Focus on gadgets

With the Consumer Electronics Show behind us, it is time to look at some of the gadgets that made the headlines - and some that will help pass the time while we save up for the more financially draining shiny toys.

Canon PowerShot N 

The latest edition to Canon's highly successful PowerShot line has surprised many with both its form and function. Aimed squarely at the social media market, the PowerShot N is all about ease of use and connectivity. Pressing a single button instantly connects smart phones or other mobile devices. Built-in Wi-Fi makes for easy uploading and sharing of your pictures. Canon's excellent 12 megapixel sensor, wedded to equally brilliant stabilization and low-light compensation software, ensures great photos and videos in any situation. There are cheaper cameras with similar specifications out there, but for many the extra convenience and unusual style of the PowerShot N will make it worth that little bit extra.

Czc.cz, 7,500 Kč

Sony Xperia Z  

The name of the best Android phone changes hands more often than a dollar bill in a strip club. Current frontrunners include the Samsung Galaxy SIII, LG's Nexus 4 and the HTC One X. Sony has never mounted a realistic bid for the top spot, as its smart phones have long languished in mediocrity, often off the pace with both hardware and pricing. However, the latest in its Xperia line of phones aims to change that. The Xperia Z comes with all the specifications expected of a flagship phone: 2 GB RAM, Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, 5-inch screen (with the best resolution currently on the market), 13 megapixel main camera, 2.2 MP secondary camera. It is also certified waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Unfortunately, by pricing the Xperia closer to the iPhone 5 than to comparable Android phones, Sony may well have doomed what would otherwise be a world-class product.

Czc.cz, 17,000 Kč

LG 55EM9700

Next month, LG is set to bring the world's first large-screen OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TV to market. A prototype of this television won a slew of accolades at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2012, and the production version demonstrated at this year's CES has set the bar even higher. The 55-inch LG 55EM9700 promises revolutionary image quality, and at only 5 mm thick, it is the thinnest TV ever produced. The set will include all of LG's SmartTV software and the new Magic Motion remote with voice and gesture control. The only thing more staggering than this TV's performance is its price.

Lg.cz, 200,000 Kč

Submarine

At last, time in the bath need not be wasted. With this full waterproof submarine radio, you can hear the latest stock market news and keep yourself abreast of world events. Or if you can't be bothered with any of that rubbish, you can listen to classic rock while occasionally shouting "Dive, dive, dive!" and "Pinnng!"

Moontoys.cz, 600 Kč

Flower Grenade

Feeling a bit guilty about buying that monster SUV with the polar bear interior and dolphin tires? Then why not awaken your inner eco-warrior with Flower Grenade? Simply throw the grenade at any piece of land that you think needs livening up, then return in a few weeks to see rye grass, buttercups and poppies brightening the urban blight. Comes in packs of three.

Freshlabels.cz, 350 Kč

Jedi Training Remote

If you've ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of millions of voices suddenly crying out in terror and being suddenly silenced, you're in luck. The Jedi Training Remote alarm clock brings a little bit of Star Wars into your morning. Should you be unable to disable the alarm using only your mastery of the Force, this clock is designed to be picked up and thrown against the nearest wall to turn it off.

Toptoys.cz, 900 Kč

nPower Peg

The nPower Peg uses the kinetic energy produced by simply going about your daily routine into electric charge for a host of portable gadgets. Simply place the peg upright in your briefcase, backpack or handbag. It will charge up after 10 minutes of brisk walking, equal to 1 minute talk time on your mobile. The Peg can also be charged directly from mains electricity or by USB. The extensive array of adapters that come with the Peg mean it can be used to recharge almost any device.

Fotoskoda.cz, 6,000 Kč

Mike Jones can be reached at
features@praguepost.com