Tech Tools

Compiled by CIARA O'BRIEN

Amazon Kindle ($270)

Previously only available to US customers, Amazon has finally launched its Kindle to the international market. The e-book reader has one important difference from others currently on offer: it includes wireless capabilities. What this means is that you can connect directly to the Kindle store to buy books, choose titles from your online storage locker or get newspapers delivered directly to your device every morning.

The Kindle uses 3G data networks to transport your titles and Amazon picks up the tab.

The device has adjustable fonts, so you can make it bigger or smaller on the six-inch screen, depending on your needs, and a dictionary that will allow you to look up any word you come across without having to crack out the traditional paper tome. It also has a handy text-to-speech feature, which will read out the page in a computer voice.

www.amazon.com

Sony Vaio X Series (€1,699)

There are few laptops these days that can cause a stir just by taking it out of your bag. The Macbook Air is one, but the new Sony Vaio X Series can definitely turn heads. Like the Macbook Air, the Vaio has been slimmed down so much you’d barely know it’s there, but doesn’t strip out every function to do it.

Available in gold, black and premium carbon, the notebook could be the answer to the low-cost netbooks that have gained popularity in the market. It weighs in at 655g and, with a maximum thickness of 13.9mm, it will barely make a dent in your bag.

Looks aside, the 11.1inch screened X Series has some nice features. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are included for wireless connections. If you aren’t close enough to a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can use the Everywair WWAN to access 3G HSPA mobile broadband networks.

When you need to wire up, the Ethernet port is tucked away in the side.

www.sony.com

Livescribe Pulse smartpen $199.95, $169.95.

Standard pen and ink is so last year. These days, your notes can go directly to your hard drive, with a Livescribe Pulse Pen. The device, which is available in 2GB and 4GB capacities, is essentially a computer inside a pen. Not only does it capture your handwritten notes, but it will also record audio at the same time. Handily, it links each audio file to the relevant notes. Tap on the notes – written on special paper – with the smartpen to hear the audio played back from that particular section, just in case there was anything you missed. The 4GB model will hold more than 400 hours of audio, so you shouldn’t miss a word.

Once you’re done, you can transfer your notes to your laptop and, not only can you organise them, but they become fully searchable with keywords and you can share them online.

www.livescribe.com