The hot list – November 2014

We’re in hardware heaven. Not only have we got our hands on some of the greatest gadgets on the market but last month kicked off a tablet throwdown between Silicon Valley’s tech giants, giving us two new contenders for the title of best in the world

The hot list – November 2014

iPad Air 2

Hardware 

It’s easy to feel a little bit Apple-fatigued after the last couple of months, following the splurge of releases in September and October. But we’re not so jaded that we can ignore a new gadget like the iPad Air 2. Inevitably Apple have trimmed a little more off the tablet’s waistline: it’s now only 6.1mm, which is skinnier even than the iPhone 6. But the improvements are more than skin deep: its 64-bit A8X processor is allegedly 40% faster and offers 2.5x the graphical performance of its forebear. Coming with other updates such Touch ID and its built-in multi-network SIM, Apple has honed its already impressive flagship tablet even further.

 

Google Nexus 9

Hardware

There’s no hiding that the EB tech team are big fans of the Google Nexus series; the Nexus 7 in particular was an indomitable piece of kit, easily standing its ground against contemporary iPads. The Nexus 9 takes all of the 7’s hard work and runs it right to the end zone. Developed in conjunction with HTC, it packs a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 “Denver” processor, is the first device that will ship with Android Lollipop and has a sprinkling of HTC style with its brushed metal frame. All told it’s a sexy piece of kit and is definitely the frontrunner in the Android tablet space.

 

Parrot Zik 2.0

Hardware

At what point do headphones cease being headphones and start being something else? Designed by architect Philippe Starck, Parrot Zik 2.0 lie right on that border. Sensors can tell when they’re on your ears and pause the music when they’re removed. They have noise cancellation driven by eight microphones. One cup is touch sensitive: swipe gestures can be used to skip tracks and change volume. When you take calls a bone-conduction sensor ensures your voice sounds natural even with cans covering your ears. They’re far too feature-rich to describe here but listen to us: you definitely need to check them out.

 

Samsung Galaxy Alpha

Hardware

When a new Samsung Galaxy comes into the world it has to meet some pretty high expectations. Fortunately the Galaxy Alpha does not disappoint. Its processor is positively Herculean – two quad-core CPUs operating in tandem deliver a whole lot of oomph, especially given they’re backed up by 2GB of RAM – whilst its design, featuring an understated metal trim, gives it a convincing premium feel. All told the Galaxy Alpha is an impressive piece of kit; minor niggles – such as a comparitively short battery life and a 312ppi screen that falls short of its predecessor’s sumptuous 432ppi – don’t mar what is otherwise an excellent handset.

 

Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display

Hardware

The iMac has always been one to break new ground, from its first incarnation as an all-in-one desktop to the Slim Unibody design launched in 2012 that tapered to just 5mm at its edge. Its latest incarnation is no exception; bringing Retina to the big screen, Apple has created the best display on any home computer to date with a stunning 219ppi, 27 inch screen. It’s hard to overstate just how lush this display is; a couple of TVs top it – just – but these will set you back nigh-on £70,000. Retailing from just £1,999, graphically speaking the iMac with Retina 5K Display is by far the best bang for your buck on the market. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Josh Russell
Josh Russell
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