Need for speed

MANJUNATH RAO, country manager, NCR India, admits that he cannot imagine life without technology any more — be it his laptop or his BlackBerry. This corporate honcho is hooked to his gadgets. Rao has discovered a passion for video games and is now a regular weekend gamer

Internet or TV: which would you choose?
The Internet, of course. It’s more informative than television for me, and is also the fastest means of communication. The businesses that we are in today require us to be connected 24x7 and don’t let us forget the power of the Internet. It brings us information and updates on a real-time basis.

Would you be willing to pay more to buy “green” gadgets?
Yes, I would pay more to buy green gadgets. NCR is committed to not exploiting the environment, and, personally, I refrain from using non-eco-friendly products.

What do you think is the most frustrating thing about technology?
I personally like anything to do with technology, but the most frustrating thing about technology is when a company starts releasing newer versions. They force you to go in for upgrades every year.

What’s your favourite video game?
I like Need for Speed (Under Ground), and often play it on weekends. I also have my own Sony PlayStation Pro console.

What is the most expensive gadget that you have ever bought for yourself?
Well, I can’t recall the most expensive one at this moment, but recently I gifted myself an Apple MacBook Air. I am tech-savvy and buy gadgets often. Well, I also recently got myself a new Bose music system.

What is the most useless gadget you own?
I remember a few years back I purchased a couple of digital photo frames in Dubai. I paid a hefty amount for them, but after some time there was some malfunction which couldn’t be repaired in India.

Do you have an iPod? What’s your favourite song on it?
I do have an iPod. My favourite song is “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits.

Are you on Facebook? How often do you log on to it?
Yes, I am on the social networking site, but I connect only while I am travelling or on weekends.

Are you on Twitter? How did you discover it and, more importantly, do you use it often?
Yes, I am on Twitter. I got familiar with it while on a recent trip to the US, where I saw my colleague using it frequently. The site is now a huge phenomenon across various age groups.

What is the first true gadget you purchased? Do you still have it with you?
My first real gadget was a digital communicator that I picked up. Unfortunately, I don’t have it with me.