With the recent unveiling of the iPhone, the debate about gadgets and good looks has been resurrected among techies. We take a look at a few gadgets that pride themselves on being fashion accessories, as well as substantial devices, and see whether they measure up as both good looking and suitably techy.
Sennheiser HD 270 Control
Tech: The Sennheiser HD 270 Control headphones are designed for studio work, so there was never a doubt about them delivering when it came to listening to music. Our favorite feature has to be their insulation, which helps to block out almost all ambient noise.
Fashion: The HD 270 may sport a design that’s a little plain, but fashionistas have been raving over it nonetheless.
Balance: 75 percent tech; 25 percent fashion.
Details: $189. Pan Photo & Electronic
(#02-40/41 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6733-1131).
Sony Ericsson HBH PV705 Style Edition
Tech: This Bluetooth headset’s got 12 hours of talk time and 300 hours of stand-by, so there’s nothing terribly out of the ordinary there. Its sound quality, however, is fantastic.
Fashion: Three different panels that allow you to customize its look and a cool neck strap so you can wear it as a fashion accessory makes the HBH PV705 a must for chic techies.
Balance: 25 percent tech; 75 percent fashion.
Details: The Sony Ericsson HBH PV705 Style Edition will be available sometime during the first quarter of 2007.
The Prada Phone by LG
Tech: Beating out Apple’s iPhone, the Prada Phone by LG is the world’s first completely touch screen mobile, but other than that, its features are fairly standard, so don’t expect discerning techies to be blown away.
Fashion: Boasting a minimalist design, with an 11.9mm body, the looks of this baby were never in question. Heck, this phone is so well designed that it’ll aesthetically appeal to tech and fashion lovers. Tai tais and metrosexuals will make a beeline for this one.
Balance: 35 percent tech; 65 percent fashion.
Details: The phone will only be on sale in Singapore in late Mar, but expect to pay at least a thousand bucks for this.
Nikon Coolpix S7c
Tech: The S7c from Nikon’s Coolpix series features a function that’ll help with camera shakes and even Wi-Fi capabilities. The sweetest feature, though, is the Pictmotion, which allows you to display a slideshow of your images along with a soundtrack.
Fashion: Sleek, small and curvaceous, the S7c is one of those cameras that people are dying to be seen with.
Balance: 51 percent tech; 49 percent fashion.
Details: $699. Aik Seng Photo (#01-29 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6734-5771).
iPod Nano (Product) Red
Tech: The latest incarnation of the iPod Nano has phased out all the problems of its predecessors. It’s idiot-proof to use, and if you’re looking for a basic MP3 player, it’s one of the best in the market.
Fashion: It’s commonplace to see a Nano hanging around people’s necks these days. Plus, with every one of these purchased, Apple sends US$10 to the Global Fund, and what’s more attractive than helping out?
Balance: 51 percent tech; 49 percent fashion.
Details: $428 (8GB), $348 (4GB). Exclusively available at the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com.sg/store).
