In the fickle world of the tech enthusiast, where favourite gadgets come and go, the test of time is the only sure way for a device to prove its mettle. So we asked real gadget lovers to show us the products they can't live without.
Name
Jim Merrett
Occupation
Travel writer
Location
Brighton, England
WHY I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY
Starlogic DVD player
Why did you buy it?
I love films and a friend sent me a link to this Starlogic player that cost £19. The idea that this DVD player cost less than the DVD I’ll play on it appealed to my surreal sense of reality.
What does it do for you?
It plays DVDs without much complaint. It’s no-frills, but it’s never really messed up badly. Sometimes I can’t get rid of subtitles on a DVD, but it was £19! I like watching slightly bizarre movies like Buffalo 66, so any extra grain this player is adding is just improving the atmosphere. I can’t lose.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Yes. It’s so cheap it’s almost disposable, and yet it seems to be able to play DVDs as well as any other player I’ve used. You could always just buy one and if you’re not happy with it, just throw it out with your left-overs. They should make the case out of cardboard or something -- really play on the idea that it’s the cheapest DVD player in the world.
Name
Jim Merrett
What I do
Travel writer
Where I live
Brighton, England
Outside Interests
The novels of Haruki Murakami
If you could design and create your ultimate product, what would it be?
A surfboard that fits in your pocket
What tech insider secret do you find most useful?
Don't go swimming with your mobile
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