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
Apple Newton
Why did you buy it?
Don’t laugh at me now. I bought it because it was, and in some weird way still is, the coolest PDA ever invented.
What does it do for you?
It’s retro beyond belief -- Apple introduced these in the mid-90s. The battery life is amazing -- the Newton uses a similar processor to the Space Shuttle; it barely uses any power at all. Plus the handwriting system it uses is still excellent. I write notes and diary entries with it.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Yes. If they can get hold of one. The Newton was discontinued years and years ago. It was way ahead of its time and Apple had a real problem marketing it, but there are plenty of user groups on the Internet and people are still writing software for it.
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
Do you have three you can't live without? Click here
