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Here comes the summer - holiday kit on test
The gadgets you shouldn't leave home without
Casio G-Shock
Casio boldly - and, it has to be said, slightly tenuously - claims that thanks to the new additions to its G-Shock range, it is now cool to be square. And while we're all for a spot of Geek Chic, we considered that the famous watchmaker may have been stretching things a little.
But all doubts were swept away entirely when we clapped our eyes on one, because it looks absolutely superb - a conservative interpretation of bling if you like, especially if you opt for the gold version also being released alongside a swathe of other colours.
The perfect companion for any holiday action, the G-Shock's wrist strap is stainless steel and curves into the display seamlessly. The analogue watch face is complemented both functionally and aesthetically by digital dual dials that display extra information.
The G-Shock is waterproof to 200m so can handle any Scuba diving or watersports with aplomb, is shock and vibration proof, and also sports LED illuminator lights so you can see everything no matter where you are. There are also world times, stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms and the ubiquitous snooze function so you don't miss your flight. Fully featured, stylish and obscenely cheap in the face of some seriously designer competitors, we reckon the G-Shock has it all.
Casio G-Shock
Casio proves that it is indeed hip to be square...
Price | £130 |
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More info | Casio's G-Shock website |
Cayago VX2 Seabob
If you're headed to a balmy beach resort and want to liven up your stay, the Seabob is just what you need. Whether you want to cruise along the water's surface without effort or dive below it and get taken for a ride, the Seabob water bobsleigh can accommodate your needs nicely.
Powered by an environmentally friendly electric jetstream system that runs totally emission free to a restricted five horse-power, getting in control is as simple as jumping in at the deep end and taking it by the joystick-style handles. Steering is all down to shifting body weight left and right and once you've mastered the basics getting up to the 20kph top speed on the surface, you can push the nose down and dive to an ear-popping 40 metres.
Two things really limit the Seabob's appeal: its weight on land - it's a spine-crippingly heavy 63kg - and thus expensive to transport, and its price. Seven and a half grand is a lot of money for a plaything, but if you've got some to spare then this has to be the ultimate summer boy's toy.
Cayago VX2 Seabob
Jump in at the deep end with a little watersports action...
Price | £7500 |
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More info | The Seabob page on Harrod's website |
Verdict
Different holidays will bring with them different gadget requirements. Which means no top ten is likely to be definitive for everyone, hence the variety on offer here. Us? Well, we'll be taking in the sun, sea and surf this year and so Olympus' brilliant 770SW accompanied by the Gorillapod would be top of our list. Closely followed, that is, by the Sony laptop and Sling Media Slingbox so we never miss another episode of Malcolm in the Middle.