Motors Gadgets

Panasonic SDR-SW21 Price: €319 Buy: pixmania.ieThe SDR-SW21 is designed for those of you who are either slightly on the clumsy side or, even more admirably, for those who are into action- packed sports.

Dust and shock-proof to 1.2 metres, it can withstand a decent drop too without leaving it looking too shabby. You can also shoot under water – up to two metres – which is pretty impressive too.

Still images are decent, if not huge, and the fact that this isn’t an overly expensive camcorder means you won’t be too terrified to try out its hardy claims. This is a slim device, so it won’t be a hassle to bring it with you either.

Microsoft Lifecam Cinema

Price: €62

Buy: komplett.ie

Webcams are great for getting to see your relatives who live halfway around the world on Skype, but up until now the images have always been a poor, meaning your aunt in Sydney looks like she is reporting live from Basra.

Microsoft has boosted the quality of its image on the new Lifecam Cinema so it has 720P resolution. It also has auto focus, noise cancelling for better audio and it offers images so good you can save thousands on airfares.

Wrap-up tripod

Price: €20

Buy: firebox.com

We all know that by using a tripod you will improve the quality of your images, especially in poor light. The problem is, however, that it can be a damn pain to bring a tripod with you everywhere you go.

This is where this piece of ingenious thinking comes in – this is a protective case for your camera that also doubles as a tripod.

And it is cheap, too. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

Philips NP2900

Price: €259.99

Buy: expansys.ie

No longer are you restricted to listening to a handful of Irish stations if you go for a device that can handle streaming music and web stations. This is one of the better ones on the market at the moment.

The NP2900 can play MP3s from your music collection, DAB and web stations – all with improved FullSound boosted sound and the four-inch screen is nice to look at too.