Batteries Not Included guest Hugh Dennis reveals why he's dreading HD and why he feels it really is him against the world when it comes to technology.
Sat Nav is terrible. You know when people have a Sat Nav on as they're not looking at anything; they've no idea where they've gone, or where they are going. I love maps, I just love maps
Not that we're surprised really, Hugh has never struck us as the type of person who would need gadgets to keep himself entertained – he managed to amuse himself throughout a whole series of Mock the Week by continuously saying "step ladder" instead of Sepp Blatter. Plus he can do the best impression of Prince Charles that we've heard this side of the Atlantic. What more could the guy possible need?
Well, a dictaphone to record all his best and most spontaneous ideas perhaps, but we imagine that he could have someone run along behind him writing his thoughts down with a trusty pen and pad if he really wanted to. Let's see what he said...
Tell us about your gadget life, do you lust after the latest must-have innovations?
I'm not sure I have a gadget life really. I use various things like a mobile phone obviously, but the thing I like most about my mobile is that it's got a torch in it, that's how much I enjoy using my mobile phone.
Do you spend hours surfing gadget websites, looking at catalogues and/or Sunday supplement magazines?
I do. If there was a gadget that looked through them for me, I would get that gadget.
Are there any gadgets or gizmos that you couldn't live without that we should know about?
My heart rate monitor for when I go cycling.
If you could invent a gadget to make you into an overnight entrepreneur, what would it be?
I spend a lot of time on my computer writing and I would like something in my computer that sensed my mood and could see when I was struggling and would just occasionally go "Oh, come on" or "That's a good joke".
Have you ever had a case of "gadget envy", where perhaps a friend, neighbour or family friend has something you want?
Do I have gadget envy? I've got lots of mates who I envied when they all had a BlackBerry because they looked like they were really in touch and in control. Then you realise what it means - that people can get hold of you all the time - so now I am not that envious.
Do you take anything specific gizmo-wise when you go on tour?
I can't think of any. I am very, very simple when I go away - I need a bed and some food.
Do you know how all your gadgets work? Do you bother reading the instructions?
I don't know everything about all my gadgets, but I do read instruction manuals, which, I am afraid, drives my wife mad because she just won't.
Does the idea of HDTV frighten you, as it will mean that people can now see right into your very soul in crystal-clear resolution?
HD is probably fantastic for the manufacturers, fantastic for the technicians, but it's terrible for the performers because people are going to be able to see the slightly larger pores on my nose, where I had a big blackhead when I was a teenager.
How do you view the use of in-car sat navs?
Sat nav is terrible. You know when people have a sat nav on as they're not looking at anything; they've no idea where they've gone, or where they are going. I love maps, I just love maps.
Do you think there is a boy/girl divide on gadgets?
No, I don't think it's male/female. I think it's me and the rest of the world actually.
