Something on the Side: Bringing sound back to the front

In this issue of Something on the Side, SEAN BACHER looks at the LG SoundPlate, the Pebble Smartstick, Logitech’s G19 gaming keyboard, B&W P7 headphones and the MAXSA Innovations Perfect Parking Indicator.

LG SoundPlate

A problem associated with many new LED TVs is that their speakers are mounted at the rear of the TV. This results in most of the sound being lost as it is directed away from the viewer. However, with the LG SoundPlate, crystal clear sounds can be heard without having to crank the volume to full. The slim-base speaker is only 35mm high and is designed to sit below the TV. It offers 4.1 channels of sound and includes two subwoofers for good bass. The SoundPlate can be connected to the TV via its audio out, and wirelessly if the TV offers that functionality.

Stockists: Most reputable electronics retail outlets nationwide.

Expect to pay: R6 500

Pebble Smartstick

The Pebble Smartstick is an emergency charger that fits most smartphones. It uses a 2200mAh battery that is claimed to provide a smartphone with one extra full charge when its battery is flat. The charger is small and light enough to carry around in a bag. It takes 4-6 hours to recharge after it has been used.

Stockists: www.mantality.co.za

Expect to pay: R400

Logitech G19 gaming keyboard

The Logitech G19 gaming keyboard features 132 keys with a multi-key input option, allowing the user to push up to 6 keys at the same time for complex commands when playing games. In addition, users are given 12 programmable G-Keys, which provide quick access to 36 pre-programmed functions per game. In the middle of the keyboard is an LCD display that shows CPU speed and heat. It includes in-game VoIP communications and is even able to display video. The keyboard allows users to change its backlight colour and two USB 2.0 ports are included for transferring data to and from a computer.

Stockists: Most reputable electronics retail outlets nationwide.

Expect to pay: R2 500

Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) P7 headphones

The B&W P7 headphones not only offer great sound for users on the move, but also are extremely comfortable to wear even for long periods. The headphones use the over-ear speaker or driver design, which eliminates earache and sweaty ears that users often get when using in-ear drivers. The over-the-ear design also eliminates all outside noise and gives the user a sense of being ‚”enveloped‚” in the music. The headphone’s frame is made from brushed stainless steel, and the foam around the drivers and headband is covered in leather, giving them an elegant look and, at the same time, making them extremely sturdy.

Stockists: www.bwloudspeakers.co.za

Expect to pay: R4 290

MAXSA Innovations Perfect Parking Indicator

The MAXSA Innovations Perfect Parking Indicator is easy to set up, and even easier to use. It is specially designed for double garages and helps drivers park their cars without dinging their doors or driving into objects stored in the garage. It is mounted to the garage’s roof and uses two lasers that need to be aimed at a certain point on the car. For instance, a point on the dashboard can be chosen, and every time the laser shines on that spot when parking, an alarm is sounded and lights blink indicating that a user’s car is parked in a perfect position. The parking indicator works off three rechargeable AA batteries and is motion activated.

Stockists: www.have2have.co.za

Expect to pay: R520

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