Tech Tools

Compiled by CIARA O'BRIEN

Arcade Alarm Clock

€18

It’s a retro dream: an alarm clock that looks, and sounds, like an arcade machine. If you’re tired of modern alarm clocks and MP3 players and yearn for a simpler time, the Arcade Alarm Clock is the perfect choice. Built to look like a miniature arcade machine, you can wake up to the electronic sound of retro gaming. All the controls for changing the time, setting the alarm and, of course, controlling the essential snooze function, mimic an arcade machine’s controls, with tiny joysticks and the obligatory big button on the 15cm-high cabinet. The time is displayed on the backlit arcade screen. It even has the colourful arcade graphics emblazoned on the case.

http://www.firebox.com

Sensoglove

$89 (€67.50)

What do you get the golf fan who has everything? A glove that will help him improve his swing. The Sensoglove is full of useful sensors that read your grip pressure and helps you avoid “death grip”, leading to a bad swing and bad habits forming. The 1.2in LED monitor – sweat-proof, naturally – gives real-time visual feedback, while the glove will also provide audio feedback too, warning when there is too much pressure. The sensors are so sensitive, the glove will even allow you to see which fingers are gripping too tightly. The glove is made of high-quality leather too, so you won’t look too out of place on the course or practice green.

http://www.sensoglove.com

Otterbox Defender Case for iPad

So you’ve taken the plunge and invested in an iPad. But if you want to carry it around everywhere, you’ll need a case to stop it getting scratched, dented or otherwise damaged. If you need a more robust case, Otterbox’s Defender case not only takes some hard knocks for your iPad, it will also act as a stand.

The polycarbonate front cover snaps off and turns into the stand, which handily allows you to read books or watch movies in landscape mode without having to hold the device.

The Otterbox case does add some bulk to the iPad, but ultimately protects it against shocks and other potentially hazardous events. It’s not waterproof, though, so don’t try dunking it. It also comes in different colours, including black, pink and white, and blue and white.

http://www.otterbox.com