If someone asked you to name the world’s best-known secret agent, of course you’d answer back with “Bond… James Bond.” (And, most likely, in an unintelligible warble that you’ve convinced yourself passes for a British accent.) Images of stealthy action, fast cars and gorgeous women racing through your mind would likely follow – plus, of course, high-tech toys provided by the trusty Q. Happily for fans of the legendary operative’s films, based on author Ian Fleming’s popular 007 character and associated novels, enthusiasts can also pick up a piece of Bond-branded gadgetry to call their own. Here, in honor of latest big screen blockbuster Quantum of Solace, we look at a few stellar examples, along with a few added gizmos we suspect the dashing hero wouldn’t mind packing along on his next classified assignment.
Calling It In: Sony Ericsson C902; $549.99
Calling It In: Sony Ericsson C902; $549.99The pitch in short: Own the phone that James Bond uses in Quantum of Solace. The titanium Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C902 features a 5-megapixel camera with a unique slide-out lens cover, autofocus, illuminated touch icons and 160MB of built-in memory to store about 100 full-resolution photos (and many more on expandable M2 cards). It also plays MP3s, FM radio, video and more. (www.sonyericsson.com)
Lap of Luxury: Sony VAIO TT-Series Notebook; $2,399
Lap of Luxury: Sony VAIO TT-Series Notebook; $2,399Sony’s exclusive 007-engraved VAIO TT-Series Notebook PC offers all the power and functionality you’d expect from a high-end laptop, including Intel’s dual-core processor, ample system memory and a gorgeous 11.1-inch LED backlight display. But this system was also built for stealthy computing, with its premium carbon fiber black casing, licensed logo, matching leather case and noise-canceling headphones. (www.sonystyle.com)
Image is Everything: Sony KDL-40XBR6; $6,999
Image is Everything: Sony KDL-40XBR6; $6,999While not technically a Bond-branded product, Sony’s new XBR8 high-definition LCD televisions are advertised with Quantum of Solace to showcase its vibrant colors, deep blacks and smooth handling of motion. Specifically, the 55-inch BRAVIA XBR HDTV features full 1080p-quality resolution, “Triluminos” three-color LED backlighting (with local dimming technology) for superior contrast and 120Hz refresh rates for ultra-smooth motion. (www.sonystyle.com)
Thanks for the Memory: Sony NMicro Vault USB Drive; $55
Thanks for the Memory: Sony NMicro Vault USB Drive; $55Sculpted in the shape of Bond’s famous pistol, the Sony NMicro Vault USB memory stick celebrates the release of 2006’s Casino Royale film. Finished in piano black and featuring the signature 007 logo, this Flash drive comes preloaded with the movie trailer, four wallpaper images and Virtual Expander compression software that allows storage of up to three times more data than the drive’s listed storage space. (www.sonystyle.com)
Shoot to Thrill: Swann MovieStick; $119.99
Shoot to Thrill: Swann MovieStick; $119.99The MovieStick can’t be found in latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, but it wouldn’t be out of place if it were. About the size of a pack of gum and weighing less than an ounce, Swann’s miniature spy camera can shoot digital video and stills. Images are stored on a removable microSD memory cards for easy transfer to a PC for uploading, editing or archiving. (www.swannsecurity.com)
Remember the Time… Omega Planet Ocean 600m Watch; $1379.99
Remember the Time… Omega Planet Ocean 600m Watch; $1379.99As worn by 007 in the film, the official Quantum of Solace Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m watch offers a mysterious black textured surface on the dial (reminiscent of the grip of 007’s trademark Walther PPK), in stark contrast with the blood-red tip of the seconds hand. This limited-edition timepiece also features a 007 logo engraved on the buckle of the stainless steel bracelet and another logo on the caseback. (www.omegawatches.com)
Game On: Activision’s Quantum of Solace Video Game; $59.99
Based on the movie of the same name, Activision’s Quantum of Solace video game lets players slip into the role of the most lethal agent on Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This stealthy shooter includes all the weapons and gadgets you’d expect from a James Bond adventure, plus many multiplayer modes to indulge in once you’ve completed the single-player campaign. (www.activision.com)
Picture Perfect: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T50 Camera; $199.99
Picture Perfect: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T50 Camera; $199.99While discontinued, 007 collectors can still find this Bond-branded Cyber-shot DSC-T50 digital camera at some online stores and auction sites. Launched in tandem with the Casino Royale film in 2006, this 7.2-mgeapixel digicam (with 3x optical zoom) includes a sleek titanium body, 007 logo on the front and 3-inch touch-screen LCD on the back. (www.sonystyle.com)
Feeling Blu: James Bond Blu-Ray Set; $57.99
Feeling Blu: James Bond Blu-Ray Set; $57.99Watch the James Bond movie collection the way it was meant to be seen: In stunning high-definition quality. Aiming to please home theater buffs, MGM has re-released many of the 22 Hollywood adventures from the past half-century, with the 1080p films offered as stand-alone Blu-ray Discs, each featuring plenty of behind-the-scenes extras. For more bang for your buck, also see bundled box set options. (Check Price)
Watch Out: USB Memory Watch; $49.99
Watch Out: USB Memory Watch; $49.99As its name suggests, the USB Memory Watch looks like a regular wristwatch, but includes 4GB of Flash memory, accessible via a cleverly-hidden USB connector built into the watch strap. If you don’t want to remove the watch in order to access your data, an optional extension cord is included in the box. (www.thinkgeek.com)
You’ve Been Framed: Sony SR or CS Series Notebook and DPF-D80 PhotoFrame; $1549.98
You’ve Been Framed: Sony SR or CS Series Notebook and DPF-D80 PhotoFrame; $1549.98While they don’t include fast women and a million to burn at the casino (bummer), dozens of travel packages promise to let you explore the globe’s most exotic locations like everyone’s favorite super-spy. The best place to store photos of a memorable sojourn to drizzly London or scenic Monaco: A digital photo frame like the 8-inch DPF-D80. Buy one online with a VAOI CS or SR series notebook direct from Sony, and they’ll actually knock $180 off the price, essentially making it a free upgrade, a value which, in this economy, even the wealthiest playboy can appreciate. (www.sonystyle.com)
Hold on Tight: Aston Martin DBS; $265,000
Hold on Tight: Aston Martin DBS; $265,000No wonder Bond gets all the ladies – created for use on paved roads and off the beaten track as well, the 6.0-litre, V12-powered Aston Martin DBS (a signature ride in Quantum of Solace) leaves the competition choking on its dust, both in terms of sheer sex appeal and behind-the-wheel performance. A two-seater that redefines luxury, this jaw-dropping speedster even features Bang & Olufsen audio and, just because they can, native support for your iPod. (www.astonmartin.com)
