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Catch the waveWith Gitex just over, it’s time you got up-to-date with the latest in personal entertainment/lifestyle devices. Hina Navin Bhatia picks a few must-have gadgets to help you surf the net, listen to songs, watch movies, take calls... all while on the move

Merlin Watch Phone M70 What it is: watch phone Key features: FM radio and MP4/MP3 player; keypad and handwriting input; web camera, voice dial up, voice recorder; WAP, Bluetooth, GPRS download Available at: Dubai Duty Free, Plug-ins, Compume, Jackys, Emax Tip: Use it as a strap-on MP3 player in the gym. You can even answer calls like special agents in movies who seem to talk to their wrists!

Merlin I-Theater 3D Cordless What it is: video glassesKey features: Displays a virtual screen in front of your eyes; Connects to any AV device, gaming systems or your satellite box; while travelling, can connect to iPod Video, Iphone or a portable DVD player Available at: Dubai Duty Free, Plug-Ins, Compume, Jacky’s, EmaxTip: Check battery life before buying

Acer Stream (Innovative device) What it is: Multimedia Smartphone Specs: 1 GHz processor with 3-D graphics engine, ideal for gaming; Android Eclair 2.1; can store 500 songs, 1,000 photos, 2 full-length movies Available at: Sharaf DG, Carrefour, Jacky’s, Plug-Ins, eMax, i2, Jumbo, E4U Tip: Plenty of multimedia and entertainment possibilities.

Merlin Swim MP3 What it is: MP3 player Key features: plays MP3/WMA files; FM stereo radio; built-in rechargeable battery; 2GB built-in memory – stores over 1,000 songs; 100 per cent waterproof Available at: Dubai Duty Free, Plug-Ins, Compume, Jackys, Emax Tip: Charge player only after it is dry

Edifier Luna 5 encoreWhat it is: Docking station – an all-in-one audio systemKey features: for iPod, iPhone and MP3 players; one-piece unit; elliptical shape speaker panel; 5 driver speaker system; digital FM tuner with preset stations Available at: Virgin Megastore, Apple iStyle, Sharaf DG, Plug-Ins, Jackys, Geant, CompuME, Eurostar and ECity Tip: Includes cables to connect other devices

Kodak Pulse What it is: Digital picture frameKey features: Receive pictures via email from computers and mobile phones; add pictures with built in Wi-Fi capability; easy set-up with no software to install; intuitive touchscreen interface for easy interaction with photos; store up to 4,000 pictures Tip: The frame automatically refreshes the pictures when new ones are added to the albumsAvailable at: All major electronic stores and hypermarkets

Merlin Pocket Theatre 3D What it is: Portable 3D movie playerKey features: Parallax Barrier auto stereoscopic 3D digital display; free convertibility between 2D and 3D content; built-in 8GB memory; Hi-fi stereo sound Tip: Watch any movie and photo in 3D without glassesAvailable at: Dubai Duty Free, Plug-Ins, Compume, Jacky’s Electronics, Emax

DENON Headphone - AHD2000BK What it is: Over-Ear HeadphoneKey features: Metal hybrid compound moulded housing; micro-fibre diaphragm; acoustic optimiser; high quality OFC cabling; Gold plated aluminium connector; lightweight magnesium frame; cloth mesh cable

jacketTip: Capable of

reproducing ultra low frequencies

and clear bass notes the kind you would never have experienced before. Available at: emax

EA Sports Active More Workouts What it is: Fitness workout gameKey features: 35 new exercises and fitness activities; get fitness and nutrition tips from professionals from the fitness book (included)Tip: Use a resistance band (available in store) that allows you to complete the exercises properly. Available at: Virgin Megastore

Creative X-FI2 16GB What it is: Flash Portable Media PlayerSpecs: Built-in speaker, FM Radio with 32 preset stations, clock, alarm, calendar, task, contacts organiser Tip: Use the bookmark function to remind you which track you were on or where you in your audio book. Available at: emax Samsung YP-RO

What it is: MP3 PlayerKey features: 4GB/8GB option for memory capacity; battery time: 30 hours for audio playing; FM radio Tip: Download your music anywhere and just drag and drop on this player for music on the go. Available at: Axiom, Carrefour, Eros, Jumbo, Jacky Electronics

HP Envy 14 1099EE What it is: Notebook PCKey features: Bluetooth wireless networking; 2-in-1 integrated Digital

Media Reader for SD cards and MultiMedia cards; 1 HDMI

port, 1 stereo headphone-out, 1 headphone-out/

microphone-in combo jack, 3 USB 2.0 ports

(3rd shared with eSATA port), 1 eSATA + USB port, 1 RJ45 ethernet port;

Mini display port Available at: Jacky’s

Electronics/GITEX ShopperTip: It’s a premium model, fully loaded machine for business-oriented people.

T E C H N O L O G Y

Nintendo DSi XL What it is: Hand-held gaming consoleKey features: share photos wirelessly; play music, record with the microphone; download games and applications directly to your system Tip: Record and play with your voiceAvailable at: eMax stores across the UAE

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Bang & Olufsen (BeoLab 5) What it is: LoudspeakersKey features: Adaptive Bass Control; Acoustic Lens Technology; Moving Microphone System; Thermal protection for all loudspeaker units; 2500 watts RMS outputAvailable at: Bang & Olufsen showroomsTip: Adaptive Bass Control will listen to and analyse the sound of the room and tailor the speakers’ performance accordingly.

Kinect for Xbox 360What it is: Gaming peripheralKey features: Easily hook up with friends with Video Kinect, no headset required but 175 MB of memory and Xbox LIVE Gold membership is required; sign into your profile by just stepping in front of the sensor; Kinect

games give you the freedom to jump, duck and spin your way through a unique adventure.Available at: e-Max after November 10, 2010Tip: Kinect will work both standing up or sitting down, but do place it above or below the television.

Panasonic 3D Camcorder - HDC-SDT750What it is: 3D CamcorderKey features: 3D image shooting with 3D conversion lens; advanced 3MOS image sensor system; high-density 1080/50 progressive recording; crystal engine PRO; Leica Dicomar lens; iA (Intelligent Auto) function; 35mm wide-angle lens; manual ringAvailable at: Al Futtaim Panatech showrooms and all leading

electronics storesTip: This model is the world’s first 3D Camcorder that comes with fixed focal length for 3D shoots.

LG Projector (AF115)What it is: Home cinema projector Key features: Full HD projector; 30000:1 High contrast ratio; 4,000 hours life timeAvailable at: Emax at Mirdif City Centre and Oasis CentreTip: To prolong lamp life, always allow your projector to cool completely before turning off or unplugging.

HP TouchSmart IQ600 PC What it is: personal computer Key features: Intel Core2 Duo Processor T6500; Windows 7 Premium 64-bit; 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM memory; Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner; wireless connectivity; high definition audio with high performance 2.0 speakers Available at: Jacky’s Electronics / GITEX ShopperTip: It has high resolution and good specs.

Sony PS3 Slim – 250 GB What it is: Game console Key features: 250GB HDD storage; internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi; two USB ports; connect to compatible USB devices and with b/g/n networks.Available at: Jacky’s Electronics Tip: You can connect up to 7 controllers wirelessly at a single time.

More the merrierIf you believe entertainment is heightened when in the company of family and friends, here are some funky gadgets that are sure to reiterate your belief.

TECHNOLOGY

Merlin Home Multi Media Center Premium What it is: Digital Media PlayerKey features: 3.5 SATA hard disk with 2 Terra-bytes storage; wireless Lan and Ethernet connections to access your home network Available at: Emax, Dubai Duty Free, Plug-Ins, Compume, Jackys, Tip: It plays all formats and has direct torrent downloads.

The Hitachi LED TV is an ultra-thin technology masterpiece. Distinct crystaldetailing and bezel design makes it look good. The latest energy-savinginnovations and eco-friendly components will make you feel great. Take alook at the Hitachi LED TV at any of the showrooms below. It's the future.

INTRODUCING HITACHI LED TVs

47”AED 5499 55” LED TV + 32” L32N03A LCD TV AED 1099942” AED 3999

ULTRA-THIN LIGHTNESS | CRYSTAL & BEZEL DESIGN | ECO-SENSOR | FULL HDUSES 40% LESS ENERGY | ZERO MERCURY | 4 HDMI INPUTS | 2 USB INPUTS | 100HZ

Authorized Distributors: Eros Electricals, Sales Office, P.O. Box 1184, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: 04-266 6216, Fax: 04-266 0745; www.erosgroup.aeAvailable at: Dubai Deira 04-2222971 Karama 04-3350141 • Deira City Centre 04-2958885 • Mall of The Emirates 04-3413141 • Arabian Centre04-2845629 Mirdif City Centre 04-2845485 • Abu Dhabi: Madinat Zayed: 02-632 2974; Marina Mall: 02-681 7129; Tourist Club: 02-645 1831• Sharjah: Main: 06-568 6067; Mubarak Centre: 06-562 0099; Sharjah City Centre: 06-533 3133 • Fujairah 09-2229108 • Ras Al Khaimah 07-2286636

ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

E l e c t r o n i c s

TECHNOLOGY

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Altec Lansing Mix iMT800What it is: Digital boombox speakers for iPhone and iPodKey Features: Audio Alignment – Drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound; FM Radio tuner with four station presets; automatic music pause when a call is received on the iPhone, recharges while it plays your tunes; XdB bass-enhanced 5.25” side-firing subwoofer; 7 band graphic EQ with four adjustable presets; connects up to two additional audio players; high

contrast LCD Display; clip-on remote control; shielded iPod/iPhone dockAvailable at: Virgin Megastore, Apple iStyle, Sharaf DG, Plug-Ins, Jackys, Geant, CompuME, Eurostar & ECity Tip: Do not place the box on a bookshelf or on a rack where the side firing woofers are blocked.

Sony MHC-GZR999D What it is: Mini Hi-fi component systemKey features: 840W RMS, 9200W PMPO; 7-inch LCD display; 3 DVD/VCD/CD changer with MP3 playback; USB direct MP3 recording and playback function; USB movie playback Available at: Emax, Mirdif City Centre and Oasis Centre Tip: You can record from cassette tape to USB

Samsung HT-C9950What it is: home theatreKey features: flexible mounting; 7.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic IIz; Crystal Amp Pro; intelligent power; 3D Blu-Ray support and wireless connectivity; slot-in type disc loading Available at: Jumbo, Jackys, Eros, Harman House, Carrefour Tip: When purchasing high-end products, always complement them with components of similar quality in order to achieve the best results.

Bose Lifestyle V35 home entertainment system

What it is: Home theatre system Key features: 5.1 surround sound; connects up to 6 high definition (HD) sources; Unify Intelligent Integration System; dock for

your iPod or iPhone;

Pioneer BDP-120What it is: Blu Ray DVD PlayerKey features: 1080P Picture Quality; BD –Live compliant; internet connectivity; USB Input; HDMI Output Available at: EmaxTip: Use HDMI Cable for Optimum AV Quality

– Hina Navin Bhatia is a Dubai-based freelancer

radio-frequency remote w/ LED Screen; 4 Jewel Cube speakers, 1 horizontal centre speaker and 1 Acoustimass module; AM/FM tuner; Available at: The Bose Store, Plug-Ins, Audio Lounge; Thomsun Trading Tip: Follow its on-screen guide to name each connection. It also suggests which type of connection is best and an audible beep confirms the connection.