Compiled by Ciara O’Brien
Apple Mac Mini, €799
The focus may be on the iPhone 4, but Apple has a few other tricks up its sleeve. The new Mac Mini has been redesigned and now boasts improved graphics performance, a HDMI port and lower power consumption than its predecessor. Its sleeker than the last model too, and comes in a compact unibody aluminium enclosure. The power supply is integrated and Apple has provided a removable panel that allows you to get at the memory quickly and easily. It also has an SD card slot, allowing you to transfer video and images directly from a card to the 320GB hard drive without having to connect a cable. Its powered by an 2.4 ghz Intel core duo processor too, so should stand up to some heavy graphics work.
http://www.apple.com/ie
Bheestie bag, $20
We know electronics and water don’t mix. So while we make the best effort not to drop mobile phones, music players, cameras etc into water, accidents happen. Even sweat and the odd bit of rain could slowly be corroding your precious technology. The answer? The Bheestie bag. The concept is simple: take a resealable bag, put some moisture absorbing beads inside and store your electronics in it when necessary, sealing the device inside. Keep it closed tight and the Bheestie bag can be used every day for up to a year. Regardless, it will let you know when it needs to be replaced, with the beads changing colour to white when its time to ditch the bag. Cheaper and more convenient than having to keep replacing your gadgets.
http://www.bheestie.com
Polaroid 300 Instant Camera, €98
Need your photos printed in a hurry? The Polaroid analogue camera is back, and its printing business-card-sized prints on the go.
Its not quite as convenient as digital, but it has its advantages. The Polaroid 300 instant camera is quick and its almost foolproof. Polaroid has built in technology such as an automatic flash and manual exposure compensation. More compact than its predecessor, it also comes with a 1/60-second electronic shutter, auto adjust and different scene modes to capture better images. Plus it does it all on film. Should you yearn for the retro prints of the Polaroid camera, you can even replicate that white border effect. Its even got a celebritys name to put to it – pop star Lady Gaga is involved with Polaroid design these days – and it comes in three colours.
http://www.polaroid.com
