Misc

With temperatures rising during July, many companies are keen to show off their Christmas wares.

Apart from the Simplicity Linux I looked at nearly two years ago I have only used Linux run from a CD-ROM. So with a Windows XP notebook now redundant – it has too little memory etc to upgrade - time to install Linux and try to master it.

The Garmin nüvi 3597LMT is a top of the range satnav providing European coverage. It has a high resolution 5inch display and incorporates a wide range of features aimed at improving navigation and enhancing its usability.

As regular readers know I rarely go beyond two items in a single review. Here I break my own rule by covering three. First the Touch Speaker, a close sibling of this earned a 5x5 award earlier this year. Also covered here are Zip Earphones and iPlunger.

First what could be called a standard device a solid battery that transfers stored power to the device. Second something that looks like a larger standard battery and in effect it is as it uses three ‘AAA’ batteries to do the charging.

With its menu of cameras and recorders, a recent Olympus event introduced me to the company’s range of hand-held audio recorders.

While there are numerous covers for our various mobile devices, one company takes this add-on feature a stage further with extra accessories.

As a leading force in the field of electrical appliances and digital devices, Currys and PC World plans to offer customers a look into the future.

Recently I reviewed the SanDisk Wireless Flash Drive. Now it is the turn of the company’s Ultra Dual USB Drive.

For the last few weeks I have neglected my phone as I have been using other review units, for my trip out my phone needed to function. I switch it on for it to beep and show 0%. Luckily this PNY device had just arrived fully charged.

A simple device to do one job – I seem to have written that a lot recently – but it is something that most people can use to make things easier. It is a USB hub on a long lead meaning you do not need to be tied that closely to your PC or even a power outlet.

When I am hungry I can be tempted by a snack (crisps and chocolate tend to head the list) but what do you do if your mobile device is hungry for power?

The Cygnett 1A ChargeUp is a charging device that helps you out when your phone or tablet goes flat and a power plug is not in sight. However this has another feature that can also have a use when power is lost it has a built in torch in the end of the unit.

This next product is available from the Gizoo.co.uk web site.

A virtual system has been launched which enables people to access a GP and other healthcare services via their smartphone. Named babylon –not to be confused with the online translation service or the Babylon Search toolbar – it will enable users to be put in touch with an experienced GP or, as appropriate, a specialist consultant. It is the first organisation of its kind to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and receive designated body status from NHS England.

It has been quite a while since I last had the opportunity to check out an Archos device. This lengthy period was brought to an end with the arrival of a product with a slightly unusual title.

Rather than keeping their head in the clouds, users are increasingly using this virtual environment for storing their data which is then accessible from various locations.

If you do not have enough storage space on your Android device for your music and videos then this next product could solve your problem.

First an item for those who remember – or maybe like me – those who still have a collection of cassette tapes and a use you maybe put one to. Second a Coffee Mug with attitude that will certainly be a talking point around the office.

Despite smartphone and tablets now having cameras with more and more megapixels, the results cannot match those of a good quality “bridge” camera and certainly not the performance of a digital SLR both of which have a range of advanced features including optical zoom. Eye-Fi Mobi, provides the best of both worlds as it enables one to use Wi-Fi to transfer camera images directly to one’s smartphone or tablet.

The Kanex DualRole Gigabit + 3-Port Hub, which is compatible with those Macs and PCs that have a USB 3.0 port, will be of interest to users of machines lacking an Ethernet port. When plugged into a USB 3.0 port it provides that missing Gigabit connection as well as extra USB 3.0 ports.

Two items that may suit those with a recent iPhone (it also works with a 5th Generation iPod Touch) a clip on camera to give both zoom and macro. Second a slip case that cleans your screen every time you place it in the case.

In much the same way that Windows 8.1 is an updated version of Windows 8.0, “Windows 8.1 – the missing manual” is an updated version of the original book. As such, it covers the Windows 8 tile and touchscreen interface together with the enhancements introduced with Windows 8.1. Hence, it should meet the needs of the power user who may or may not have been initially using 8.0 as well as the person who is coming fresh this latest version of Windo