Small is beautiful:Netbooks are blisteringly-fast mini-laptops that are designed for internet access, and are predicted to be the hottest thing in tech gadgets in 2009.
They’re already much cheaper than standard laptops – one of the most popular models, the Acer Aspire One, retails for €307.51 at www.expansys.ie – but US manufactures say the new breed will be faster, lighter, and much, much cheaper, with prices to fall to under $100 (€75) when buyers take out a data package from a service provider. They don’t have the memory necessary for running games or complex programmes like video editing, but they’ll do almost anything computer users on the go need.
Smelly wellies sound like something best left outdoors after a long walk, but the manufacturers say the odour from these children’s wellingtons are pleasant and non-toxic. Laced with a food essence to make them smell like chocolate or strawberries, these Italian-made products have shock absorbers in the heels, anti-bacterial lining and a non-slip sole. They’re also machine washable, if you really do tread in something smelly. €17.50. www.puddleducks.ie
Unless you’re as loaded as gourmet luggage fan Keith Richards, it seems a little extravagant to spend several thousand euro on a suitcase that will spend most of its life in dusty attics, cargo holds and car boots. Samsonite luggage is still expensive, but at least it’s built to last – I’ve got a hand-me-down hardshell Samsonite Oyster suitcase that’s still going 20 years later – and most of the company’s cases have 10-year warranties. The Cosmolite range looks a little showy – it’ll certainly stand out on the conveyer belt – but the clamshell design is for strength as much as appearance, and the cases are light – the biggest case weighs 3.4kg. €285-€389. Brown Thomas Dublin