Carl's Top Gadgets, and Why He Bought Them
Our presenter Carl takes a look at a handful of gadgets that have changed his life. You make think they're gimmicks, but here, Carl explains why these widgets were a must-have...
Third Hand Magnifier (Blackspur)
Two crocodile clips attached to a frame with a magnifying glass in the middle attached to a sturdy base. The firm base is small but does an admirable job of holding items of many different sizes and weights cleverly designed with appropriate shaped support feet to prevent the device from falling over.
Why I'm surprisingly impressed: The first time I made use of this was for super-gluing two fiddly little pieces of plastic together with precision. It was one of those scenarios where I had in-fact already purchased the product but had not made use of it for some months, one of those things you almost try to resist using through some sort of crazy unnecessary demonstration of independence to yourself, but on this particular occasion I did feel having a 'third hand' would be rather useful.
What I needed to do was hold both pieces of plastic together but the most important thing was the precision of the fix so I also needed to magnify the two parts at first I almost considered attempting trying to hold an independent magnifying glass in order to achieve the desired results then I remembered the 'Third Hand Magnifier'. An essential for soldering.
Battery, Bulb and Fuse Tester (Rolson)
Easy to use hand held device with a meter and multiple contact points suitable for most types of battery, fuse and bulbs.
Why I was surprisingly impressed: How many times have you gone to use an old favourite battery operated product and found it doesn't work. The first reaction is to think it must be the batteries so you go out and buy some new ones and replace them just to find out it still doesn't work, annoying. Checking the fairy lights on the Christmas tree by moving them all along one at a time, frustrating.
The same can be said of checking fuses by changing them or not knowing which ones are okay in a box of spares without trying them all out in a plug one at a time. Every time I use it I am happy I've got one.
Wind up LED torch (from Status International)
A rather standard looking touch although you might say it kind of resembles a bicycle front light in appearance, never-the-less a comfortable hand held size with a push button on/off switch on the top. The only other feature worth mention is the neatly attached wind-up handle used to charge up the battery by utilizing a dynamo system. The winding handle cleverly folds in and out of the main body of the torch preventing it from getting in the way during normal usage.
Why I was surprisingly impressed: Like many people I keep an emergency torch in the glove compartment of the car but when I go to use it the batteries have always run out and of course this is not from over use. It is more likely due to the fact I haven't had to use it for over a year and due to the extreme temperature changes in the car the batteries have not survived.
That was the maybe 'unsurprising' advantage of this torch and of course I now have a reliable torch in the car ready for emergencies, after a little wind-up.
Stoway Cable Tidy
A piece of plastic that fits over the three prongs of a British mains plug used for coiling the wire round for storing and transportation ideal for things like mobile phone plugs, hand held game devices, camera chargers etc...
Why I was surprisingly impressed: This simple but effective device is more impressive in practical use than in theory. There is really very little that can be said about such a simple but obvious creation. The surprise for me was really the fact that for so many years plug adapters have come without them. They are so basic but perfect it's as if manufacturers in the past have forgotten to include them with their products.
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We've more on the Stoway here: Stoway Cable TidyReview
Gofer X Electric Screwdriver
A white flattened egg shaped electric screw driver with a pressure activated two way motor for loosening or tightening-up screws. Includes a variety of different screw heads and stylish white charging base unit.
Why I was surprisingly impressed: I must confess I was given this as a gift by a friend who had already identified the advantage of this device, but never-the-less he is right. As he presented it to me he said "I know you've probably got an electric screw driver as have I, but not like this" as he eagerly removed it from the packet for me. My initial reaction was doubt. I felt that the strange shape of the device might cause problems with space when locating the screw heads, but he was right, it's fine. The shape is really easy and comfortable to hold which may seem a strange thing to say but it is this factor in conjunction with the method of activating the motor, applying pressure, which gives it a real advantage over my original electric screw driver which requires you to press a button to active the motor. Really useful when trying to do two man jobs independently.
Massage Frog (Debenhams)
A plastic frog shaped battery operated massager which has four identical ball shaped feet about half the size of golf balls and an on/off button located on its bottom. Takes 2 x AA batteries.
Why I was surprisingly impressed: This novelty massager is one of those products available from Debenhams usually as a Christmas product, which is when and why I received mine. They are or were available in a variety of different animals with very similar design. The reason that this product has impressed me is due to the response of many visitors to my house. The device is usually sitting around on the coffee table or some other surface in the lounge and friends and relations often enquire as to its purpose.
When they try it out the majority of them show so much interest that they respond by wanting to buy one.
Other Stuff Like This:
- Oakley Thump Review (Carl's MP3 Glasses)
- Laptray Laptop Tray Review (Another Carl Favourite)
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