SanDisk iXpand

Yes, I concede; the iPhones and iPads are indeed great devices. However, they have one glaring chink in their armor — the lack of expandable storage. SanDisk is looking to remedy that with the iXpand thumbdrive, a simple-looking dual flash drive with USB 2.0 and Lightning interfaces. We find out if getting SanDisk’s Apple memory solution is better than begging the fruit company to create devices with microSD slots.

Nyne Cruiser

Today, many speakers are made for people who are always on-the-go. But do people actually have time to take the speaker out and listen to music while they move about? Probably not. The reality is, it is left in the bag, more often than not, unutilized. Nyne is looking to change the game with the Cruiser.

Convenience and travelling options aren’t usually of primary concern when looking to purchase a new speaker. For many, as long as it delivers in the audio department, little else matters. But, throw in several portability options and you’d get a deal that’s truly got bang for the buck. That’s what Nyne aims to accomplish with its speaker lineup that’s meant for the outdoors. The unit sent over to us was the compact Cruiser.

Do You Need A Touchscreen?

Is a touchscreen monitor or a laptop with a touchscreen really useful? Roland Waddilove looks at the hardware and the software

Smartphones that did away with the keyboard and just used a touchscreen interface have led to a revolution in handheld devices, but the technology has spread to PCs too. Microsoft has been pushing the technology for a long time, with support is built into Windows 8. Touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular (at least with manufacturers, if not users), and it’s likely that your next laptop computer or desktop PC monitor will be touch enabled. Is this a passing fad like 3D TV that few people really want, or is it a useful feature of modern computers? Let’s take a look at the hardware and software you need to ditch the keyboard and mouse.

Stephen Elop: Natural Born Winner

Mark Pickavance looks at Stephen Elop, the ex-CEO who infamously made huge amounts out the failure of Nokia, the company he once controlled

On 17th June, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made public a series of structural changes within his company. One of these was to consolidate the Microsoft Devices Group under the Windows Division, with the new entity to be headed by Terry Myerson.

Computing Days Out

Mark Oakley needs a day off. Maybe he could spend some time at one of these lovely technology-tailored destinations

Centre for Computing History – Cambridge

Jason Fitzpatrick’s enthusiasm for computing’s past is infectious. Speaking to him over the phone for just a few minutes, he’s already beguiled me with recollections of BBC Micro programming, Sensible Software and more classic consoles and systems than most can remember.

The Apple Backlash

People have been queuing up to take a bite out of Apple... But why? David Crookes looks at the core issues

In 1981, the British synthpop group, The Human League, released a song called Don’t You Want Me. It was a bitter conflicting duet that has been described as a “devastating chronicle of a frayed romance”. Today, though, the tune could so easily be the backdrop to Apple’s rollercoaster relationship with music.