Tech Magnets.

Gadgets that even James Bond’s Q would be thrilled to tinker with!

Paul Osmond, the Asia-Pacific director of Research in Motion, is a wireless expert who’s helped develop IT infrastructure like the Microsoft Server software. He takes time out from twiddling with the latest BlackBerry to give us the lowdown.

Tell us about the BlackBerry Pearl
The BlackBerry Pearl is one of the world’s smallest, thinnest and lightest smartphones that includes the popular BlackBerry features users know and love – phone, email, messaging, organiser, web browser and other mobile applications – and is the first BlackBerry handset with a digital camera, media player and an expandable memory slot.

A smartphone is an essential part of life because…
It’s designed for people who want to do more with their life. With phone, digital camera, wireless email, instant messaging and multimedia applications in a small, very cool package, they can do all the things they have to do and more of the things they want to do.

What should first-time smartphone buyers look out for?
First-time smartphone buyers should consider their needs, then pick up the right device. Most of the devices have a good balance of voice and data, work-friendly and consumer-friendly features. As a typical smartphone will run a couple of features at the same time, you also need to pay attention to the battery situation – the battery on some smartphones can go very quickly.

Cool design or hot functions?
Both. As a lifestyle and work device, you really can’t have one without the other. After all, we all want our smartphones to look good as well as being extremely functional. The BlackBerry Pearl is as perfect for a night out as it is for the office. Small enough to take anywhere and big enough to store your pictures, video clips and messages, it’s the ultimate combination of brains and beauty.

Is there a gadget you wish someone would invent?
I’d like to see a gadget that made exercising and staying fit easier while travelling on business!

For gadget fanatics who like their smartphone to come with star factor, there’s the latest BlackBerry Pearl in white. One of the world’s smallest smartphones, it’s available from Telstra (tel: 1300 368 387 within Australia) for RRP AU$679, and also comes in black and red.

GOING CUCKOO

The movie The Italian Job made the MINI Cooper the hottest car in town, and the relaunch was even more successful! Now, MINI are releasing a cuckoo clock with a difference to be the next cult fave. The face of the clock is the classic MINI speedometer, and every hour, an exact replica of the MINI in Chilli Red runs out of the garage at the bottom and round the clock, with authentic engine noise and horn blasts. Don’t worry – light sensors mean it won’t wake you up at night! From all MINI Cooper dealerships; tel: 1800 682 385 within Australia for stockists. RRP AU$189.

SUN WORSHIP

You’ll never be stuck without a mains outlet to charge your phone again – the Solio Universal Solar Charger is all you need. In fact, you can hook up the Solio to any device, and even charge it on the plane – just stick the Solio on the window. How amazing is that? Available at Todae, 83 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, tel: 1300 138 483 within Australia. RRP AU$169.95.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

Asking for directions is a thing of the past with the nifty HP iPAQ rx5000 series Travel Companion. With GPS software (switch on the voice function for step-by-step instructions) and TomTom Navigator 6.0 maps in flash memory, you’ll be able to easily find your way to that underground nightclub that’s the talk of the town – or to the nearest hotel! With real-time travel information like weather forecasts and currency conversion available too, these PDAs offer peace of mind and ease of travel in a neat package. Available at major retailers, tel: 132 347 within Australia. From AU$699.

CHANGE OF SCENE

Photo albums are so yesterday! With the Echologic Digital Picture Frames, your happy snaps will never look the same again – host a photo slideshow in your lounge, kitchen or anywhere in your house, complete with background music. With 128MB of internal memory, crystal-clear resolution, zoom mode and remote control, you’ll love the ever-changing display of all your favourite snaps!

Comes in solid red wood or black acrylic, and in three sizes: 8-inch, 9.2-inch and 10.2-inch. For stockists, tel: 1300 426 674. RRP from AU$239.

FILE AND STORE

You can now file your nails or even snip your split ends with your portable storage device.

Victorinox is the name to think of when roughing in style is on the cards – the classic Swiss Army knife has been brought into the information age with the SwissMemory – a 1GB memory stick bundled with scissors, a nail file, blade and screwdriver. You’ll be prepared for anything. For stockists, tel: 1800 209 999 within Australia. From AU$199.

SOUND TRAVELS

Take the Creative Labs TravelSound Zen V Docking Speakers on holiday and you’ll be the life of the party! Dock your Zen MP3 player and play your tunes wherever you like –whether on the beach or in your hotel room. With 25 hours of battery life and Wide Stereo Effect for impressive audio quality, it’ll take you through the longest night. Available at major retail outlets, RRP AU$149.95.

CHESHIRE GRIN

We’re so taken with the sleek look and clever features of the Oral-B Triumph electric toothbrush that we can’t keep our hands off it. There are four brushing modes – polish, clean, massage and soft – and a two-minute timer to make sure you’re brushing enough.

The LCD display even reminds you when the rotating-oscillating head needs to be replaced. What’s not to love? Available at selected supermarkets and pharmacies; tel: 1800 641 820 within Australia. RRP AU$179.95.

ACTION READY

With its protective, shockproof yellow rubber covering, you can take the Vivitar ViviCam 6200w into all sorts of tough situations: the beach and snorkelling are no obstacles either, as it’s water resistant up to 10 metres. With six megapixels, 16MB of built-in memory – it also supports SD cards up to 1GB – and PictBridge support, this compact camera will meet all your travelling needs. Contact Ricoh Australia for stockists, tel: 1300 363 741 within Australia. RRP AU$299.