Category: Gadgets and Tech

A relic from the 1970s? Far from it – this is a brand new camcorder from Panasonic – the SDR-SW20.

It’s built to last and to go where your average camcorder fears to tread – offering waterproof protection up to 1.5m underwater, shockproofing that protects from falls of up to 1.2m and general dustproofing if you’re out in the wilds. And just to add to stability, everything is recorded to SD or SDHC cards – up to 13 hours in long play to a 16GB card.

Other features include 10x optical zoom, Image Stabiliser, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, a quick start of just 0.6 seconds and the ability to create a DVD of your recordings with just a touch of a button. Shop around for a best price, but we’ve seen them as cheap as £238 online.

Find out more at the Panasonic website

It might look like something out of your dad’s drawer of old rubbish, but you know what? I actually like the Roland Edirol MP3 player.

It’s set to launch in Japan, offering something a million miles away from the iPod and its numerous lookalikes, as well as the ability to record and play back 24-bit audio, an SD/SDHC card slots, a high speed USB 2.0 port, up to 4 hours of recording time, a remote control, built in speakers (the ‘shaver head’ at the top), 70s-style controls and audio software.

No news of a price as yet – or if this will head to the UK.

Roland Japan

Via DVice

It might look like an old record player, but the Turntable Phonograph can’t actually play your vinyl – but will get you up in the morning.

Available in pink or white, this small and vintage-style gadget offers an FM radio (controlled by the record player’s arm), along with a clock (date/time), an alarm and bizarrely, a thermometer and hygrometer.

All of that is powered by 4x AA batteries, with the Turntable Phonograph retailing for a rather cheap $17 (around £9).

Find out more at the Brando website

It’s got the modern functionality, but the Onkyo CBX-300 tabletop audio system also has the retro looks.

Beneath that plastic and faux wood exterior is just about everything you would expect from a tabletop system – CD player (with the ability to play MP3 and WMA CDs), an iPod slot to access all your portable tracks and a tuner and timer if you want to wake up to your favourite radio station – or indeed favourite tune.

Sound quality is boosted by Active Bass Control and its 8cm OMF diaphragm speakers with Aero Acoustic Drive are said to offer a powerful and natural sound. If all that sounds like your thing, you can buy one now for £229.

Find out more at the Onkyo website

It might cost more than most iPod sound systems – but the Phonofone II offers a lot more style and doesn’t need any power.

Designed by Tristan Zimmerman, this gramophone-style ceramic speaker needs no power – it uses ‘passive amplification’ to transform music from a portable player and earphones into an output of up to 55 decibels. Apparently, it’s better for blues, classical and folk rather than electronic sounds and rock, but should give a decent output across the board – and it looks good on your desk even when not in use.

Not cheap at $500 (around £250), but it’s only available for a limited time – so could be one for collectors.

Find out more at the Charles & Marie website