Tech Tools

Compiled by Ciara O'Brien

TEAC Aurb, €295

Speaking of standing out from the crowd, the TEAC Aurb could be the new must-have iPod dock. The Aurb does it all: it has an FM tuner, a CD player and inputs for auxiliary and USB devices to allow you to access music from other sources, such as a USB stick. The sound quality is pretty impressive too. It has a combined 100 watts of power in its speakers, with enough tweeters and woofers to keep audio fans happy. It also comes with a remote, allowing you to control playlists and zip through menus. It looks great too – all without costing a small fortune too. teac.co.uk

Dyson DC35 Slim Vacuum Cleaner, $300

Home appliances usually leave me cold, but Dyson appliances generally hold some sort of fascination for me.

Perhaps it’s because they look more interesting than your average vacuum cleaner.

This particular cleaner from Dyson is definitely an attention grabber.

Looking more space age than functional, it contains all the usual Dyson technology, and is certainly more eye-catching than your average cleaner.

The Dyson DC35 is cordless, has a digital motor and will work on different floor types – carpet, tile, vinyl and wood.

The long-reach wand can detach, for example if you need to tackle the stairs, and you get the usual attachments.

dyson.com

Sony Ericsson Live View, €60

There are times when mobile phones are better off neither seen nor heard, but you may still need to keep an eye on it. If you have an Android phone, Sony Ericsson’s latest product allows you to control it without having to take your phone out of your pocket.

LiveView is essentially a micro display that connects to your device over Bluetooth and manages certain functions on your phone. Read text messages, see incoming calls, control music or view updates on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, all through LiveView. Calendar reminders can also be displayed on the device.

You can clip it to a laptop or a keychain. It even comes with a strap, so you can wear it on your wrist.

sonyericsson.com