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
Neil Fairbrother
Occupation
Video podcast producer
Location
London, UK
WHY I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY
Mac PowerBook G4 (15-inch)
Why did you buy it?
I needed a new laptop as my other laptop, the Ti PowerBook, didn't have the features I needed.
What does it do for you?
I take it with me when I'm out and about -- I use it as a portable sales tool and use GarageBand to record audio podcasts. The attention to detail on this laptop is nice -- for example, the keyboard lights up in the dark. This is good if I'm working at night with the sliding doors open and don't want insects flying in. I don't use this laptop for video editing though -- I do that on my Power Mac G5 Quad.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
I would, although it's now been replaced by the Intel MacBook models. In my experience, non-Apple laptops are very unreliable.
Name
Neil Fairbrother
What I do
Video podcast producer
Where I live
London, UK
Outside Interests
Sailing, rock-climbing, cycling, hill-walking and using Apple Macs
If you could design and create your ultimate product, what would it be?
I wish I'd designed the iPod -- it's an example of great product design.
What tech insider secret do you find most useful?
I've created a music network at home using iTunes and Airport Express. This means I can play music on either the hi-fi in the lounge or the hi-fi in my bedroom -- or both at the same time!
Do you have three you can't live without? Click here
