We’ve been doing this feature for 45 weeks; this post is the final TechView with the KFC Global Express so we thought it fitting to:

a) Pick the top picks that we’ve featured this year.

b) Offer an awesome kick-ass prize – deets at the end of the post…. it’s naaais very naaais!

We’ve covered everything from mp3 players to concept gadgets to green gadgets to photo tools, mobile apps, IM apps, laptop bags, wearable tech and party essentials. Here are some of the posts and particular gadgets and apps that we like the most.

Because everyone wants to be the Top Dog...

COOL MOBILE APP: Shazam!

 It’s quirky, cute and very very clever. ‘What’s that song? Who sings it?’ Hold your phone up to the speaker and Shazam gives you all the details. Shazam has been around since 2002 and is now the best-known music ID app. Functions mainly using Blackberry, android and iPhone – good news is that Shazam is now available for more handsets. I managed to download it from the Nokia ovi store and it’s working well – at the moment they are offering it for free as an exclusive introductory offer.

USEFUL POST: Find the fans 

Using social media to promote your music.

It’s all about the music…. it’s what you love, what you live for – but it’s no good if no one else knows what you’re writing, recording and performing. The web offers you so many different platforms through which to promote your band or yourself as a musician. This post covers some websites that you can use to better chat with your groupies and share your latest videos, songs, events and news.

FOR THE WISHLIST: Kindle

Perhaps the most coveted e-reader, the Kindle is an uber stylish wireless e-reader thin enough to cut cheese and big enough to hold over 1500 books. 

The display has been improved from the first generation Kindle and reads like real paper with faster page turns. Longer Battery Life means you can read for days without recharging.

The best news is that the latest generation Kindle now ships to SA, and it now supports international wireless. This means that we'll be able to download e-books using wireless direct to the Kindle - no PC needed. I have a feeling the Kindle is on many Christmas lists this year.

Check out the Kindle over at Amazon 

THE HOW TO: WTF is Twitter?

Perhaps the most talked about social network this year, not just thanks to celebs like Ashton Kutcher but also because every major TV news station has credited twitter at some stage. 5FM  joined twitter this year and the interaction between twitter and our on-air activities has been exciting.  Perhaps you’re nervous of using twitter or think that it’s a waste of time…. like any social network you need a reason for being there – what do I get out? If you’re interested and clueless then check out our handy WTF is Twitter? post. It covers the basic etiquette and will help to get you started.

GOT GAME?: PSPgo

The latest in handheld gaming consoles, the PSPgo is 50% smaller than the original PSP. They’ve incorporated slide out controls to reduce the size but retain the importance of max screen space. The PSPgo has a built-in mic, Bluetooth support, 16GB hard drive to hold your games, movies or tv shows. Very cool, I think this too will be a hit on the present lists this year.

GO GREEN: The power of solar

Charge your cell phone, PDA, iPod, laptop or MP3 Player with one of these gadgets. Your cell phone charger is drawing power when it is plugged in, whether you are charging your cell phone or not. Use the power of the sun (we have a lot!) to charge your equipment while still being mobile. 

Most chargers either use solar power (preferable) or batteries. Check out the battery powered Power Monkey - Power Chimp or the Solar powered Power Monkey – Solar Monkey 

There are plenty of other portable power chargers available as well as backpacks with built in solar panels and wind up power sources. Locally, take a look a The Green Shop - you can buy all sorts of Green tools online to help you in your eco-living quest.

DROP THE BEAT: Online DJ Tools

5FM is all about the music – check out the post we did on online DJ and music mixing tools - whether you’re a seasoned professional or a basic beginner try these tools out for size…… 

UBER-PORTABLE COMPUTING: Nokia enters the battle of the NetBooks

Stay connected all day long with the Nokia Booklet 3G this high-performance mini laptop makes a big impression. Uber-portable and stylish (ultrathin 2 cm body) the Nokia Booklet runs for up to 12 hours as you travel from place to place, and built-in 3G and Wi-Fi ensure you’re always connected. 

Preloaded with Windows 7, the Nokia Booklet 3G is beautifully constructed with a 10.1” HD-ready display, highly durable aluminium body, and premium gloss finish.

BETTER YET – we have TWO of these beauties to giveaway!

TO WIN A BRAND NEW NOKIA BOOKLET 3G answer in the comments 

"If your house was on fire and you could save one gadget - what gadget would it be?"

Anonymous & Duplicate comments will be removed. Comp closes 6 NOV. Usual 5FM competition rules apply.

CONGRATS JessN and OneLargePrawn - you have each won a brand spanking new Nokia 3G Booklet. We'll be in touch to arrange delivery. WELL DONE!

So the festive season madness is looming, paraphernalia is appearing in the shops and some people have even started receiving invitations to parties. The rest of us are on the B-List and will be invited towards the end of next month, or never.

But what makes a good party a great party? We’ve discovered some cool gadgets and ridiculous party stuff on the web that is guaranteed to pimp any party.

The tunes.

XtremeMac Tango X2  

Obviously a great party needs great music. I just organised one of these for my 70 year old mother-in-law….how ‘hip’ is that? 

It retails for around R1200 and I reckon that for the sound it delivers this is one of the better sound docks I’ve experienced. A 5 speaker system is built-in and apart from playing and charging your iPod it also features an AM/FM radio which means you can listen to 5FM, nice!

The drinks.

A few years back we hired a ‘juice’ mixing machine for a party. We made our own tropical fun Copacabana concoction, let it brew and mix and then added people = instant party. No hassle, no mess and it makes about 20 litres…if you google or ask around there are plenty of function places who hire them out. 

The outfit.

If you do hire the 20 litre drink mixing machine it probably means that at some stage things may get a bit wobbly. This is when your ingenious plan to wear the Morphsuit becomes important (you have to click that link – crazy stuff). Be warned however, the Morphsuit has its pros and cons:

- You will be completely disguised, you will have no name to toss.

- This is only for the very, very brave…the Morphsuit leaves nothing to the imagination.

- There are different colours so you can rope in some mates to be red, yellow and blue.

- You will never be party-less, you can crash any party and remain anonymous.

- You must never, ever remove any part of the costume….if you are exposed as half-Morphed it will signal the end of your social life and you will never be invited anywhere again.

The entertainment.

This section is not needed should crowds of people turn up in Morphsuits = instant entertainment. Most people seem to create their own entertainment but if you need to force some sort of fun or bonding (find new friends to mix) OR have some sort of Karaoke thing happening OR 90s style dance-offs OR 

Nintendo Wii Sports Resort is perfect for summer. It’s set on a tropical island and uses the new WiiMotion plus accessory. Dress up and get into character, on a tropical island this naturally means gals in bikinis and shirtless guys so this party works best with your most attractive friends!

Whatever you do, party safe and take it easy over the holidays.

Next week is the last TechView feature for a while so we’ll be featuring the best of the best that we’ve covered over the past 45 features. 

We’ll also be giving away 2 VERY HOT brand new Tech gadgets….stay tuned!

So we’ve covered small gadgets but what about technology you can actually wear? Stuff that makes life easier and cooler while you’re on the go. We’ve had a look around at what’s around and at what might be available soon.

Aerial7 Sound Disk Beanie

The ultimate fusion of fashion and tech, this is Aerial7's Sound Disk beanie, as worn by international snowboarding sensation Heikki Sorsa.

Ultra Slim headphones slip invisibly into the sides of the beanie. You won't even know the headphones are there until you hear the awesome audio experience. Distributed by KNR Flatrock and available locally soon at most retailers where Aerial7 is sold.

We have 5 Aerial7 Sound Disk Beanies to giveaway – these have just landed in SA and are up for grabs here for the very FIRST time…. they’re very, very cool indeed.

Congrats to Dapri-Priyesh Kasan, Melissa, Nick Howse, Andrew Steytler and Natalie Brent. You've each won an Aerial7 Sound Disk beanie - enjoy!

iBangle

Wearable music. This concept product from Apple’s labs will probably take a long time to become a reality. It’s pretty amazing though - the clean functional design (typical Apple genius) offers the ultimate in portability and wear-ability. When activated, the blue inner band fills with air and expands for a comfortable fit around your wrist. A multi-touch track pad offers easy navigation and the audio links via wireless earbuds. Clean, modern design with high-end functionality - this looks like a product that could become a reality.

Nike+ Sportband

The Nike+ concept is still one of the coolest joint ventures between two major brands (Nike and Apple.) The enhanced Nike+ SportBand is super cool. It’s worn like a watch and shows you your distance, pace, running time, and calories burned. The info is transmitted from the sensor inside the Nike+ running shoes. The improved band has an improved watertight seal and comes in a range of colours.

Solar bags

We have sunshine most of the year round so in the interests of being green, and saving on your electricity bill it makes a lot of sense to invest in a backpack or bag that harnesses solar energy. That way you can carry, and charge your equipment while you’re on the go…. environmentally friendly and convenient. Check on the web for which bag is the best solution for your needs, ideally you want something that charges well and that is able to charge ALL your gadgets – cellphone, mp3 player and laptop for example.

Computerised Fabric

MIT Media Lab developed a musical jacket that Levis then marketed. If you consider how far tech has come even in terms of paper & electronics meshing then the logical step is smart clothing. Shirts that monitor heart rates or display graphics and text. Built in controls for musical pants etc….the list goes on. Naturally I’m guessing the tricky bit is the cleaning….. I can’t be wearing my ‘musical’ shirt ALL week…. Perhaps not the most practical solution but definitely something to be considered for specific events or situations. Graphic / Video T-shirts at a concert for example would be a super cool way of advertising and informing people.s

WIN!

We have 5 x Aerial7 Sound Disk Beanies to giveaway – these have just landed in SA and are up for grabs here for the very FIRST time…. they’re very, very cool indeed

To win tell us in the comments section – What’s the oddest thing you’ve ever worn?

ONE entry per person, usual 5FM comp rules apply. Comp closes Fri 23rd OCT

Congrats to Dapri-Priyesh Kasan, Melissa, Nick Howse, Andrew Steytler and Natalie Brent. You've each won an Aerial7 Sound Disk beanie - enjoy!