Gadgets: Ten of the Best

The top ten gadgets of 2009, compiled by CIARA O'BRIEN

1 E-books

2009 was the year that the e-book war got under way, with the launch of Amazon’s Kindle to international customers. Amazon’s device has featured heavily in its customers’ wish lists on the site. The Kindle’s appeal lies in its tie-in with the Kindle book store on Amazon, which allows you to buy books online through the reader, and download them wirelessly to the device in about 60 seconds. The service works over a standard mobile phone network and wireless charges are covered by Amazon. Sony was also busy on this front, unveiling its touch screen device, the Sony Touch, and a pocket edition of its popular e-book. reader.

2 Gaming on the go

While Nintendo stuck with the tried and tested model for its latest DSi handheld console, Sony opted for the latest “direct to device” model that other industries have adopted. The PSP Go ditched the discs that previous incarnations of the console relied on in favour of a download-only model. Scrapping the discs meant Sony could make its handheld console that bit smaller, although it caused a bit of controversy among existing PSP owners. The advantage lies in round-the-clock access to new games; provided you have access to a wifi connection, you can download new games wherever you are.

3 iPhone 3G S

Apple’s gradual takeover of the mobile market continued this year with the launch of the iPhone 3G S in June. Faster and more powerful than its predecessors, the latest handset provided a few improvements over the previous model, including a video camera and voice control. Other promised features – most notably the ability to use it as a 3G modem for your notebook – were dependent on your network. The software was also updated, with Apple finally getting around to including cut and paste. Separately, the announcement that the phone will no longer be exclusive to certain networks prompted speculation of an impending price war. From Spring, Vodafone will launch the iPhone officially in Ireland, while in the UK, Tesco are also selling the device.

4 LED TVs

TV manufacturers have been teasing us for some time with glimpses of OLED TVs, which promise to deliver a picture superior to anything on the market at present. The problem is that they’re not available in large sizes just yet, and most consumers won’t be investing in an 11-inch TV any time soon. However, it wasn’t all going over old ground in the TV market; instead, consumers got a raft of new LED TVs to keep them going until OLED is finally ready for the big time. Thinner and more energy efficient, LED TVs improve on the LCD and plasma sets currently on the market, and are becoming more affordable.

5 Netbooks

Despite proclamations that the netbook was dead, the devices have confounded critics and gained in popularity this year. Plenty of manufacturers have been on hand to bring out new models to try to take advantage of the craze for the stripped-down, affordable machines. The trend started by the Asus EeePC gathered pace during the year, with Samsung, HP, Dell and other PC heavyweights bringing out new models to tempt those who are holding out. The netbook is intended to complement your existing PC. And should the budget models not be to your taste, manufacturers have been unveiling designer tie-ins to appeal to the conspicuous consumption side of your nature.

6 ‘Active’ gaming

Nintendo has won over casual gamers with its Wii console, appealing to a range of people from the very young to the elderly with its family friendly image. This year, the old couch potato tag that usually haunts gaming was officially ditched when Nintendo’s Wii Fit Plus got the backing of the NHS in the UK for its potential to encourage a more active lifestyle. EA, meanwhile, released its cardio “game”, EA Sports Active. The games spread beyond the Wii, however. Also on the release list for 2009 was Tony Hawk: Ride, which came with its own skateboard-shaped controller that reacts to players’ movement. It’s also available on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

7 Android

With the iPhone so dominant in the mobile market, rival manufacturers have been seemingly helpless to come up with an answer. However, Google’s operating system, Android, is being viewed by some as a potential challenger under the right conditions. Android phones made their first proper appearance in Ireland late this year, with both O2 and Vodafone offering handsets with the open source-based system on board. HTC and Samsung have both unveiled handsets for Irish consumers. There is already talk of a new Google phone – Nexus One – being readied for launch in the UK.

8 SLRs with HD video

Digital SLR cameras were injected with High Definition video technology this year, addressing a gap in the market that has existed for some time. Both Canon and Nikon unveiled digital SLR bodies that provided high definition video clips in addition to high quality still images, with the Canon Eos 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90. The cameras were by no means perfect but represented an important step for both manufacturers and consumers in getting a device that combined the best of both worlds. With the competition heating up – both manufacturers have since expanded their ranges – digital photography could get more interesting in 2010.

9 Pocket-sized video

While the iPod Nano made headlines when it added video recording functions into the media players, you can’t ignore the Flip. The pocket-sized camera not only makes it more convenient for users to transfer video – it’s got a USB connection built in that you “flip” out when needed – but this year saw the high definition versions hit Irish shores. The Flip Mino HD’s 720p resolution put high definition video in your pocket, while also providing users with a way to conveniently upload video directly to YouTube. And all in a shiny new package with one-touch recording that anyone can operate.

10 3D TV

Previous attempts at 3D programming may have left consumers less than impressed, but the advent of 3D TV could be big business for the industry. 3D-enabled cinema titles have seen a rush of popularity this year, and industry watchers are predicting it will make the move into consumers’ living rooms. TV channels are already getting on board. Channel 4 recently held a week of 3D programming, while Sky unveiled its plans for a 3D service in Ireland earlier this month. Sony, meanwhile, nailed its colours to the 3D mast and announced it would be part of Fifa’s first 3D World Cup, with up to 25 of the South Africa matches to be produced using Sony’s 3D professional cameras.