Something on the Side: A phone for the elderly

In Something on the Side, SEAN BACHER highlights the Alcatel 2000 phone, the Garmin Approach S4 golf watch, Sony’s Cyber-shot H400 Bridge camera, the Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 and the Portable digital luggage scale.

Alcatel 2000

The Alcatel 2000 is designed with the elderly in mind. It features a large display, making it easier to read than other phones. It also uses an extra-large keypad. A dedicated emergency button at the back gives easy access to a key requirement, and the phone claims 7 hours of talk time.

Expect to pay: R500

Stockists: Vodacom stores across South Africa.

Garmin Approach S4 golf watch

The Garmin Approach S4 golf watch comes installed with the layouts of over 30 000 golf courses from around the world, and offers free lifetime updates. The watch is able to show golfers the layout of the green and their current distance from it. When synced with an Apple iPad or iPhone, the watch’s notification centre will display e-mails and text messages.

Expect to pay: R5 900

Stockists: Visit www.gamin.co.za for ordering information.

Sony Cyber-shot H400 Bridge camera

This camera uses a 20.1 Megapixel lens that is able to zoom 63x optically. In addition, the Optical SteadyShot ensures that photos wont blur, even when snapping away with the zoom set at its maximum. At the rear is the viewfinder that also allows users to make quick edits to their pictures before sharing them with friends and family. Using the camera is relatively easy thanks to the various picture effects and well laid-out controls.

Expect to pay: R999

Stockists: Most reputable electronics retail outlets nationwide.

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400

The Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 connects to smart TV via a notebook, which is connected to an HDMI input. Once linked via Logitech’s Unifying Software, users can control the TV’s volume, change channels and browse the Internet thanks to the keyboard’s track pad. The keyboard is available in white or black.

Expect to pay: R690

Stockists: Visit www.logitech.com for ordering information.

Portable digital luggage scale

The portable digital luggage scale is a great way to avoid the embarrassment of having to remove items from your luggage after being told it is overweight when checking in. Simply clip one end of the scale to your luggage, lift it up and the scale’s LCD shows users exactly how much your luggage weighs. The scale is able to measure up to 50kg and users can switch between metric and imperial units.

Expect to pay: R250

Stockists: Visit www.mantality.co.za for ordering information.

* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher