TIFF08 Gadget Guide

As the second largest film festival in the world (topped only by Cannes), the Toronto International Film Festival can get pretty overwhelming. Of course there are lots of great films to watch and stars to see, but there are also a lot of long lines and waiting in between films. The CityNews.ca TIFF Gadget Guide should help you survive the festival by helping you bring the right gadgets so you don’t go utterly mad.

1. iPod touch

You’re standing in line waiting to see the Midnight Madness screening of JCVD (as in Jean-Claude Van Damme) and you get the urge to listen to some upbeat tracks by Lords of Acid (another excellent Belgian export). Time to pop in your earbuds and rock out. Or perhaps it’s more of a hankering to watch Universal Soldier to remind yourself why Jean-Claude is so awesome. No need to worry – your iPod touch can play the copy you downloaded from iTunes earlier in the day. Or you can just find an open Wi-Fi connection and change your Facebook status to let your friends know how cool you are for seeing the Midnight Madness screening of JCVD.

2. Laptop

If you’re going to lug around a laptop at TIFF, keep it small! The Sony Vaio CR Series (available in eight stylish colours) is a great choice for Windows users. The 13″ MacBook is the best bet for Apple users who don’t already own the older 12″ PowerBook (which is what I’m using for the fest). Just remember to keep it secure when out in public (use a password to login, bring a laptop lock, etc.).

3. Digital Camera

Unless you’re paparazzi there is no need to bring a Digital SLR and a million lenses with you to the fest. A small point-and-shoot, like the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH, takes great-quality images (and video) and is small enough to keep in your shirt pocket.

4. Dual USB Power Adapter

Most gadgets these days charge via a USB cable (this goes for iPods/MP3 players, cellphones, digital cameras, etc.). The Belkin Dual USB Power Adapter not only allows you to charge two devices at once, it means you can leave the majority of your AC plugs at home (a bonus for your shoulder).

5. Noise Cancelling Headphones

TIFF can get loud. People talking in lines, loud music at Starbucks, cars honking because you’re standing in line, a boring Turkish film – you get the point. Sometimes you just want to escape to your own little world. The best solution when you’re stuck in public is a pair of Bose QuietComfort 2 Noise Cancelling Headphones. These are easy to carry (they fold into a little case), have amazing sound quality, and will definitely make you feel like you’re not amongst a screaming crowd.

Did we miss a “must-have” gadget? Email your suggestions to tiff@citynews.ca.

CityNews.ca covers TIFF08 on YouTube

iPod touch Image Courtesy Apple, Inc.