Home Gadgets 10th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Review

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In a move welcomed by many fans (well this fan at least) The Wand Company have released the 10th Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver as a universal remote control. Last year’s 11th Doctor sonic was an impressive release, giving you not just a programmable IR remote, but also a solid feeling replica of Matt Smith’s sonic screwdriver. This year sees the release of David Tennant’s Sonic, a replica based on 3D scanning the actual sonic used in the TV show.

Unpacking the Sonic

If there’s one thing The Wand Company gets spot on it’s the presentation. The 10th Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver comes well packaged in a simple cardboard box, the perfect shape for wrapping up as a gift. Open the outer box and you’re presented with a nice plastic case with a Sonic icon etched into the plastic.

This case opens in half to reveal the Sonic screwdriver and a USB charging cable. These sit in rubber which, when removed from the case, reveal the instruction booklet and presentation stand (which until I read the instructions I took to be a small coaster!).

Normally when you get instructions with some electronic device you immediately ignore them for the dull booklet they are; not so with the Sonic, The Wand Company attention to detail strikes again and they unfold into a large sheet with clearly written instructions on how to use the Sonic on one side and a blueprint style poster on the other.

Sonic Modes

The Sonic Screwdriver offers a number of different modes:

Control mode – Fires out IR commands when you perform a gesture. Also plays sound effects when a gesture is performed. The Sonic

Quiet control mode – Same as the control mode but without the sounds being played. If you plan on using this as a remote for your TV this is likely to be the mode you’ll leave the Sonic on.

Practice mode – Allows you to practice the 13 gestures and says the gesture you’ve just performed so you know you’ve done it correctly. Very handy when you first get the remote and want to perfect your clockwise/anticlockwise movements.

FX Mode – Doesn’t fire out any IR commands but does play sounds when gestures are made. Useful for showing off the Sonic or if you’re using the remote as part of a fancy dress costume.

Sonic Screwdriver Power

The Sonic is easily charged via a USB port on the bottom. This is normally concealed by a magnetic cap (more on that later) and it makes sense to use USB charging as if you’re anything like me you’ve got a phone charger in the living room.

The button is also a light, when plugged it it shows red for charging and green for charged. The Sonic can be powered down when not in use and it’s quickly powered up by the press of the button.

Sonic Screwdriver Build Quality

The Sonic certainly looks the business, you can extend and retract the top section with a simple slide. However, if there is one area that lets down the overall package it’s in the materials used. Give the price this feels too light, it feels more like a toy than a replica and it’s somewhat disappointing when you first lift it out of the case to find it so lightweight. The primary material used is plastic, and it seems like an usual decision when last years 11th Doctor Sonic felt well weighted and like you were holding the actual Sonic prop from the show.

Included with the Sonic is a display stand. Looking like a small coaster you might not initially realise what this is until you read the manual. The display stand has a magnetic sweet spot which allows you to stand the Sonic vertically upright, and it looks brilliant. Being vertical is not only eye catching, it also means the Sonic takes up very little space to put on display.

Conclusion

If you like Doctor Who and want a cool replica to pop on display then this ticks almost all the boxes. In some ways this improves on the previous Sonic, for example the USB charging and display case are both excellent. However, in some ways this feels like it was made before the previous model, the weight and toy like feel stop this feeling like a premium device worth the asking price. One things for sure, I’ll be very interested to see how The Wand Company follow this up.

Ultimately this is a fantastic and unique way to control all manner of infra red devices around your home, it also happens to triple up as cosplay prop and interesting display item, making this a brilliant present any fan will be very happy to unwrap.





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