Assembly lion

For Ahmedabad-based Net4Nuts, a mobile value-added service provider founded by CHIRAG PATEL, troubleshooting gadgets is a de-stressing activity. From taking his gadgets apart to putting them back together, Patel believes that every geek should be able to do this.

What is the geekiest thing you have ever done?
I established a separate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone line within my mobile so that I could use that line when roaming internationally to make and receive calls at practically local call rates.

What is your latest gadget acquisition?
It’s the latest Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled digital photo frame. These frames have email capability, allowing them to receive photos directly, and are also smart enough to automatically resize, enhance and crop the photos.

What is the best function in your digital frame?
It also connects to and works as an extension of my laptop. This way I can use certain widgets even without my laptop

Is there a technology that you think is yet to unleash its potential?
VOIP is surely the most promising technology for 2009. It has the power to completely overhaul how telecommunications work. What email did to snail-mail, VOIP will do to telephone calls.

Which of your gadgets do you show off the most?
I don’t think the Apple iPhone is the smartest mobile around. For me, my Windows-powered smartphone, without the much talked-about touchscreen, is an ideal office mate.

How long do you spend understanding a gadget?
It never takes me more than a few minutes. I always make it a point to read the entire user-manual, nonetheless — just to ensure that I haven’t missed out anything.

Do you ever help people with their gadgets?
All the time, from selecting gadgets and IT services to using and troubleshooting them. This is what I think is my way of de-stressing.

Do gadgets ever come to your rescue?
My gadgets are helping me out every day. Whether reminding me to pick up my kids to navigating unknown places within the city or abroad, it’s hard to imagine life without a melee of gadgets in it.

Have you ever fixed a broken gadget?
Definitely — it’s a passion I have grown up with. I used to take apart new gadgets — if I could put them back together and they worked — then they were worth using.