Tech Tools

Compiled by CIARA O'BRIEN

HTC Radar

€329.99

The HTC Radar is one of the latest Windows Phone 7 handsets to hit the market. It comes with Mango – Windows 7.5 – preloaded, which mean you get things like internet tethering, more dynamic tiles and integrated social networks out of the box. Plus you can also dictate text messages and searches and multitask on Mango.

The handset itself follows Microsoft’s usual hardware profile – a 5 megapixel camera, 1GHz processor – so you know what to expect, but the HTC Radar looks good too, with a unibody design that the company has made a feature of many of its smartphones.

htc.com

Fitbit

€93

Yet another gadget to order you around, Fitbit offers you a way to monitor your health and fitness. The Fitbit attaches to your clothing – a belt or pocket – and monitors all your activity throughout the day – or lack of it. It will tell you how many steps you have taken, or miles you have covered through its accelerometer. At night it can also track your sleep pattern. Stay still too long and you’ll get a gentle reminder from Fitbit to get moving.

The device works with an online site, Fitbit.com, and a mobile site you can access from your phone. It also allows you to keep track of your food intake with an online diary.

Firebox.com

Crypteks USB key

$130 (8GB)

If you want your data to really be secure, it’s probably not a good idea to keep it on a USB key and carry it around with you. Unless, of course you have it encrypted.

The new Crypteks USB key goes one step further and not only uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption, but it also physically locks. To get anywhere near the data on the USB key, you will have to get through the combination lock first. It is made from aluminium alloy and comes in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.

crypteks.com