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
Dale Smith
Occupation
Co-founder of Article 10 design agency
Location
Didcot, Oxfordshire
WHY I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY
RIM BlackBerry
Why did you buy it?
I wanted to be more in touch with the office while out and about and travelling to meetings, and even on holiday -- it's the nature of the beast when you're self-employed.
What does it do for you?
Having a BlackBerry is like always having a foot in the office. It's critical -- I can send and receive emails, view attachments and edit my diary, so it gives me the peace of mind that I can leave the office and I won't be out of the loop.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Yes, absolutely, to anyone who wants to feel more connected to the office. But life won't be the same again -- it's like getting your first mobile phone, it totally changes the way you live and work.
Name
Dale Smith
What I do
Co-founder of Article 10 design agency
Where I live
Didcot, Oxfordshire
Outside Interests
Board sports, mountaineering, travel, computer gaming, movies and music
If you could design and create your ultimate product, what would it be?
A babel fish -- not the Internet thing, a proper electrical, stick-it-in-your-ear, language translation device, like in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
What tech insider secret do you find most useful?
Although it's tempting to buy one of the big brand names, a little research often reveals products of superior quality and better value from specialist manufacturers
Do you have three you can't live without? Click here
