Julian Ovenden: 'The iPhone is surely the must-have gadget'

What's your favourite piece of technology, and how has it improved your life?
Well, that's a difficult one for me as I am a self-confessed gadget anorak, but it has to be the iPhone – surely the must-have gadget of the last few years.

When was the last time you used it, and what for?
I'm using it now to do this Q & A.

What additional features would you add if you could?
I suppose to be picky I would want faster browsing speed. The wealth of applications one can access ensures that it updates itself over and over again.

Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time?
The iPhone revolutionised the mobile industry, rather like the iPod before it with the personal music player. The iPod seems to still rule the world, so why not the iPhone?

What always frustrates you about technology in general?
It's more a frustrating trait of mine when buying technology. I am always buying things with features which I know I will never use, but you trick yourself into thinking you need them.

Is there any particular piece of technology that you have owned and hated?
A PC. We just didn't hit it off.

If you had one tip about getting the best out of new technology, what would it be?
Wait to buy for a while and see whether it's still around in six months. This is something I never do myself by the way.

Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd?
Nerd.

What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned?
I suppose the hybrid system in my car – Lexus RX 400h – counts as technology, then it's that.

Mac or PC, and why?
Mac. Ease of use. Compatability. Quality.

Do you still buy physical media such as CDs and DVDs, or do you download? And what was your last purchase?
I still buy CDs and DVDs, but generally for more obscure material. I download TV shows more and more especially from the US. My last purchase was a DVD of East of Eden with James Dean.

Robot butlers – a good idea or not?
Terrible.

What piece of technology would you most like to own?
I read recently of the advent of a completely wireless house. Having just moved house and being drowned in billions of cords and cables that sounds like a great thing to have.