As a business professional, it’s essential that you stay on top of your game when it comes to having the latest technology to hand. Of course, this is down to practicality as the very best devices can offer added functionality and ease of use, and therefore a more stress-free way of working.

You can’t be blamed for wanting to make an impact too so it’s vital that when you do invest in a new gadget or technical device, it’s the finest quality and most stylish looking around. To save you the time and effort that comes with seeking out the very best, the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) has selected the top five devices unveiled in recent months. So whether you’re looking for a smartphone, SatNav, laptop, e-book reader or fitness companion, there’s sure to be something featured here to whet your appetite.

Blackberry Bold
RRP £TBC
www.blackberry.com

The Blackberry Bold hit shelves during summer 2008 to much anticipation and acclaim, and having a great deal to live up to, it hasn’t let its legions of Blackberry or ‘Crackberry’ fans down.

Top of the range, with premium aesthetics and performance, this smartphone is an excellent solution for the business professional looking for a device that combines functionality with first-class design.

The BlackBerry Bold offers email, phone, Instant Messenger and internet services, as well as an integrated organiser, 2-mp camera with video recorder, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom - but that’s just for starters. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover an enhanced Media Player and Desktop Manager which can be used to play and manage full-screen movies and music collections, integrated GPS supporting applications such as BlackBerry Map, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0.

It’s the first BlackBerry smartphone to support tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world too - meaning that getting a fast connection comes at the push of a button - whatever your location. And if picture quality is at the top of your wish list, you’ll find definition, clarity and vibrancy on every screen or item you view thanks to the half-VGA colour LCD.

If you’re looking for a smartphone that performs just as well as it looks, then the BlackBerry Bold is your ideal companion.

TomTom Go 930 Traffic
RRP £399.99 inc VAT
www.ebuyer.com

The premium model in the TomTom Go x30 range, the TomTom GO 930 Traffic is the perfect choice for the business traveller looking to navigate roads in almost every corner of the world. Offering the latest seamless maps of 35 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the US, Canada and Russia, and using new IQ Routes technology, it provides one of the most efficient route planning systems on the market today. Created with usability in mind, its 4.3 inch, 16:9 format LCD touch screen features easy-to-select new generation icons and an updated user interface.

High-end features include Advanced Lane Guidance giving you a more realistic view of the route ahead, as well as more detailed visual instructions of your surroundings. For those wishing to make corrections to their maps, TomTom Map Share allows changes to be made instantly and allows you to view any improvements made by other drivers.

Designed to be as reliable as possible, the Go930 is the only device in the x30 range to offer Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT). This means you can expect uninterrupted navigation - even in tunnels or built-up areas.

Other features included the TomTom ‘Help Me’ menu providing direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance, a voice activated address system, safety camera database and enhanced hands-free calling with optimised sound provided via Bluetooth. In addition, there’s a built-in FM transmitter so that music and navigation instructions can be played over the car stereo, CPU 400 MHz memory, SD card slot and high sensitivity GPS receiver.

What’s more, it’s all packaged up inside a device that’s sleek and sophisticated, with a high quality finish.

Sony VAIO VGN-Z11WN/B
Pre-order price £1,749 inc VAT
Exclusively at: www.sonystyle-europe.com

Unveiled especially for summer 2008 in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the VAIO range, Sony’s new Z-series of VAIO notebooks are designed to offer ‘supreme performance on the move’.

A selection of models is on offer in the Z-series, however for the business professional looking principally to combine power and portability, the VGN-Z11WN/B is the best choice.

Compact and slim, it’s easy to take on the move, yet thanks to its on-board technology, it’s powerful too. Broadband speeds are ultra fast - with up to 7.2Mbps possible using HSDPA mobile data networks - thanks to the inclusion of VAIO ‘everywair’ WWAN technology.

The device combines Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors and the new Intel® Centrino® 2 platform to help ensure core services are at an optimum - from multitasking and memory speed through to battery life and wireless networking. And if it’s a notebook with sophisticated wireless technology you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed due to the inclusion of VAIO Smart Network technology which allows you to switch between WWAN (3G) networks and WLAN wireless hot spots - without turning the computer off.

When it comes to looks, the VAIO is polished to perfection. The keyboard features a brush-finished aluminium panel whilst the casing has been created using advanced carbon fibre materials meaning it’s strong and durable, yet pleasing on the eye. Of course, as the focal point, the screen is impressive too - combining LED illumination with a true 16:9 wide screen format and a generous 13.1-inch viewable diagonal and lots of workspace.

With so many features packed into such an iconic looking yet highly mobile device, the VAIO cannot fail to impress.

Amazon Kindle
RRP $359 (£180)
Exclusively at: www.amazon.com

When you’re on the move it can be difficult to keep up to date with the latest news and developments affecting the world of business. You may also wish to have books at your disposal without the need to carry them around with you.

This wish has been granted in the form of the Amazon Kindle, a portable e-book reader which wirelessly downloads and stores newspapers, books, magazines and blogs to be viewed on its black and white ‘electronic paper’ style display - as well as providing on-board dictionary access.

Weighing less than one paperback at just 10.3oz, the Kindle can access up to 90,000 books and store 200 titles at one time, and it takes just a minute to download a title. Even better, once you’ve purchased the Kindle you won’t be hit with any monthly bill plans as Amazon pays for the wireless connectivity.

There are a few extras to consider, however. For example, should you opt for any of the 100+ New York Times best sellers and new releases, these are $9.99 each, whilst monthly Kindle newspaper subscriptions are $5.99 to $14.99 per month, and Kindle magazines are $1.25 to $3.49 per month.

Titles you can choose from include renowned US newspapers and popular magazines and journals, such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly, TIME and Fortune.

The Kindle is designed to be used like a ‘real-style’ book as it features full-length, vertical page-turning buttons. Its electronic paper display reflects like ordinary paper and uses no backlight so there’s none of the glare associated with electronic displays.

With so many titles and publications on offer at the touch of a button, never has reading on the move been so accessible or exciting.

Nike + iPod Sport kit
RRP £19
http://store.apple.com/uk

Dubbed the electronic personal trainer, the Nike+iPod is the meeting of two of the greatest and most creative brands of the 20th and 21st Centuries.

The kit allows you to transform your iPod nano into a personal workout coach by simply plugging a wireless sensor into your Nike+ shoes. The sensor and receiver then communicate between your feet and the iPod nano to give you real-time feedback during your workout, as well as in-depth information on your performance on a Mac or PC.

Depending on your level of fitness, you can choose between several workout options - choosing between basic, time, distance or calorie-based. Simply insert your headphones and you’ll hear an in-depth breakdown of your workout, such as how far you’ve run, your pace, the length of time you’ve been working out for and how many calories you’ve burned. If you’d prefer to see the results instantly, a workout summary can also be viewed on the iPod screen.

For the more athletic user, Nike’s pre-programmed workouts are available from the iTunes Music Store or a run can be customised using personal playlists. Sports enthusiasts looking for further encouragement can even use ‘Power Song’ - a track specially pre-selected from your personal music library to raise the workout to an even higher level.

With all this on offer, there’s never been a better time to combine your fitness regime with the latest technology.

By Natasha Piscitelli