Features
Dear Santa...
20071115 [Computer Buyer]
More top Christmas gadget gifts
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1 Behringer iAxe
It's not perfect by any means - the supplied software is limiting, and the USB socket is prone to knocks - but there's something irresistible about a proper electric guitar that you can plug into your PC to process and record your efforts. A top gift for anyone who's learning guitar or just likes making music.
£100 inc VAT @ www.firebox.com |
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2 Saitek Cyborg Command Unit
Anyone who's serious about videogames will know Saitek's range of gaming-oriented peripherals, and they've excelled themselves with the latest input devices in the Cyborg range. The Cyborg Mouse looks as if it might be more likely to shred your fist with its powerful jaws than aid and abet your first-person shooter session, but that just makes it all the cooler. And the Cyborg Command Unit, with its bionically attached wrist rest and glowing keycaps, is a completely new kind of peripheral altogether. Never again will you associate numeric keypads with accountants.
£TBA @ www.saitek.com |
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3 Gorillapod
While you're buying one of these for someone, don't forget to buy one for yourself. They really are essential for anyone with a compact camera. Grab it whenever you need a tripod: in low light to avoid camera shake,or when you need to place the camera somewhere really awkward. Wherever, whenever, the Gorillapod's grippy little tentacles will always hold it firm.
£14.95 inc VAT @ www.firebox.com |
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4 The InternetNow In Handy Book Form!
Anyone who's ever opened a web browser will appreciate this brilliant spoof of all things Internet. Author David McCandless satirises not only the words but also the pictures of familiarwebsites, from Bullies Unlimited to poormatch.com. There's an excellent 'Make Your Own Blog' section, which could literallysave you the trouble of creating a blog, and an NHS (National Hypochondriacs Service) Self-Diagnosis Chart where you can look up your symptoms. The dustjacket recommendation is from Charlie Brooker, creator of Channel 4's Nathan Barley, and as you might guess some of the humour is unsuitable for kids, but very suitable for everyone else. Packed with bits and bobs that you can keep discovering long after the turkey is finished.
£12.99 inc VAT @ www.amazon.co.uk |
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5 Golden Disk
This isn't just a hard disk. This is a LaCie Golden Disk. While the inside is full of the usual quality tech stuff, the outside was created by precocious French designer Ora-Īto (www.ora-ito.com), and looks as if it might slump into a puddle of mercury at any moment. (We checked, and apparently this never happens.) With a 500GB capacity, it's reasonably priced, and its fanless design means it won't add to your PC's noise level. It connects via USB 2.0.
£119 inc VAT @ www.lacie.com/uk |
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