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
Henry Dimbleby
Occupation
Owner, Leon restaurants
Location
London
WHY I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY
IBM ThinkPad X41
Why did you buy it?
I cycle everywhere and I don't have an office, so I need a computer that's a mobile office that I can easily carry. It's brilliant -- it works, and it's very light.
What does it do for you?
I like sitting on a park bench and sharing other people's Wi-Fi, and seeing the funny names they give themselves. I love that culture of sharing. Plus all our tills are available online, so I can see what any restaurant is doing at any time from anywhere in the world.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
I got knocked off my bike once and it flew across the street. I've got a big scar on my arm, but the laptop was fine. It's incredibly battered, but it still works perfectly for email, the Internet, PowerPoint, spreadsheets -- everything you need to run a modern business.
Name
Henry Dimbleby
What I do
Owner, Leon restaurants
Where I live
London
Outside Interests
Travel, cycling
If you could design and create your ultimate product, what would it be?
A mobile phone that you never have to charge.
What tech insider secret do you find most useful?
Don't buy into the crap they try to sell you -- keep it simple, keep it to what you need.
Do you have three you can't live without? Click here
