seen it become a popular staple in video game department with Lego versions of Harry Potter, Star Wars and DC and Marvel heroes’ adventure games. It is not the cheapest case you can buy but it looks good and will no doubt be a conversation starter.
Available from Harvey Norman for €49.99
Self Stirring Mug
We can be a lazy lot really – or at least those of us who buy things like prepared vegetables, precooked food and minced garlic . If you’re like that then you’re going to love the self-stirring mug. It does what it says on the ... er ... mug . Thermal ‘sciency’ stuff keeps your drink warm while a little motor built into the cup stirs your drink to give you a perfect beverage every time. It requires two AA batteries so let’s hope you’re not too lazy to install them.
Available from
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and other online stores for €17.50
Tesco Hudl 2
The Hudl was hailed as top of the list when it came to budget tablets and Tesco has scored again with the Hudl 2. While it’s not the mythic iPad killer it does up the ante from its predecessor and makes a strong case for it to be chosen over the likes of Google’s Nexus. While the Tesco ‘bloatware’ will annoy some it is a minor inconvenience.
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Samsung NX Mini Smart Camera
This Samsung camera has wifi so you can share your latest photos straight away. The camera is also known for its ‘selfie wink’(yes, you wink at the camera and it takes a picture). This gives you a hands-free way to capture you doing something that you’re only dying to share with the rest of us.
Available in Samsung zones at electrical retailers including DID, Euronics, Soundstore and camera specialists nationwide for €479
