The Wall Street Journal wrote a story about consumers who, just like me, are consolidating devices; they’re using their smart phones instead of a multitude of other gadgets.

Here is my compelling case for making the switch to one or two devices:

•    You’ll charge fewer batteries every day

Does charging batteries nearly every time you want to use a particular appliance irritate you as much as it irritates me? And it creates a mess, too: cables galore and you have to spend even more money on a USB connector for the extra connections every electronic device needs.

If you only have one or two devices, you need to charge only one or two batteries. That’s awesome, right? And you’ll do your bit for the environment, too.

•    Your pockets and handbags will be lighter

At one stage I used to carry nearly all my gadgets around in my handbag. Oh, and the boyfriend’s gadgets, too. I didn’t feel safe walking around with gadgets that were equal – back then – to at least two months’ salary.

So these days I only carry the cellphone with me. My handbag does still bulge but that’s from the books I carry around.

•    You will save money

You’re not rushing out to buy the latest must-have anymore so that should save you enough money to buy next year’s best gadget that will rival the Kindle – the Papyrus. And then your hands or your handbag will love you because you’re no longer carrying the slightly bulky War and Peace with you.

•    Your life will be simpler

Simple is good. And you don’t need to read inspirational and productivity blogs to know that; do you need 25 to 45 gadgets?

•    You do not need professional products

So you’re not a professional photographer but you use a 10-megapixel camera. Your car has a CD-player, you do not gym, and your colleagues entertain you so much that you never notice how fast the time flies. Then why do you insist on buying an iPod?

Do we buy the products because of their status, or do we buy because they are useful?

So which smart phone is it, then? There are many to choose from but the smart phone that wins will be the one with the features you’re looking for. Or it has the potential to hold all those features.

There is no one definition of a smart phone but there are a few criteria that can help you spot such a phone: powerful processors, abundant memories, large screens and open operating systems.

Intel recently launched their new i7 chip, and claims that it is the fastest chip in the world. There is quite a bit of truth to this statement, but with AMD now starting production on their brand new Phenom II, it looks like Intel may be facing some serious competition again for the first time in a few years.

Intel’s dominance in the market has been attributed to the fact that their CPUs are running on the 45nm standard, while AMD offerings are still running on the 65nm standard – something which is now changing, since the Phenom II will also be switching to the 45nm process.

The problem from AMD’s point of view would be the fact that Intel have been running with the 45nm standard for a little more than a year now – meaning that AMD is still left playing catch-up. However, given AMD CPUs’ lack of competitiveness in recent times, this move should give them a firmer foothold in the consumer market once more.

For the time being – AMD’s only advantage lies in their lower price offerings, but the margin compared to Intel’s pricing is fairly narrow.

More details on the Intel chip can be found on the Intel site, with some reviews of the AMD Phenom II and what we can expect on this site. The anandtech article gets pretty technical – so keep your thinking hats on.

Here are some of the best digital hearing aids by three of the top hearing aid manufacturers, namely Siemens, Beltone and Starkey.

Siemens Digital Hearing Aids:

Siemens offers a fantastic range of digital hearing aids to suit all needs, whether for adults or children. For a more affordable option, try the Siemens Cielo or Artis range. These inexpensive models feature digital noise reduction and phase cancellation to eliminate whistling.

The mid range Intuis and Phoenix models offer additional features such as advanced computer assist technology and automatic hands free volume adjustment. Another option is the Acuris and Centre models, which forms part of the Ultimate technology range.

Beltone Digital Hearing Aids:

When it comes to affordability, the Beltone Arca is the ideal digital hearing aid in its range. It boasts Dual Programme Switch which allows you to easily switch between hearing programmes. An added feature is Telecoil, a manual volume control which enables you to hear conversations clearer.

The Beltone Access and Mira form part of the mid range models. These digital hearing aids have 6 channels that mimic the way a human ear hears sound, recognises speech patterns and eliminates unwanted sounds.

The Advantage Beltone range includes Ling and Edge. The Edge model feature rechargeable batteries and is well known for its wind suppression.

The top of the range models include the Beltone One! and Corus models, which have amazing features such as the ability to hear conversations better, even in noisy surroundings. Rapid Wide Dynamic Range Compression is an advanced feature that ensures all sound you receive is natural.

Starkey Digital Hearing Aids:

Starkey is also another good bet for quality digital hearing aids. The Mesa and Ciera models are the low priced varieties which feature the basic functions and several channels. The Ciera model has frequency shaping, allowing a hearing aid professional to programme the hearing instrument for optimal hearing.

The Destiny range is available in a few models and uses nFusion technology of nanoscience to process sounds. Alternatively, the DaVinci Precision Extreme Power (PxP) provides excellent digital amplification, as well as noise management and feedback cancellation. This is one of the more powerful behind the ear hearing aids available.

When it comes to digital hearing aids, one should go for the best product that offers that most superior sound available. If you feel you may need a digital hearing aid, consult a hearing aid audiologist who will be able to assess your hearing and recommend the most suitable hearing aid for you.