This little device is simply marvellous at alerting you to an incoming message or call on your mobile telephone. Sometimes, of course, it's not always possible to answer, for example when you're being served by a pretty teller at the bank or having a refreshing shower. It's at times like these that voicemail is perfect. It's those other times, when it is possible to answer, but not always possible to hear your ringtone, that the mobile, otherwise a truly liberating invention, is among the most frustrating gadgets of all time. That's where the Doctor's handy phone charm comes in. Attached to your mobile by a little lanyard, the miniaturised Dalek contained within goes simply bananas, spinning a full 360 degrees, when there's a mobile signal (for call or SMS) in the air.

It's just like Torville and Dean, except with a deathly intent - and a very short fuse. Aficionados of Dr Who can't get enough of these, needless to say, but we believe their functional brilliance makes them destined for even greater things. Put simply, they work too dashed well to just be the preserve of the fans.