Anthony Heywood's gadget guide
Anthony's Top 5
Anthony presents all kinds of things on QVC, but he's most at home with electronics. We had a chat with him about his favourite gadgets, craziest gizmos and... Bond films. Plus, take a look at his tips for choosing a new TV or camera.
What is your must-own summer gadget?
A portable music player is ideal for travelling - you can take it to the beach or park. Get yourself travel-sized speakers so you can listen to it by the pool and with friends.
What's most important, high technical specifications or intuitive controls?
Even the most avid fans won't use every feature on a new gadget, but choosing something with intuitive controls means you're more likely to use them.
"If there's something you really like or need, just go for it"
How do you avoid buying something that will be out-of-date next month?
It's really hard and can be especially difficult if new technology comes out in multiple formats and you're not sure which one will take off. If there's something you really like or need, just go for it, new technology may be out in two year, but think of all the enjoyment you'll get before then.
With a computer spend as much money as you can even if it stretches you, because it will have stronger specifications and be up-to-date for longer.
If you were an inventor, what gadget would your design and why?
A hand-held device that does everything - TV, internet, music, photos, Freeview, credit card, Oyster card. So it's the only thing you ever need with you. Companies are trying to develop something like this already actually.
What are your favourite gadget inspired films?
Mission Impossible for all the high-tech gadgets and the Bond films, I love the vanishing Aston Martin.
What are you looking forward to seeing in the next year?
- • Technology specs will just keep on getting bigger.
- • HD television is going to be a big change, especially the introduction of True HD
- • HD disc players will get cheaper and more mainstream
- • There will be more integration and convergence among technology, like the link between televisions and computers.
Anthony's top tips for choosing a...
Television
- • Make sure it's HD ready
- • It should have a good contrast ratio (1000:1 minimum)
- • Big screen - the new flatscreen TVs take up less space so you can get a bigger screen for a more dramatic experience
Still camera
- Going digital is a great way to learn about photography. You can compare your pictures straight away without spending lots of money on film.
- Decide what you want from your camera, for artistic shots choose a DSLR and for holiday shots choose a compact. A bridge camera is somewhere in between. Look for:
- • High number of mega pixels
- • High-quality lens
- • Recognised brand - they have more experience with all aspects of camera construction
- • Decent optical zoom
- • Manual controls - if you want to be creative
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