Ah, convergence - that lovely marriage of previously separate things to create a magical third - think peaches and cream, Batman and Robin, Linux and the Eee PC.
When convergence works (step forward iPhone) it's wonderful, but some arranged marriages go very badly wrong - just look at the Amstrad Em@iler.
Welcome to the best / worst examples of both in Convergence Gadgets: The Weird And Wonderful:
HEAVEN: Apple iPhone
Easy one this. For years tech-makers trying to get all their know-how into a single device, and then Apple comes along and does it, causing a collective slap hand on forehead.
The iPhone enables you to make and take phone calls (duh!), serve the internet, play music, watch movies, play games, find your way around and check the weather without ever pausing for breath.
The real killer, of course, has been the Apple iPhone's multi-touch user interface. It's actually made all of the iPhone's nefarious functions properly useable - which is more than be said for most of the applications in some of its rivals.
HELL: Taser C2 with MPH holster
The road to convergence hell is littered with devices that share one common theme - the uncanny ability of tech makers to shoehorn MP3 playback into anything and everything no matter how bizarre. The Taser C2 with MPH holster has to be one of the oddest examples yet.
The Taser C2 is, of course, a non-lethal weapon that can stun anyone who comes close with a jolt of electricity that's enough to incapacitate them while you make a getaway.
Tasers are so 'good', several UK police services (not forces, remember) already use the professional versions to take out hoodies and the odd diabetic, but it's the consumer version we're looking at here.
The Taser C2 is aimed at ladies with a taste for pink, leopardskin and other natty patterns and is offered with a optional MPH holster accessory that can be used to store up to 1GB of MP3 music - so you can bop while you stop the baddies.
Already dubbed the iTaser by bloggers, the Taser C2 sadly isn't available to own in the UK. You can buy one Stateside for around $80 (£40)
HEAVEN: Sony PlayStation 3
If anything qualifies as a home entertainment hub for the 21st Century, then the Sony PlayStation 3 is probably it.
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Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
mwinwood
July 1st
3. Where is the Teasmade on this list. An alarm clock that makes cups if tea - Genius!
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nicolasmerritt
June 30th
2. Surely it's mandatory for every such list to include sharks with frickin' laser beams.
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lth
June 30th
1. I hope the taser mp3 player has external speakers so that you can start playing "Battle Without Honour Or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei when you get into a fight...
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