Techboy :: Computers and Gadgets

.:Computers and Gadgets:.

Yes, I am yet another cyber-junkie addicted to the 'net and all its forms.

I won't detail what I have computer wise as it is always changing. Suffice is to say that I have a 'ninja' self-built PC as a primary PC and a 2nd PC for LINUX stuff, lots of interesting peripherals (joysticks, pedals, sound system, backup storage device, webcam, etc.).

I spend a lot of time on the Internet - for work and hobbies I use it as a valuable source of information and at home I use it to keep my computer up to date with the latest software programs and drivers for my hardware. I do 99% of all of my banking online (UK and France). I also use it as a form of recreation (i.e. games), let's face it playing against the computer is okay - but killing your friends (or even teaming up to kill others) is loads more fun! I also do a lot of shopping over the Internet - have saved loads of dosh!

As far as gadgets go, I've got a few! A short list is:

DigiGuide	DigiGuide is an excellent TV Listing program. It allows you to create a customised TV listing, enable alerts, highlight favourite programs, etc. Try it for free!
Digital Camera (Compact)	Panasonic DMC-TZ3EB-K. World Smallest Camera With 10x Optical Zoom and 28mm Wide Angle Leica Lens, 7 Megapixel and 3 Inch LCD Screen. I am very impressed with the quality and features of this camera. I had the Canon 350D first, but it is great to also have a small camera that I can take snowboarding, or use in conjunction with the physically larger SLR.
Digital Camera (SLR)	I have just sold my Canon 350D and will be getting the Canon 450D when it comes out.
GPS	In my phone: HTC TyTN II In my sports watch: Forerunner 305 On my bike: Garmin Geko 201. I have it mounted to my mountain bike In my car: Road Angel I also have a TomTom Bluetooth GPS which I used to use with my old PDA/phone, but as my phone now has GPS built in, I don't need it any more
Heart Rate Monitor	Garmin Forerunner 305. A heart rate monitor and watch with GPS. I got this after getting the Polar F6, but it is quite big, so looks a bit too silly to wear in the gym. Polar F6. A heart rate monitor and watch. Very useful for training and monitoring your progress. I might replace this with the Garmin Forerunner 50 - just because it makes sense to use just the Garmin software for to record all of my training
Iron	LauraStar Magic Evolution II. Cost me £275. My friends say I was mad to spend that much on an iron, but it's quality!
Mobile Phone	Personal = HTC TyTN II - has pretty much everything including GPS, 3G, WiFi, Windows Mobile, camera, etc. Work = HTC P4350 - a cut down version of the HTC TyTN II, but okay for checking e-mails while on the move
MP3 Player	iPod Nano. Good size for the gym. I use it with Sennheiser PMX 70 Sport headphones I also have the Nike+ system which talks to my Nike+ road running shoes. They measure my speed, distance, running pace, etc. Actually works very well.
Penknife	SOG. One handed operation. Every boy needs a penknife!
Pocket Tool	Leatherman Supertool. Very handy piece of kit
Speed Camera Detector	Road Angel (I am still happy with this - especially the £100 lifetime subscription, most others are about £50 per year!)
Watch	Tissot T-Touch. Time, Date, Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer, Compass, Stopwatch, Alarm - and I really bought it just because it looks good (honest!)