T3’s tech picks
T3’ s illustrious team members choose their personal favourite gadgets from the last 12 months
Matt Bolton iPad Pro 10.5-inch £619, apple.com/uk
This came in just too late to make our shortlist, but it would’ve been a really strong contender for Gadget of the Year. This is a genuine marvel, from its laptoplevel power to its 120Hz ProMotion screen, which makes everything else you own instantly look outdated. And the size is just perfect for me, especially with iOS 11.
Dan Grabham Samsung galaxy s8+ £779, samsung.com/uk
Your phone has to be good, because it’s probably the thing you use most in your life. And the Galaxy S8+ is so good. The design is just amazing, and wins you over the second you try it. And I love having a big 6.2-inch screen in a handset I can hold without needing a spotter. Samsung has really nailed the software, too.
Nick Odantzis Tesla Model S 100D £94,000, tesla.com
Admittedly, Tesla’s Model S 100D ain’t cheap, but it’s the ethos behind this model that I love. Being able to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge is just, well, a big deal really. The fact that you can just jump in and drive somewhere and it’ll automatically take you to charging points without having to plan ahead, is amazing.
Claire Davies Run Angel £85, runangel.com
The gadget I really wouldn’t give up from this year is my Run Angel, a personal safety wearable that keeps solo runners (or anyone out by themselves) safe if they’re venturing into dark or dodgy territory. It has a built-in loud alarm, and if anything happens, it immediately tells your emergency contacts your location.
Jo Gulliver RE ga Planar 2, £375, rega.co.uk
I’ve been massively getting back into my vinyl the last few years, but I kept buying cheap record players that weren’t really doing the job. But after this won our group test [ T3 #270], I picked it up, along with a better amp and speaker combo, and it sounds so good. The only problem is I keep spending all my money on records.
Duncan Bell Mast er & dynamic MA770 £1,600, mast erdynamic.co.uk
Oh, just look at this thing! How could I pick anything else? It’s a speaker made from 16kg of concrete! It’s harder than Jason Statham, but sings like Adele. I thought it thoroughly deserved to win our Wi-Fi speaker category, but that’s democracy for you. I just hope I don’t have to move it any time soon.
Andrew Westbrook Amazon Echo, £99, amazon.co.uk
I don’t want to be the trite one who talks about tech changing the world, but… Amazon Echo kind of has? It wasn’t the first voice assistant, but I think it’s the first one that people who use it actually find to be indispensable. I think it’s gone a long way to normalising this kind of interaction, which everyone will benefit from.
Michelle McLaren TOM TOM Spark 3, £119, tomtom.com
I’ve been running for a long time without any of that handy tracking that everyone’s into, but I’m so glad I finally picked up my TomTom. It’s good to get a full picture of my activity with step counting as well, and being able to look back at my run routes is helping me keep up the desire to beat my own bests, especially as the weather turns.
Kimberley Ballard Nespress o Ess enza Mini, £89.99, nesp ress o.com
I won’t live without good coffee, and this gives me that sweet mana. I couldn’t fit a full barista-style bean-to-cup machine in my kitchen (and I’m not sure I could be bothered to clean it properly), but this is super compact, and I’m a fan of Nespresso pods. It’s not smart or anything, but I love it more than any other tech I got this year.