One Man’s Hi-Tech …..Is Another Woman’s Nightmare!

It struck me when I was gathering information for this feature that one man's (or woman's) hi-tech product would be considered something very simple by another person, or to put it another way, a slightly technically-challenged person, like myself, could be dazzled by something considered very lo-tech by her hi-tech sons.

So, I decided that we would include products using varying levels of technology in the interests of being fair. In the interests of being completely 'pc' (politically correct) I should also state that I'm not being sexist or ageist, in fact, my extremely lo-tech and a slightly older husband, is dazzled by the fact that I have managed to download (or it is upload?) 2,500 tracks onto my iPod, but ask me to programme the DVD recorder and I go blank.

(That's very spooky, as I write this a colleague has e-mailed me to ask if I can lift a logo from a pdf, place it on a word document and e-mail it back to her, which, of course, I can. So in her eyes, I'm hi-tech too!)

All this actually brings me, via a long and tortuous route, to my point. I can cut and paste a logo 'cos I have to, I can upload tracks onto an iPod 'cos I love music, but I can't programme the DVD 'cos I hate watching TV. The point is, before choosing your promotional product, be it hi-tech or lo-tech, consider the person receiving it and chose something appropriate, so that the chances are they will like it, it will fit their lifestyle and they will use the product. No matter how many megabytes it's got, or how many pixels, if it's not used, your promotional product is not promoting your brand!

CLOCKING-ON
For instance something useful and well as unusual is likely to make a lasting impact on the busy executive's desk. The K9 combined desk clock and thermometer (in the shape of a futuristic robot dog) has recently been added to the range of easily personalised desk accessories from Special EFX.

Standing 9cm tall and fully-articulated, the battery-operated canine provides a large illuminated digital readout of the time and temperature, with the additional benefits of an alarm function and flashing tail, all controlled by the pooch's push-button nose.
The K9 can be screen-printed with your logo.

ON THE SAFE SIDE
Getting slightly more technical, but still very practical, we have the new, personal safety alarm from EMC. With personal safety and crime high on the news agenda, EMC Advertising Gifts has launched this alarm with a sleek modern look.

The DX127 mini alarm comes in a metal polished dark red (other colours available on larger quantity) with safety cord and fits easily into the pocket or handbag.

A BIT FLASH
And for those who are too technically-challenged to change a battery (OK, I admit it!) this practical and innovative promotional key ring from EIC uses the latest in electronic circuitry to flash and display your brand, message or logo 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Cleverly powered by a novel solar cell, this handy key ring operates two separate images which are alternately flashed continuously, even if you happen to be under water! Whilst the front of the key ring is continuously making sure your message stands out, the reverse of the fob can be printed with all your company contact details.

Weighing in at only 25g and measuring just 66x26x8mm this really is a great little promotional tool to get your message across.

NICE MICE
Oldeani has a good range of USB's and multi port connectors which make great gifts.

These stylish USB mouses (or should that be mice!) are small enough to fit into a laptop bag, come with a retractable cable and can be used anywhere, just plug and go.

Another neat idea from Oldeani is this 6 in 1 compact card reader/writer which allows you to transfer data from all your memory cards onto one handsome unit and declutter your desk. This item supports SD/mini SD/MMC/RS MMC/4.0 / rs MMC4.0 compact.

USB's come in all disguises now and this highly practical USB memory device from The Corporate Merchandise Co (CMC) provides the ultimate in portability, carried safely around the wearer's wrist for information on the move.

Available in five vibrant colours this item has proved very popular with the education, telecoms, leisure and IT sectors and comes with a choice of 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacity.

And just to show that not all hi-tech promotional gifts are work orientated, we conclude with a trio of items which are more suited to leisure use.

You can capitalise on the craze that is still sweeping the nation with CMC's portable electronic Sudoku game. With great branding potential this item is popular across the boards, comes with its own lanyards for easy carriage and is made from durable plastic. Two difficulty levels and a built-in timer ensure that this is one promotional item that will continue to challenge its recipient over a long period of time.

PICTURE THIS

This 7" Braun DigiFrame from Procurement International comes in a black acrylic glass design and can display photos in landscape and portrait modes from most memory card types.

The DigiFrame also plays MP3s and Motion JPEGs videos. It features IR-remote control and easy to use screen menu. Compatible input formats are: CompactFlash Card (CF) Type I II, Secure Digital Card(SD) , MultiMedia Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MSPRO) and USB Pen Drive.

Also from Procurement is this myvu Personal Media Viewer to biggie-size your iPod® video screen. Connect your 30GB, 60GB, or 80GB iPod with video to the myvu personal media viewer for large screen action anywhere you go. myvu comes fully loaded with everything you need for a hands-free, big-screen personal viewing experience.

The lightweight eyewear contains built-in video viewing and audio systems for high quality viewing. Have your own movie marathon with myvu's ultra-thin battery pack that enables eight hours of video watching and doubles as a hard protective case for your iPod. A small pendant provides easy access to playback and brightness controls.

A perfect road-trip companion, myvu's premium travel case with room for your iPod makes it easy to bring myvu with you everywhere. myvu ensures you'll never run out of juice with included AC and car adapters for charging.

All this hi-tech equipment is quite inspiring, but I'm still waiting for the one device that will open the door of my car, house and office, get money from the hole in the wall, pay for my goods in the shops, allow me to keep in touch with everyone, remind me when my parking meter is running out, play my music, slip easily into my pocket … and tell me where it is when I lose it!

Carole Bull
Editor

Next month's feature is Camera's, dvds and mobile phones. If you have a suitable product to feature, email a short description and a jpeg. If you have a query you'd like me to put to an expert, just send a message to editor@promotional-merchandise.org.uk

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