Stocking Fillers.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Mobile phones are not only essential for work, they’re also fashion accessories. Two new phones to give to your fashionista sister are the slinky LG Prada phone (AU$799 with Vodafone); and the Sony Ericsson Ultra Violet (AU$449 with 3 Mobile) which is sure to beat the blues. A mobile phone with a difference is the 3 Skypephone on the 3G network, for the brother who wants to be in touch at all times. And why shouldn’t home phones look good as well? Check out the Siemens Gigaset SL370 with Bluetooth (AU$299) and the touch-sensitive, WiFi-friendly cordless Oricom (starting from AU$179, tel: +61 (2) 4574 8894).

EASY PEASY NUTS

We think this nutcracker is one of the most intriguing gadgets we’ve ever come across, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter! Follow three easy steps: place nuts on the stainless steel plate, cover with dome, tap on the dome – ta da! You’ll never need strong-arm tactics again. Menu’s nutcracker from www.e4g.com.au at AU$55.

BEAUTY ARSENAL

With Sunbeam’s collection of beauty aids, you’ll be ready to face the world fresh everyday. Use the Salon Technique Jade Ceramic 200° Straightener (AU$79.95) one day and the Ionic Ceramic Curling Tong (AU$39.95) the next. Their 6-in-1 Beauty Centre (AU$29.95) ensures picture perfect grooming. After all that primping and preening, use the handheld Quadpod Heat & Cold Massager (AU$19.95) to relax before heading out.

FIND YOURSELF

Having a GPS gadget on your travels is a great asset and the HP iPAQ Travel Companion (AU$499), with its high-definition screen, 3D navigation and entertainment options, certainly stands taller than other similar devices. The Mio Digiwalker (AU$399, tel: 1300 646 477) is more basic and easy to use, and when installed in a car, gives you speed and red camera alerts. The GPS phenomenon has spawned Borge’s Imaging’s ATP GPS Photo Finder (AU$189, tel: +61 (3) 9646 2399) which enables you to “geotag” the exact location and time the picture was taken.

G FOR GGRRR

The latest Casio G-Shocks (from AU$199) are for the active bloke for whom the concept of “soft adventure” just doesn’t exist! The top of the line is the Special 25th Anniversary Model G-Shock Frogman for divers, which is solar-powered (a full charge lasts five months), water-resistant up to 200m and is resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C. Made of tough titanium and resin, it retails at AU$699. For stockists, call 1300 768 112 within Australia.

IN THE THICK OF THINGS

Fancy yourself a stunt specialist and adrenaline junkie? Strap the waterproof Oregon Scientific Action Cam on your helmet or to your bike’s handle bars and shoot footage that’ll make your mates green with envy (AU$199, available at Camera House and other major retailers, tel: 1300 300 155). Water babies will love Sanyo’s Waterproof Digital Movie Camera (AU$699), operational up to depths of 1.5m, so it’s great for shooting underwater adventures.

GETABOUTS

For the thrill-seeking man in your life, how about a helicopter… ride, that is. A trial instructional flight costs AU$235, from online gift provider RedBalloon Days (www.redballoon.com.au). Or how about a cute little Scoot 2 Commute (734 Underwood Rd, Rochedale, QLD 4123, tel: 1300 726 537) scooter in red or black to zip around town on for just AU$2,000? Beep, beep!

SWING AWAY

Aiming to perfect your swing? With the Golf Launchpad simulator, you can practise on over 800 golf courses around the world before hitting those greens for real. The EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour software makes for realistic onscreen play. There’s no better way to sharpen your game before unleashing your brilliance in public. Available in USB: PC/Mac and Playstation 2 versions for AU$399 at www.thecube.com.au.

LIFE IN YOUR POCKET

We chat with Stephen Amiet, Motorola’s National Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about gadgets and the latest MOTO Q.

Tell us about Motorola’s latest addition, the MOTO Q 9h. Who does it suit?
The MOTO Q 9h is Motorola’s latest QWERTY keypad Smartphone. It’s powerful, functional and offers a cool design to suit everyone – from gadget lovers to business professionals, even fashion-conscious consumers.

With so many similar devices out there, what should shoppers look for?
Check HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) speed, operating system, email software and entertainment features. MOTO Q has one of the fastest HSDPA speeds, Windows Mobile 6, Windows Live for Windows Mobile, Good Mobile Messaging 5, Windows Media Player and it can access TV programs like Australian Idol, V8 Supercar Champion Series and 33 Foxtel channels. MOTO Q users can also access all the services available through the new 3G network.

What do you never leave home without?
1) My MOTO Q – it’s work and entertainment all in one gadget! Today’s office space has the potential to be any place when you have a MOTO Q. 2) My electric razor for grooming on the run, and 3) My trusty beer bottle opener, as a man should never be stuck without one!

What gadget do you wish someone would invent for travelling?
Despite MOTO Q saving me heaps of time, I’d like one of those gadgets they have in the movie The Twilight Zone that stops time, except for my own time! Think of the possibilities… and a teleporter would be nice!

Available on Telstra’s Next G network at AU$999.