BLACK+DECKER GKC1825L20-GB 25CM 18V CHAINSAW
For DIY amateurs, chainsaws can be daunting – they are the go-to tool for horror films after all. However, this model couldn’t be more straightforward. Charge the battery (a full charge takes five hours), then pop the saw together, add some chainsaw oil where directed and you’re ready. It’s comfortable to hold and, whether you’re going through a tree base or pruning a thick bush, it’ll make light work of it. In terms of safety, you have to hold down two buttons at the same time to operate it, so you won’t turn it on by accident. Once you get going you’ll get through your entire to-do list – and perhaps your neighbours’ too as it lasts on average 220 cuts a charge. That’s due to the lithium-ion battery which, in addition to being long-lasting, doesn’t require you to run it flat before you charge it up again. £143
FUGOO STYLE BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SPEAKER
Despite its rather glamorous look, this speaker is drop-proof,
water-proof, dust-proof and even mud-proof – not bad for a Bluetooth device that looks like a clutch bag. It comes with six speakers to give a 360-degree crystal clear sound and there’s a microphone too which is fully-functional with Google Talk and Siri. On one charge, you can expect it to operate for up to 40 hours before you plug it in again – you’ll struggle to find other portable Bluetooth speakers that can do that.
£169.99
EPSON RUNSENSE SF-810 GPS AND HEART RATE MONITOR
Traditional watches may only require the occasional battery change, but the more techie the watch – and the more tasks it carries out – you’re getting into charge-every-time-you-head-out territory. However, the SF-810 running watch breaks the mould. Despite offering GPS tracking and coming with an inbuilt heart rate sensor, it will last up to 20 hours without recharging. It’s not just its long charge capabilities that make this worth investing in, it’s a great sports watch too. £199.99
ROLLEI ACTIONCAM 400
Action camcorders have become the perfect accessory for adrenaline junkies and exercise aficionados, whether it’s cyclists recording their commute, white-water rafters showcasing their thrill-seeking hobby or rock climbers showing a view from above. There’s many to choose from and this model from German manufacturer Rollei is worth investing in if you’re going to struggle to give it a battery boost when on your next adventure. Its battery life is rated at 240 hours, so you’ll have no shortage of footage to pick from. It comes with integrated WiFi and has full HD video resolution (1080p/30fps). £74.99
PARROT FLOWER POWER
Do your plants wilt when you water them? Struggle with sunlight? If so, this is the gadget for you. It comes with Bluetooth Smart technology and will tell you (via the corresponding app) how the plant is bearing up when it comes to soil moisture, fertiliser, light intensity and ambient temperature. £39.99
APP OF THE WEEK
Battery Doctor, free from Google Play, Amazon and iTunes
Improve your Smartphone’s battery power with this great app. It will estimate your remaining battery time, including how much further it’ll go if you turn off your Bluetooth/Wi-Fi when you’re not using them, and it will turn off apps (when you’re not using them) to improve your battery. It will even pop your phone into Saving Mode when required.