This week we look at fiction’s greatest inventions:
1. Sonic Screwdriver
Multifunctional, mysterious and non-aggressive, Doctor Who’s favourite toy is known for opening doors, distracting giant maggots and heating up tea. It’s difficult to say whether or not you should buy a replica – on the one hand, you can pretend to use it; on the other, you’ll realise it doesn’t work.
2. LCARS
An acronym for Library Computer Access/Retrieval System, Star Trek’s beautiful computer operating system that made its
debut in The Next Generation. It wins points for being strangely prophetic, as the crew also carried portable devices running the OS, known as PADDs.
3. Lightsaber
Needing little explanation, these have been the inspiration for the world’s best swordfights and YouTube videos alike. The force FX lightsaber, with a metal hilt and motion sensors that trigger realistic (or not) sound effects will only set you back about 120 quid.
4. Iris – cam
From the Artemis Fowl universe, these contact lenses can zoom, record and transmit video, no doubt in HD. The only downside was a sharp pain when switching between modes. See http://bbc.in/IJTZMs for an article on just how close this technology might be to being realised.
5. Gravity gun
The iconic weapon correctly called the ‘zero point energy field manipulator’ masquerades as a scientific tool and is one of the key ingredients that make Half-Life 2 and the following instalments as good as they are. Pick up barrels and throw them at foes with the greatest of ease.