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
Nintendo DS Lite
Why did you buy it?
I have a very long commute from Oxfordshire, so if there's no room to open the laptop, it's great to get the DS out and get out of work mode. Brain Training is very cool, very different to the usual games.
What does it do for you?
It's a little bit of escapism from the hustle and bustle of London -- I can just plug in and switch off. It's great for passing the time, and it's rugged enough to not get battered in the rush hour.
Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Yeah, definitely. It hasn't got the graphics or extra functionality of the PSP, but its size, convenience and ruggedness make it the perfect travelling companion.
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
