But in all fairness, the Scanomat Top Brewer is an amazingly stylish approach to brewing beans. You’ve already seen what happens when Apple-esque design infiltrates the world of thermostats. And it’s equally impressive when it hits the world of coffee. There’s even an app.

The Scanomat Top Brewer is a professional grade coffee machine for high-end cafés (I spoke to the MD to broke the sad news that I probably wouldn’t be able to fit one in my tiny flat). The Scanomat has top notch grinders installed so it can fire out 4 cups of filter coffee in a minute. This coupled with the world’s tiniest milk frother, automatic cleaning and precision engineering means that the Scanomat can crank out the perfect espresso every time (and an impressive range of other coffee-based drinks too). There’s even a option for cold water, juice and hot chocolate drinks. Like I said it’s a shame I lack the space and funds to fit one in my kitchen.

The aforementioned app connects to the unit and enables you to select the brew of your choice – and you can save your particular preferences to a favourites part of the app. The app also allows you to monitor the temperature and progress of your drink – and if you run out of coffee you can order more right there from the app (there’s also a finger touch keyboard if you don’t have a smartphone handy).

The Scanomat also has pretty decent green credential and runs on a unique Zero Watt system that stops if from drawing power when on standby.

Hopefully coming to a coffee shop near you.

www.scanomat.com

[Source: Scanomat Top Brewer: The future of coffee?]

During the dehumidifier season from September to March when the temperatures are low, dampness can be a prime cause of bacterial infection and EcoAir produces a range of domestic dehumidifiers which greatly reduce dampness in the home, whilst the built in silver ion filters will snatch up those air borne bugs before you get the chance to breathe them in. The filter also happily goes on to control the growth of spores and viruses which theoretically will help prevent illness, allergies and anyone beset by breathing difficulties.

There is an added bonus to using the ECO DD322FW dehumidifier because with less moisture in the air, a room will heat up much quicker, so you can look forward to lower fuel bills this winter too.

Sally Fok from EcoAir comments: “This new type of dehumidifier really does offer so many benefits at the flick of a switch. It’s thought around a fifth of all homes in the UK suffer with damp and condensation which has been made worse in recent years by the increasing use of modern appliances and new building techniques. These new products are really simple to use, cost-effective and eco-friendly too.”

The range is capable of extracting from 7 to 10 litres of moisture a day at temperatures of between 1 and 40C

The ECO DD322FW range starts from £129 and are available from www.ecoair.org

[Source: Keep those flu viruses away with ECO DD322FW Dehumidifiers]

This is version 11 so what’s new since its last outing?

Well, there is a LIVEBackup feature, which offers automatic, continuous backup with one click, plus there is an Express Editing mode. This allows you to use a simple storyboard, rather than a multitrack timeline, so that you can cobble together basic projects simply and easily There are also some advanced features such as 3D effects and picture-in-picture overlays.

Photographers can create personalised photo books, cards and calendars and then order online using Nero Kwik Media, should they wish.

File conversion and sharing offerings are also greatly improved – Nero Recode allows you to convert media from most file formats and then output it to almost any other device. Social networking is catered for as there are tools for sharing to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and of course for burning to DVD and Blu-ray.

Mobile devices are becoming more and more vital nowadays, so it’s nice to see the ability to sync media between PC and Android using either USB or Wi-Fi.

Martin Stein, senior vice president of global products, said:

“Nero 11 helps you do more with your photos, videos and music faster. It is the only software you need to access and organise your photos, videos and music across all of your devices; create impressive videos and slideshows; optimise videos for your iPad or smartphone; back it all up securely with just one click; and share your memories with friends and family on an online social network, Blu-ray disc or photo book.”

The software is compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP and costs £69.99 (Nero 11 Platinum £89.99).

[Source: Multimedia multitasker – Nero 11]

Fortunately, technology has helped to remove the stigma of advancing age because practically anything that will let you post a better score will be devoured by everyone regardless of their age.

So electric trolleys are now cool and trendy. The only problem is they’re often bulky and have a mind of their own, frequently going off in all directions because you forgot to turn them off when you stopped. GoKart have put paid to all that nonsense with a new device that by simply gripping the handle it will trundle along beside you matching your walking speed until you grip it again when you want to stop.

The GoKart’s fold away lightweight design means it’s also one of the easiest trolleys to manage on the market and the designers Chris and Joe Catford should know; after all they were the original inventors of PowaKaddy the most popular electric trolley in golf. As Chris says of GoKart ““There are no complicated latches, connections or fittings and people really seem to like that so we thought the best way to improve on our success was to make it even easier. Now people don’t have to worry about adjusting the speed to exactly match theirs, it happens automatically”.

The standard battery comes with an 18 hole lifespan although there are 36 hole and lithium batteries for an even longer life span available as options too.

So, with a psychic ultra light trolley at your side, you’ll have no excuses for pleading exhaustion as the reason for yet another dismal round. The GoKart Automatic  is available for  £284

www.gokart.co.uk.

[Source: GoKart launches ‘psychic’ electric golf trolley]

Made by heating control specialists Chalmor Limited, the eTVR easily replaces existing thermostatic radiator valves – simply unscrew the old and screw in the new.

If you’re unlucky enough to be stuck with even older radiator controls, you’ll need a professional to fit one of these (or a gutsy amateur). It’s not a major job, though.

The package comes with two parts – the eTVR itself and a universal remote control, which can adjust any eTVR unit it comes in contact with. Think of it as a Sonic Screwdriver for heating.

The remote uses Infra-Red to operate the eTVR, which means it won’t work in different rooms – and your dream of lying in bed and adjusting the downstairs heating is still a way away.

As well as being controlled from a remote, each eTVR has its own controls on the device, letting you turn up and down the heat to your heart’s content.

Each device also comes with a built-in thermometer, which shows the current temperature of the room as well as the temperature it is set to reach. There’s also a boost option to increase the heat for a 60 minute period.

Each eTVR also comes with three set time periods, allowing you to choose what temperature you’d like in each time period. For example, heat up the living room at night, but cool-down the unused home office. Then choose to turn down the heat in the bedroom during the day, but crank up home office warming.

Each unit is powered by batteries that expected to live for five years without replacement (they’re rechargeable), and Chalmor believe that you’ll save 25% off your heating bill if you switch to one of these and use it sensibly.

Oh, and for long-sighted purchasers, the buttons are huge. Like, really huge.

Retail price of the eTRV is £49.99+VAT and the handset costs £9.99+VAT.

[Source: eTRV: Remote control radiator temperature control]

Heart rate monitoring expert Polar has launched its RCX5 training computer – which you can wear on your wrist or slip in a pocket. The monitor has been designed to be a personal trainer for triathletes, runners and endurance athletes. If you’re looking to make the most of every part of your training, the RCX5 could be for you.

Mind you, you don’t need to be a really serious athlete to try it out – we reckon it could be just as useful for anyone simply looking to get fit, who likes to feel in control and see exactly what sort of progress they’re making.

The RCX5 has a sturdy aluminium frame, has easy-to-use buttons for when you’re on the go, and a waterproof and disturbance free WearLink+ Hybrid transmitter, which gives heart rate even in water when you’re swimming.

Features include ZoneOptimizer, which adjusts your personal heart rate zones for each training session based on your current condition (or out-of-condition!) so you can take into account factors such as fatigue, recovery, hydration and general well-being, helping you to train safely.

Race Pace, meanwhile, lets you set a target time for a set distance – and then you can see how far ahead or behind the pace you are – perfect if you’re in training for a specific event, be it a marathon or a 5km run.

The GPS unit is a neat, cigarette lighter sized device offering 18 hours of battery life, charged through mini USB. It can be worn on the provided armband or popped in a pocket or bag. It offers training load data, route mapping and speed and distance.

If you take part in various activities, the device allows you to switch between sports such as running, swimming and cycling at the touch of a button, to offer the relevant data.

You can also download Endurance Programmes to help you improve performance, view Training Load to find out the cumulative training load and recovery time after every session and see a Map view, which shows your training route with training load colour-coding, through Google Earth. It is also possible to see graphs showing training load and recovery status to help you to adjust your training plans to achieve optimum results.
There are some serious facilities available for serious athletes and at a price of £359.99, maybe it has a serious price too. But if you are serious about getting fit, the Polar Heart rate monitor may take you from first beginnings right through to that first marathon or triathlon and beyond.

Find out more at http://www.polaruk.co.uk

[Source: Polar RCX5 training computer: The pocket-sized personal trainer]

Nevertheless, this is a shaver that does indeed provide a handsome finish. A smooth shave with very little effort. It’s a sleek design, fitting in my hand comfortably enough, whilst the business end, three rotary cutters set within a head that moves in every direction does the hard work. This is what Philips calls ‘Gyroflex3D ’ technology, allowing the heads to easily glide over every pore of your face without irritating it. There’s also an aquatic seal built in for those of you who prefer a wet shave, so you can lather up as normal and just use it the same way as you would a blade.

So far so good then. I have a smooth face in double quick time and no red marks anywhere. Marvellous. Apart from the on/off switch, there’s very little else you need to look at apart from the large digital read out on the handle that lets you know how much time remains. It also tells you when the unit needs a clean, when the charge is full and when the heads need replacing.  There’s a handy travel pouch to keep it in when you’re away and the shaver heads just hinge open so you can use the brush provided to sweep away all the loose stubble or just rinse it under the tap. When you’re home though, the jet clean tray that comes with the package, will keep the insides pristine and practically sterile for you too.

My only real disappointment is the trimmer which seems to be a bit of an afterthought on such a state of the art unit. It’s tucked away on the shaver shaft and is accessed through a pretty basic plastic slider.

The Philips SENSOTOUCH 3D RQ 1280 is a fine example of just how far electric portable shavers have progressed. It’s quiet, sleek and gets the job done with a minimum of fuss. And with a 20 day charge on it, it will last you for most trips without having to recharge.

Philips SENSOTOUCH 3D RQ 1280 from £230

[Source: Philips SENSOTOUCH 3D RQ 1280. Cutting edge wet or dry electric shaving]

The new Fast4ward cycles were designed to outrun the preconception that electric bikes are slow, heavy and ugly. As such, all three bikes in the range reach up to 15.5mph – 50% above the average cycling speed.

They also weigh between 19kg – 21kg, shaving a few kilos off of rival electric bike systems. And the look – well, look at the pictures and tell us. All of the bikes were designed by a German team of designers with over 16 years of experience.

• The Fast4ward range is also relatively affordable. Starting at £999 for the Edge (20″ wheels, 26v battery), the range increases to 26″ for the Ride (£1,099) and in size and battery (36v) for the Peak (£1,249). Once you’ve bought the bike, however, Ultra Motor assure us that it’s about 7p of electricity for 40 miles of motoring. Bargain.
• The Panasonic Lithium-Ion batteries take four hours to fully recharge, although you should get 80% power in 120 minutes. The smaller, 26v battery pumps out up to 25 miles of travelling, while the bigger version manages an impressive 40.
• If you’re curious, Ultra Motor is currently inviting people to give the new Fast4ward a free trial. Anyone interested in buying an e-bike can borrow one for a maximum of three days – and hand it back if they’re not interested.
• Testers will be encouraged to create a video diary of their e-biking experience and upload them to YouTube, with one lucky vlogger given a free bike at the end.

[Source: Ultra Motor Fast4ward cycles]

As a London commuter, it can be frustrating wandering the streets of London lugging heavy laptops around, especially in the tube the heat of a London summer (which manages to be humid and sweaty without relentless sunshine). Much as I love backpacks, turning up to meetings, talks or press events with huge sweat patches all over my back makes me feel like the cast of Dead Ringers i.e., that I’m making a terrible impression,

The Airspace backsystem is curved, keeping the material of the pack away from the body, while the mesh side panels give support. This feature combined with the floating hipbelt and lightweight construction make the Airspace daypacks incredibly comfortable to wear, even when you load it with gear. I comfortably stashed an old 15” PowerBook and a series of point and shoot cameras without ever really feeling the strain. You can add a hydration system if you are so inclined. One isn’t included, but as I’ve own three and have yet to use any, it’s not a huge loss and prefer them as a optional extra.

One amazing feature is the hidden rain cover pocket at the base of the bag. It’s simply a special cover that you pop out from the base of the bag when the weather takes a turn for the worse but people eyes will pop like you’ve just emerged from a wetsuit in a full tuxedo.

The Airspace range is available to buy from the Karrimor website and selected retails now

http://store.karrimor.com/backpacks/airspace

[Source: Karrimor AirSpace Range review]

His choice for stylish cleaners? Well if you want 1940s glamour, you should opt for the Oreck XL4 Upright vacuum clearer with Multi-Vac Canister. Not only does it boast chic, retro styling, but it is half the weight of a conventional model and has a C-shaped handle, which reduces stress on your arm, wrist and back (personally I think the best way to avoid this stress is to get someone else to do the housework but if that’s not an option this is the next best thing). Its bristles are shaped in a double helix (this must be the science part), which means they can lift up embedded dirt from your carpet, and sweep hard floors without scratching them. The bag features a Saniseal system, whch closes the bag as you remove it, so no more nasty accidents with bags full of fluff and dust. The price for this glamorous model? £295

Contemporary domestic goddesses (and gods) should opt for the Sebo Airbelt D2 Storm Cylinder vacuum cleaner, which has been designed in conjunction with the German Design Council. It has a Turbofan motor, which uses turbine technology to get the best results. It also has ‘parking’ and ‘carrying ‘ slots to make storage simple, and its on/off button can also alter the power levels. All this contemporary coolness for £229, exclusively at John Lewis.

If you prefer the futurist approach – and hate pushing a vacuum across the floors – opt for the i-Robot Roomba 555 vacuum cleaner, which can cover up to four rooms on a single charge, and is able to find its way into hard to reach areas such as under furniture and around wall edges. You can preset it to clean while you are out, and it also has anti-tangle technology so get out of cord tangles and tassels. When it’s done, it heads back to its home base to recharge – all for the princely sum of £349.

Finally, if you’re a city slicker, the Dyson DC35 Multi Floor vacuum cleaner is likely to be more your style. This is a lightweight cordless cleaner, ideal for those with little in the way of storage space. It has a motorised floor tool that uses ultra-fine conductive carbon fibre brushes to remove fine dust from hard floors and stiff nylon bristles to agitate the carpet to dislodge and remove ground-in dirt. Finally, a combination accessory tool with a wide nozzle picks up crumbs and large particles. It also converts to a brush tool for dusting, so you can get your cleaning done quicker. This lightweight cleaner costs £199.

All the cleaners above are available from John Lewis. Style tips from Yat Wong-Jones, will, we suspect, cost extra!

[Source: Clean up in style: The latest and greatest in vacuum cleaners]