This week's gadgets reviewed by
PADDY COMYN
Samsung N510 Netbook
Price:€539.99
Buy:expansys.ie
Getting a half-useful netbook isn’t always easy, as there are some that are little better than toys. This one is one of the better ones and it is Samsungs largest netbook-class system with a 11.6-inch display. This screen is really good and easy to read even in challenging lighting conditions. The N510 uses the ION platform, pairing a 1.66GHz N280 Atom CPU with Nvidia’s 9400M GPU. It also comes with 1GB RAM, a 160GB HDD and XP Home. Other features include Wi-Fi (including draft-N), Bluetooth, Webcam, 3-in-1 card reader and a six-cell lithium ion battery.
Echo GPS keychain
Price:€76
Buy:firebox.com
This device is handy for those of you that suffer a little bit from a poor sense of direction. Whether it is remembering where you left your car in the car park, where your hotel is or where your tent is at a festival, the Echo GPS is your solution.
We have been trying one in Motors towers for a few weeks now and it gets you to within about 20 feet of your intended target. All you do it lock it to where you want to get back to and wherever you wander off to and no matter how off track you get it will give you instructions on how to get back.
It is also a handy device for those of you that like hill-walking and intend getting back.
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj
Price:€406
Buy:pixmania.ie
Digital camera makers are always looking for new ways of making their products interesting, and Nikon have come up with a rather novel feature on their latest Coolpix model. If you want to show off your snaps to your friends or family you can project them on to a wall or ceiling using the built-in projector. With 12.1 megapixels, it has quite a lot of power under the skin.
It comes with a projector stand thrown-in, as well as a wireless remote control.
Samsung Refresh Charging Station
Price:€76
Buy:firebox.com
Motors gadgets testers tend to get in trouble with their other halves because they have leads and wires lying around everywhere, connecting them up to their beloved gadgets. Here is a potential way of saving the marriages of gadgeteers. It is the Refresh Charging Station and it uses one unit to charge everything: from phones and iPods to GPS units and bluetooth headsets. Simply plug them in to the relevant built-in connector and place on the Refresh’s perfectly angled, removable rubberised tray.