Back in the Cretaceous Period (or was it the 70’s) when calculators were the size of small cars and an auto pop-up toaster was considered hi-tech some geek sandwiched two circuit-boards together chucked in some random wiring and gave birth to a musical (sic) instrument that was to become an icon. After nearly 40 years in the closet the Stylophone pocket synthesiser made popular by the likes of Rolf Harris and David Bowie (he used it in timeless classic Space Oddity) is back. You tap the electronic keys with the integral stylus to make funky noises – now with additional Classic Synth and Bass sounds – and maybe you can produce some musical hits using this retro kit as the likes of Kraftwerk Erasure Orbital Marilyn Manson They Might Be Giants and White Stripes have done in the past. You can play solo or plug in your iPod/MP3 player and play along to your favourite tunes and even add some vibrato enhancement to really annoy anyone foolish enough to be listening to you. It may have been invented in 1967 but 40 years on this re-invention is bound to be another hit.

• Gift – Gadgets

Price : £ 12.99

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This story begins on a windy summer’s day in the Chilterns when the calm organised life of Joe Rose is shattered by a ballooning accident. What happens is shocking and tragic but strangely inco-sequential. The consequences come after for that fatal accident brings Joe together briefly with Jed Parry. Unknown to Rose something passes between them – something that gives birth to an obsession so powerful that it will test to the limits Rose’s beloved scientific rationalism threaten the love of his wife Clarissa and drive him to take desperate measures merely to stay alive.

Price : £ 5.79

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