We do love our iPods here at Tech Boutique, but we can't say we always love the prices Apple charges for all the accessories and bits and bobs you might need. We are always pleased, therefore, when someone brings out a gadget or accessory which is more affordable, but does the same job.

Take these Sonnet USB power connectors. They connect to any iPod via USB and will charge it up when you are away from your computer, or when you simply want to give it a quick boost without having to boot up.

At £14.99, they are a few quid cheaper than the official Apple version, plus they come in either black or white so you can match to your iPod or even your new MacBook.

May 31, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now you can have style and substance as Fujifilm have just released the Finepix Z3 Zoom, a digital camera small enough to take on a night out but that also takes great photos too.

Apparently, research has shown that the majority of pictures taken by women are 'people pictures' taken in low light at close proximity (think of those dancefloor shots at 2am). This new camera from Fujifilm vows to overcome this, capturing crisp shots even in the most challenging conditions.

It certainly looks good, and is available in three colours (silver, metallic blue and light pink), with 5.1megapixel CCD sensor and 2.5in LCD screen.

We'll get back to you with some results when we've taken it for a test drive.

May 30, 2006 in Cameras | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1)

When you think of Bluetooth headsets you immediately think of businessmen strutting round the streets looking like they are talking loudly to themselves.

The new Jabra BT620, however, is a more traditional set of headphones, and will appeal to those who want to listen to music wirelessly.

It gives good sound quality, although you'll need to find a compatible A2DP-complaint Bluetooth device, which are few and far between. We like the sound of this, as trailing cables have long been an annoyance on the way to work. To read a full review, have a look here.

May 26, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (0)

Going jogging could never be described as much fun, especially if you have no idea how far you've run or how many calories you are actually burning, but yesterday Nike and Apple yesterday came up with a new concept that could change all that.

The Nike+ system involves a special running shoe that can tell you, via your iPod Nano, how you are doing with your fitness regime.

A tiny transmitter is fitted inside the trainers which sends information back to the iPod as you run, which will then feed back a record of your distance, time, pace and calories burned when you hook the player back up to your computer. Apparently you can then swap statistics and performance results with other athletes – if you want to!

Launched in New York yesterday with the help of such running luminaries as Paula Radcliffe, the Nike+ system will be available in Britain on 13 July, costing £25, although you'll need the special trainers too which cost £65.

This is certainly an interesting idea, although Tech Boutique has to admit it thought it was a joke at first. It remains to be seen if it will actually catch on, although we're sure a few people will think it is a good idea, that's if you can motivate yourself to actually get out there and do some jogging in the first place!

May 25, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mustek's new DV5300SE could be just what you are looking for if you can't decide between a still camera or a video camera, as now you can have both all in one!

With quite a stylish design, this multifunction device comes with mpeg4 technology for high quality video recording and a 3megapixel sensor. You also get a 1.5in swing display, which means you can easily choose and switch which view you want.

But that's not all, as there is an integrated mp3 player, and it can also be used a a voice recorder, USB stick and a card reader. Is there anything this device cannot do?

At £79, it is a snip, we wonder what picture quality is like?

May 24, 2006 in Cameras | Permalink | Comments (5)

As we reported last week, Apple's new Macbook has hit the streets, and we think they will become very popular.

Check out a full review to see how it measured up....

May 24, 2006 in Notebooks | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sony have just annoucned two new, very distinctive portable DVD players for your delectation.

The ultra-compact D-VE7000S (right) looks to be a very stylish and compact player, coming complete with headphone and speaker cradle, along with an optional car kit for entertainment on the road, with dual outputs making sharing easy. This little beauty has a 7in widescreen LCD and can also be used as a home DVD or music player.

Meanwhile, the DVP-FX810 'Portable Cinema' (left) has a clamshell case, 8in widescreen LCD and a 180º pivoting screen. Extra-long battery life means this is great for long journeys, with a remote control so you can select what you or your kids watch.

I don't know about you, but we are always jealous when we see someone with one of these devices on a train or car journey, so we'll be looking out for these when they hit the shops.

May 23, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (2)

If you find that typing in a seemingly innocent word into the Internet brings up a whole host of nasties that you would rather not see, then new predictive web search site Scandoo.com could be right up your street.

Simply go to the home page, put in your search term and Scandoo.com will scan every result for anything malicious, providing classifications next to each result. For example, they can advise whether site is safe (with a green tick), approached with caution (an amber ?) or a no-go area (with a red x). The site can also detect malware or spyware and any other offensive or illegal content.

Give it a go, the results are quite accurate and this could be a boon for families who find searching the web is risky.

May 22, 2006 in Websites | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you've bagged yourself one of the new MacBook's then the new LE13 stylish satchel from Be-ez could be just what you need to take it everywhere with you.

With one pocked for you machine and others for an peripheral devices or documents, it means you can transport all your technology in one bag.

These bags will be available at the beginning of July, priced at £44.95.

May 19, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (3)

For all those times when your iPod is stuck at the bottom of your bag, this handy gadget means you can always stay in control of your tunes, without having to actually get your iPod out.

GEAR4's CruiseControl is remote control compatible with all iPods and will work within a 50m range, so whether you are out running, on your bike or simply don't want to get hold of you iPod to change the track, then this could be the gadget for you.

The remote features seven functions, including shuffle and repeat, plus all the standard buttons, is portable and is totally powered by your iPod. Simply plug the CruiseControl into the iPod dock connector (which features a headphone amp and USB port on the bottom) and away you go.

It sounds like a good idea, and at £24.99 is affordable too.

May 18, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (4)

Companies are continually looking for the ultimate in portability to suit our busy lives, and this latest little gadget, the Nimzy Vibro Blaster, could be mistaken for having a whole different role to play in our lives.

The size of a tub of Vaseline, it claims to turn any solid surface into a speaker – you just need to plug in your mp3 player or laptop to supply the music.

Despite claims of superior sound quality compared to many portable speakers, this is a case of seeing is believing. Until we’ve had the Vibro Blaster in and tried it for ourselves, we seriously doubt the sound quality – but are prepared to be proven wrong.

Weight wise, its heavier than some of the portable speakers we’ve seen, and at £60, more expensive too.

But telling a crowded room you're getting out your Vibro Blaster does have a certain appeal….

May 17, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (0)

It was only a matter of time before Apple released an Intel version of the old iBook and here it is, the Macbook.

With prices starting at £749, this consumer notebook is a more affordable way to get your hands on one of these new Apple portables, with a lot of the same features as the professional MacBook Pro including the built-in iSight camera, iLife '06 with dinky remote control, MagSafe power connector and of course the Intel Core Duo Processor.

It also comes in a choice of black or white and at 13in it should be very portable. We reckon this new range will appeal to students and is part of a push which sees Apple try to take some business away from Windows-based notebooks, especially with the release of Boot Camp, which allows XP to be run on a Mac.

We'll let you know just how good they are when we get our hands on a review model.

May 17, 2006 in Notebooks | Permalink | Comments (0)

We all know that in the world of digital music, Apple as good as has the monopoly, not only with the mighty iPod, but also with the iTunes music store, but tomorrow MTV and Microsoft hope to change that with their new digital music store, Urge.

Two million tracks will be ready for download at 99c (53p) per track or you can take out a monthly subscription, and users can also transfer tracks to over 100 compatible players (but not iPods). Downloadable videos and some MTV shows will also be available.

It will come integrated into the newest version of Microsoft's Windows Media Player, but this will also feature links to other stores, hopefully giving you more choice.

We think it is good to see iTunes get some healthy competition, but we are wondering if snubbing the iPod means they will be cutting off their nose to spite their face? We shall see.

May 16, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (0)

DIY and home repairs can be a real headache if you don't know what you're doing and it can sometimes be a nightmare to find a reputable tradesman to help you out, so here's a website we think could be really useful.

Rated Tradesmen helps you locate skilled professionals in your area, which have already been rated by past customers. Simply type in your project details online and you will be put in touch with three trademen in your local area who are ready to give you a quote.

When the job is completed, you then leave a review of the work you had done, rating quality, value and reliability.

We think this is a great idea, as long as there are enough people contributing, and it means you know that whoever you choose hopefully won't leave you with a leaky roof for three weeks!

May 15, 2006 in Websites | Permalink | Comments (1)

Back in April we featured Sony's new E Series flash mp3 players, which come in a variety of colours.

We then wondered if this could be a good alternative to the iPod, and now the jury have returned their verdict.

Check out the review of this diminutive player here.

May 15, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you have a penchant for gambling, then new poker site PKR.com could be right up your street.

With 3D high-res graphics enabling you to really get into the game with facial expressions and body language, you can personalise your character. As you build up loyalty points, you can even have a complete replica of yourself made up from a photograph by the site's design experts.

Apparently around 30-40% of online poker players are women, not that we've met any, so maybe many of you are closet gamblers. If you fancy a whirl head over to the PKR site and you can pre-register and take a look before the big launch in June.

May 12, 2006 in Websites | Permalink | Comments (0)

Although walking and talking using a bluetooth headset could be considered by some as slightly uncool, they are nevertheless quite handy for hands-free moments, especially if you use your mobile all the time.

This BT160 from Jabra will therefore appeal to all those looking for good functionality, with six hours of talk time and voice activated dialling, with the added bonus of a choice of 33 different cover designs, which means you can change the cover according to your outfit or your mood.

There's something for everyone here and it does make the idea of having a headset more fun, if only just for a brief moment!

May 11, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (1)

The market seems to be flooded with iPod speakers these days, with a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and colours to choose from. So here's the latest offering from GEAR4, the HouseParty II, which is billed as a 'powerful, stylish home speaker system for any iPod'.

Stealing a little from the design of the more expensive and very desirable Bose Sounddock, this looks like a good system which will allow you to sync and charge your iPod while playing your tunes, at the bargain price of £69.99.

It is compatible with any recent iPod (so that will be the video models and the Nanos only then), has a cute little remote control and comes in either black or white.

We reckon this is will be a good alternative to some of the more expensive options out there.

May 10, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (0)

When you are out and about and you need to know what street that funky new bar is on or where the best place is for cocktails, then look no further than 82ASK, a new information service for you mobile.

Text any question you want to 82275 (82ASK) and within moments you will have an answer, any place, any time, anywhere. Or you can register online and ask from the web.

At £1 a go it might be a little pricey to use all the time, but when you need information on the move, it could be an invaluable service.

May 9, 2006 in Websites | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you have always craved to have a TV in every room, then this could be the perfect toy for you. At a just about affordable £199.99, this 5in waterproof LCD TV from Techvision means you can catch up with the latest episode of Eastenders while having a soak in the bath, or check out the latest happenings in Desperate Housewives while relaxing in the hot tub.

Fitting into a space approximatly the size of a tile, and with all leads and cables fitting behind in the cavity wall space, you are sure to be the envy of many with this neat gadget.

You also get a 3in waterproof speaker and remote control - but don't drop this in the bath as it isn't waterproof!

May 8, 2006 in TVs | Permalink | Comments (1)

Morphy Richards may be a name that brings up images of kitchenware used by your mum, but over the past few years the company has been pushing a younger, sleeker image of itself.

Its latest product is the Dab MP3 Player. Essentially, it's an mp3 player for your music, with an integrated digital radio so that you can get crystal clear sound for any radio station available on the service - provided of course that you are travelling through an area that supports Dab broadcasts.

It may be good as a radio, but to store your music it leaves a lot to be desired, because its capacities of either 256Mb or 512Mb are simply too small. So you'll be spending a lot of time swapping songs on and off.

And of course, in the height of originality, it's comes with white earphones. Hmmm. Wonder where they got that idea from?

At £140 for the 256MB version and £160 for the larger 512MB player we're not convinced, so unless you really want a portable Dab radio for when you're out and about we think there are better options.

May 5, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (1)

The world is cluttered with iPod accessories, and at the risk of adding to the load, SDI is bringing out  the iHome (you can tell whewre this is going by the spelling), an iPod clock radio.

Already available in the US (the maker claims it was the most popular iPod accessory last year), you can dock your iPod in the cradle and wake up to your fave tunes in the morning. The sound quality  is adequate for a small room, but there are better quality speakers around for the iPod.

If you fancy a bit of variety, you can listen to the radio instead, although at the moment that's restricted to an FM/AM tuner - a DAB version is planned, although SDI didn't say when.

The iHome iH5 costs £100, which seems a little steep to us, and will be available from mid-June. You can find a first looks review on Computer Active.

May 4, 2006 in Audio & MP3 Players | Permalink | Comments (2)

Knomo is coming out with its spring/summer range of leather laptop bags and iPod covers for the fashion conscious.

Designed for 12, 15 and 17in notebooks, the ladies executive range includes the slimline Odessa, while for those that prefer petite handles, there's the Kiki. There's also a sportier slimline and A-line range.

As well as protecting your laptop, the Knomo bags also have individual tracker ID numbers, just in case it's stolen when you're sipping cocktails in the bar. 

Available from major department stores or Knomo online from June, and costing from £100, they are very much targeted at the 'style-savvy tech-lover', says the company.

May 4, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (6)

This may look like an oversized lipstick, but it's a device that will make you go 'wow', may even tempt you to part with your cash, use once and then leave forever in a draw.

Called the Celluon Laserkey CL800BT, it's a laser keyboard that works with portable, Windows or Symbian devices such as PDAs or smartphones. It also works with the Crackberry, should you be addicted to yours.

The idea is, carry this, sync it to your PDA or phone, and you can type away. The virtual keyboard on any flat surface looks very sci-fi and catches your eye, so it has great novelty value. But then you start wondering why, especially at £129.

It's a bit pointless, but if you have money to burn and want to impress friends (or look slightly odd on the train, as you tap away on the table in front of you), you can read the full review of the Celluon Laserkey CL800BT on sister site PCW.

May 3, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (1)

Google have created a nifty calendar which lets you access your diary via the web, so you can organise your time and never miss another important event.

This free tool lets you share dates and events with others, and you can even set up groups for your friends or societies so you can see what everyone else is up to, plus you can import and meetings from Microsoft Outlook or Yahoo calendars.

We've had a quick go and it seems pretty easy to use, and with the ability to recognise events mentioned in emails (if you use Gmail) you'll have no excuse to miss important appointments again.

Take the tour of the Google calendar and check it out for yourself.

May 3, 2006 in Websites | Permalink | Comments (0)

Entertain your friends and family with this rather terrifying animatronic Sir Alan Sugar. For £39 you can order your very own message personally recorded by the man himself, along with 20 other famous catchphrases from the BBC2 show 'The Apprentice' which come pre-loaded.

At the end of his speech, a rather comical hand pops out and announces 'You're fired', which is bound to have everyone in stitches, although we think this might lose its appeal after a while.

This is enough to scare anybody out of a boardroom - get yours from the Amstrad website.

May 2, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now here's a novel idea from Nabaztag, a talking, bleeping, wireless smart rabbit. Connect this cute little bunny to the net, and it will read you the news or the weather, tell you the time, flash, beep and even do the dishes for you (OK we made that bit up).

You can personalise your rabbit with different colours and noises and, for a fee of between 3.90-5.90Euros, you can get access to a variety of email alerts, stock market reports and RSS feeds.

At present, services are mainly based in France, so you might find that your bunny has a bit of trouble with talking fluidly but, despite a few niggles, this is a fun idea which could thrive if UK-based services are improved.

Read a full review of the Nabaztag here.

May 2, 2006 in Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (0)