Five useful equipment products for University students

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

This article is also available on TheRankTank

So you have moved into student halls in your first year at University, miles away from home and those creature comforts. It can be a great chance to flourish and gain much-needed independence but there is bound to be times where you miss the comfortable environment you have grown up in.

There are some useful equipment tools to have as a student. One of the most valuable items required is a decent laptop. Whilst most Universities will have public PCs and Macs in libraries and computer rooms, students should have a laptop for personal use to keep in touch with friends and loved ones on Facebook and Twitter.

Hard Drives are a valuable equipment purchase for students

In that instance, there will be many projects students will work on at Uni. Your lecturers will remind you early on that it is absolutely essential to back up all your Word documents, InDesign creations and other raw programmes. So purchase a hard drive with plenty of space to keep those assignments together and stored in case technology lets you down. Don’t back up data and there won’t be any symphony from those who do the marking and hand out the final grades. Amazon is the best place to find hard drives (a Toshiba hard drive pictured) and they all do the same job so no need to find the best manufacturer either.

Most rooms in halls of residence will be small in space. The majority will have to share a kitchen in first year and students will need a caffeine boost to get through the day, so buy a decent kettle as it will come in very handy as assignment deadlines get ever closer. Shared kitchens will probably have a standard kettle to start with but these can often get overused, or dirty pretty quickly. Think of 4/5 people sharing and that’s a lot of boiling water per day. A nice way to catch up with a friend that doesn’t involve the expecting partying in pubs and clubs is to chat over tea or coffee. Those who prefer specialised coffees like cappuccinos and espressos could invest in a coffee maker but these aren’t cheap. Then again, nor are the specialised drinks at Starbucks or Costa branches.

With laptop sorted, a decent data storage device and a warm drink beside you, what else should fresher students invest in? Make your room look like home with a bit of decorating. Forget painting or slapping up wallpaper on the walls. Instead, blu-tack photos of good times and invest in getting posters to make the walls look bright and colourful. The fresher’s fair is ideal to stack up on posters but also try places like HMV, who have a good range of A3 prints. Yes girls, Harry Styles and One Direction posters will be stocked but don’t forget, there are other boybands available!

Lastly, a handy small piece of kit to invest in is a door wedge for your room. When busy or wanting some ‘me’ time, keep your door closed but by sticking a wedge on your door, it makes it easier to make friends and socialise better in first year. This is excellent in student residence but might not be allowed in other accommodation, so check landlord contracts carefully when it comes to using this equipment.

So there you go, these five items should help all fresher’s socialise, enjoy and find the right balance between relaxation, calmness and having a good time. University is a great experience; make the most of it before entering the full-time work world.

Categories: Amazon, Facebook, Hard Drive, InDesign, Kettle, Laptop, Posters, Starbucks, Tea, University

Can Tesco compete in the competitive tablet market?

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

This article is also available on TheRankTank

The tablet market is one of the most keenly anticipated battles in the technology world. It has taken on a new scope with some of the major retailers joining the race to win buyers with Christmas just two months away.

With Apple’s iPad the best tablet around but also the most complicated and expensive, consumers will want the best deal. That means a combination of excellent battery life, a wealth of applications and performance levels that are so good, you won’t worry about needing an upgrade every five minutes.

Tesco Hudl's new tablet can make an impact in a competitive market

Earlier last week, Argos entered the tablet market with the MyTablet, costing under £100. It is too early to say if this will be a successful move but it follows the latest trend which was recently triggered by Tesco’s competitive move with the introduction of the Tesco Hudl (pictured).

At £119, the tablet is in the price range for many members of the everyday public and there are plenty of positives about the Hudl. Tesco have made it available in four different colours. While the standard black colour is available, those with a creative feel will appreciate the choice of red, purple and blue colours.

The design is slick and smooth and appearance levels are crucial to attract buyers. When a customer enters a store or goes searching online, they will be instantly put off by something that has a lack of care and attention in its design. The Hudl shouldn’t provide any complaints and with a seven inch screen, is big enough to read e-books, listen to the latest chart hits and stream quality movies in stunning HD.

For any tablet to be successful, they need an easy-to-find store with hundreds of applications. That isn’t just the standard apps either. Tesco’s Hudl doesn’t disappoint with access to the successful Google Play store as it runs Android operating technology. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any hassle catching up on TV with BBC iPlayer or staying in touch through video calling on Skype – both available in the store. At 16GB in internal storage, tablet space is fantastic. There is the ability to purchase a Micro-SD card separately to extend memory space to 48GB, keeping the user very happy.

There are bugbears of course. The battery life is not the best and the 3MP camera is a huge disappointment. Tesco shouldn’t invest in this and need to look at other avenues if they were to launch a second edition.

So can Tesco take on the likes of Amazon and Samsung, both viable competitors in the tablet market? It will probably struggle to match them on sales but it has the ability to cause some headaches for these companies. The tablet market is not easy to crack. HP pulled their tablet from the shelves after poor sales while the BlackBerry Playbook was so bad, it made watching an episode of Antiques Roadshow more appealing.

The Hudl sold out in its first two days on the market and this is a great start for Tesco. If you are flushed with cash, stick with the more powerful Samsung tablets but if you are sticking to a budget in the festive season, a Tesco Hudl would be the ideal winter gift.

Categories: Amazon, Android, Apple, Argos, BBC iPlayer, Christmas, Colour, HD, Hudl, iPad, Samsung, Tablet, Technology, Tesco, TV

Why Amazon isn't always the best place to buy gadgets online

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

This article was first commissioned by TheRankTank

The buying habits of the everyday shopper have changed considerably. Retail outlets continue to diminish, as a solid proportion of us opt to do our shopping online. Gone are the days of heading to Woolworths or Jessops to pick up a bargain, or get the excellent customer service we rely on. Today the likes of Amazon dominate our thoughts, whilst many retail stores have had to embrace the change in habits, and make a viable business online.

Amazon has been an online leader, but there are some downsides

For many years, Amazon (warehouse pictured) has been the preferred choice to buy gadgets online. However it isn’t always the best place to purchase the latest technological advances, from cameras and game consoles, to iPods/MP3 players.

Before committing to buying online, make sure to check out the latest deals. Sure, Amazon is going to be on many people’s shopping list. They definitely do an excellent range of products but it might not be the best deal around. The process can be time-consuming but it will be better in the long run to save money if a more specialised website is offering the same product you are after that Amazon has. In that way, having knowledge of online shopping websites before you begin is advantageous. There’s eBay, the standard online shop from retail stores, Play.com or specialist shops. For example, the choice of printer cartridges is better on Amazon, but prices are often far more expensive to a specialist shop like Printerbasics.com.  

When going to shop on Amazon, the important face-to-face transaction with shop assistants is lost. In the recession, the success of the online market has driven gadget-driven stores like Comet to the wall, whilst others such as HMV and Game have been in administration. It is fine to shop online and again, Amazon can offer a better range, and handy information about the product but not the technical information that might be required. Consumers after a new tablet or laptop should always try Currys/PC World. The sales assistants are there to do a job, will offer tremendous service to buyers and nine times out of ten, you’ll walk out of the store with the latest model and a huge smile on your face for the faultless shopping experience. No matter what they try, Amazon can’t offer this.

The risk of shopping online is the quality of the product. Amazon does offer some quick delivery options and free shipping of products, but third-party websites won’t, and that could mean paying over the odds for the item the customer is after. The service is not always totally reliable, and the estimated dispatch date can be inaccurate. Be aware of high postage charges on Amazon. At the end of the day, they are a business just like anyone else who want your money and are keen to make a handy profit at the end of the year.

Amazon is a good starting point for many but make sure to shop around to get the best buy and always be aware of the product you want before purchasing.

Categories: Amazon, eBay, HMV, Jessops, Laptop, Money, Play.com, Printer Cartridges, Retail, Tablet

The UK's best selling male grooming products

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

All articles are available and were written on TheRankTank.com

Earlier in the summer, I wrote some retail pieces for the website TheRankTank.com.  The Rank Tank is a site that promotes the best selling products for a variety of companies, and it is the job of the writers like myself to produce detailed and informative content about the various sectors assigned to us.

There are areas on the site for a whole range of products.  This ranges from toys and games to computing and entertainment segments.  I was set the task of researching the top five male grooming products.  

Below is the top five, led by V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay

V05 EXTREME STYLE MATT CLAY

BEST PRICE: £2.50 at Amazon

Using V05 Extreme Style will give many men the good look

Most men want to look good, whether that is for an important business meeting or looking to impress the ladies on a night out in the town.  So you need to get the right hairstyle, and this won’t be a problem with use of V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay.  Its job is to create a choppy look to your hair, making you feel amazing without having to work hard to get the ideal look.

This product is ideal for those looking to create definition with a matte finish and at its current low price, is an absolute bargain.  The product was winner at the FHM Fashion & Grooming Awards in 2007 so it is unlikely users will be disappointed with the final result.  To use, simply apply a very small content onto dry hair, work a small amount of clay between your fingers, run through your hair and create the choppy look you dreamt of.  The unique formula of V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay (pictured) also means it washes out extremely easily without needing to worry about any effects afterwards.  So if you’re looking to create an intriguing look without shine, Matt Clay will do the job required.

TONY & GUY MEN STYLING FIBRE

BEST PRICE: £6.95 at Amazon

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tony & Guy with use of this product

The Styling Fibre for Men from the recognised brand Tony & Guy (pictured) will create a matte finish and some casual looks, although this product should only be used in moderation and not in large contents.

Established back in 1963, Tony & Guy are celebrating their 50^th anniversary of existence this year so why not take advantage of this milestone.  It is one product that once used for the first time; you will probably use it again.  Loosen the product between the palms of your hands and work delicately through dry hair for a hold that is bound to provide satisfaction.  Tony & Guy Men Styling Fibre will provide the opportunity to integrate creative looks with classic styles providing a slick and smooth finish.

L'OREAL EXPERT HYDRA ENERGETIC BLACK CHARCOAL FACE WASH

BEST PRICE: £5.10 at FeelUnique.com

Dullness and stickiness is a thing of the past with the use of L'Oreal

Some care more about hair and skin than others, and L’Oreal certainly fits into the former category.  No wonder this is the case when adverts in their established history on TV have included the likes of actor Gerard Butler and dashing former French footballer David Ginola.

Now L’Oreal has come up with a product that makes male skin look superb, especially in tough times.  For the first time ever, the Expert Hydra Energetic X-Treme introduces black charcoal – a purifying agent in a foaming wash.  The job is to eliminate the dirt and pollution that can crop up on the skin on a daily basis, an issue when working in the big UK cities.  The effects could mean your skin looks dull and has lost its shine edge.  This is when L’Oreal (product pictured) comes in to sort the problem out.

The product acts on skin and dethrones the dirt effect.  Not only that, but it helps fight five problems that can be caused by daily city grime.  Stickiness disappears; dullness is beaten and the shine in skin returns, alongside tackling blackheads and enlarged pores.  This is a cleansing innovation that must be tried.  L’Oreal continues to set the standard because you’re worth it!

VEET FOR MEN HAIR REMOVAL GEL CREAM

BEST PRICE: £7.15 at FeelUnique.com

Veet For Men Hair Removal is suitable for use on many areas

Those concerned about hair removal should fear no more, especially when using the Veet for Men Hair Removal Cream. For use in the shower, the many ingredients contained, including Magnesium Trisilicate, Propylene Glycol and Potassium Hydroxide will leave skin smoother for longer than you’d get from regular shaves and that often stubby regrowth of hair.

The cream is suitable for use on many areas of the male body, such as chest, back, shoulders and legs. Simply put the product on delicately, and rinse off for smooth skin in no more than four minutes. If that is a bit too quick, then try six minutes but no more than that, otherwise the excellent results can’t be guaranteed.

Before use for the first time, make sure to read the directions for use. It might sound tedious but to get the best skin comfort, then I recommend doing this before use. And don’t use on your face or in more private areas.

It might come with plenty of requirements, but Veet for Men have come up with a top product and have been vigilant to let people know of what could happen if not used properly. However use it correctly and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

JUST FOR MEN HAIR COLOURANT

Best Price: £6.99 at 123 Hair & Beauty

Another pressing concern for many men who age is how grey our hair gets.  So don’t complain and do something about it. Use the Just for Men Hair Colourant product, and those worries will become a thing of the past. The shampoo-in hair colour targets 100 per cent of those grey hairs, and is the most traditional way to deal with a problem like this. Afterwards, your hair feels gentle, calm and good once again.

Just For Men eliminates the grey hair factor

Just for Men (pictured) have come up with a variety of different colours that range from sandy blond to ash brown. The above price on the website 123 Hair & Beauty is for the natural jet black colour. The cost can vary depending on hair colour at some outlets, but we aren’t talking vast differences.

What’s more, this isn’t a product you use for five minutes then you need to purchase more. One application should last the minimum of a month and if lucky, upto six weeks before needing further use. Grey disappears in just five minutes, often a shorter length than an average shave.

The instructions for use are simple. Apply, wait five minutes then rinse out. Just for Men Hair Colourant ensures grey hair drifts away in almost an instant.

Categories: 1963, 2007, Amazon, Colour, Cream, David Ginola, FHM, Gerard Butler, Hair, L'Oreal, Matt Clay, Men, Retail, UK, V05

The UK's best selling skincare products

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

All articles are available and were written on TheRankTank.com

Earlier in the summer, I wrote some retail pieces for the website TheRankTank.com.  The Rank Tank is a site that promotes the best selling products for a variety of companies, and it is the job of the writers like myself to produce detailed and informative content about the various sectors assigned to us.

There are areas on the site for a whole range of products.  This ranges from toys and games to computing and entertainment segments.  I was set the task of researching the top five skincare products for the male specimen on this planet.  

Below is the top five, with Nivea for Men as expected leading the way.

NIVEA FOR MEN REHYDRATING MOISTURISER

BEST PRICE: £5.20 at Amazon

Nivea products have always been very successful

One of the most annoying issues for men is the development of dry skin, especially on our faces. For supreme protection from this aspect, use Nivea for Men Rehydrating Moisturiser. Apply to the areas that need the most attention, mainly facial and neck areas twice a day. Before applying for the maximum result, use either Exfoliating Face Scrub or Nivea for Men Deep Clean Face Wash.

Nivea is a proven winning product. Between the years of 2004 and 2010, it was voted number one in skincare range by readers of FHM magazine.  Men who use this product can trust to get the results they are looking for. Afterwards, their skin will feel smooth and supple, and it will look healthy again, alienating those dry patches that for some can be very tempting to pick away at. It also helps protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Nivea for Men Rehydrating Moisturiser (pictured above) is formulated with special Vitamin E and Provitamin B5, and provides solid and effective protection from dry facial skin for 24 hours. It is a handy product to use to keep the male breed looking cool.

NIP+MAN SCRUBBING FACE WASH

BEST PRICE: £5.95 at Boots

Using Nip+Man on a daily basis will produce the right results

Nip+Man Scrubbing Face Wash (pictured) should be used daily to retexture and resurface skin elements while Caffeine Extract brightens and refreshes your face. This product is currently not available in the United States, so the potential of it expanding into a wider market is most definitely there. Use this on a daily basis and it can be used as a pre-shave preparation product to allow for a smoother and relaxing shave.

The use of the Brazilian Papaya chemical provides the results you would be looking for. Put a very delicate amount onto your hand when using the product, then place gently into damp skin areas that are causing irritation. Finally rinse with warm water to get the complete facial experience. It makes your skin feel completely re-energised, ready for another day in any occupation of life. The contents of 150ml might sound small, especially when you consider the best prices but as long as individuals are careful and don’t use it in one go, a tube of this should last approximately two or three months.

Nip+Man Scrubbing Face Wash is one of the leading male skincare products on the market at the moment, and it provides cool cleansing and eccentric energetic results to your skin.

NO7 MEN POST SHAVE RECOVERY BALM

BEST PRICE: £8 at Boots

Say goodbye to raw skin with use of No7 for Men

No7 for Men Post Shave Recovery Balm (pictured) is an exclusive product of major pharmaceutical giant Boots and is currently unavailable in any of the leading supermarkets or internet shopping websites. This indicates it is a rare product and a leader in its particular targeted market.

This is a skincare product that is suitable for those who have sensitive skin. It should be used after shaving. Boots have come up with a product that not only replenishes skin texture, but leaves it feeling calm and soft after use.

This product shouldn’t be used in large quantities. In fact, all you need to do is squeeze a small amount onto the palm of your hand, and we’re talking th amount of about the size of a fingertip. Rub the contents onto both of your hands to leave an even amount on each hand. Then massage onto all areas of your face, but pay the most attention to those parts that are creating high irritation or elements of redness.

Boots have worked hard to push this product, thanks to their skincare experts and the result is No7 for Men Post Shave Recovery Balm means you can wave goodbye to irritated and raw skin after shaving.      

PALMER COCOA BUTTER MEN BODY AND FACE LOTION

Best Price: £2.99 at HealthMonthly.co.uk

Palmer’s is the UK’s number one Cocoa Butter Brand and it has now created its first Body and Face Lotion for men. This product offers effective no-nonsense masculine skincare.

Palmer's Cococa Butter Formula works all over the male body

For use on a daily basis, it can be used in small or bigger quantities. Gently massage the contents used onto your skin after washing. The main ingredients of Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter will combat areas of dry skin, and also parts that have undergone rough layers.

However don’t just save this for facial skin, as you can apply the product all over your body, ideally after you’ve bathed or showered. The male specimen won’t need to worry whether they then look a bit of a fool in the immediate aftermath. Palmer Cocoa Butter is both non-greasy and the ingredients allow for it to dry fast and quickly onto applied areas. The product is also ideal to use after shaving.

Although it is freely available in many of the regular shops, best deal with free delivery is actually online on the website HealthMonthly.co.uk. You won’t regret going there either.

Providing soothing skincare, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Men (pictured above) has been made for males, to be used by males and to give males an excellent finish.

LAB SERIES PRO LS ALL-IN-ONE FACE TREATMENT

Best Price: £22 at John Lewis

Dealing with four skin treatments makes Lab Series Pro expensive

Now this is a product that is completely different from many in its skincare range competition. Lab Series Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment (pictured) doesn’t just deal with one area of your skin, it deals with four.  It is a four in one treatment, and that is why the price seems quite expensive. However you will get your money’s value for using this product.

For those wanting to know just what aspects the product covers, it soothes, moisturises and repairs skin, and provides the mattifying treatment. This is ideal to use in a post-shaving environment, so either after a testing day in the work office or a hard workout in the gym. With the 50ml tube, you get more than what might be expected considering the best price, which is matched by Boots, but John Lewis online services offer free delivery, whilst Boots don’t.

The absorbing formulas limit the appearance of skin redness and irritation, meaning it looks refreshed after shaving. The shine control protection absorbs oil instantly leaving for a cleaner finish and damage repair eliminates the ugly appearance of dine lines and wrinkles.

With four treatments in one, and designed to be used anytime of the day, the All-In-One Face Treatment provides the complete package.

Categories: Amazon, Boots, Brazilian, Butter, Caffeine, Environment, FHM, John Lewis, Men, Moisturiser, Nivea, Office, Skin, Treatment, UK