Recently I had two friends waiting patiently on my sofa while I hunted for my camera.  ‘But it was here!’ I wailed, while they sighed into their cups of tea.  The next day I found it, nestled safely somewhere I thought I’d searched.  After this and several other similar occasions, Alex handed me the Doro MemoryPlus 335.  Despite being initially put off by the glaring white of the device, I now have tags on my keys, my camera, my phone and a credit card sized tag in my handbag.

The MemoryPlus 335 was initially designed for people with memory or sight difficulties, but it works as well if you are just forgetful.  Inside the box are 4 tags, a remote and a cradle, all powered by easily r eplaceable batteries.  The remote was bigger than I expected, but still very light and easily fits in the hand as a result.  The MP 335 requires very little set-up as it works right out of the box, the hardest task being to attach the tags to your possessions.    The appearance of the MP 335 isn’t subtle, but if you were poorly sighted and had just misplaced your glasses, the MP 335 tags would be easier to spot than any of those sleek black ones on the market.

To test the MemoryPlus 335 initially I got Alex to hide all the tags around my flat.  For me they were really easy to find, I just followed the loud beeps until I was there.  For Alex, who lacks directional hearing, it was a bit more difficult.  As the tags don’t increase in volume the closer you get to the object, it was difficult for her to know if she was moving towards or away.  If you’re like Alex and find yourself in that frustrating situation, at least you would be reassured that it was in the room with you somewhere.

The credit card sized tag isn’t as loud as the others which I didn’t realise at first.  I had it inside my handbag which meant I wasn’t able to hear it until I was 10 feet away.  I don’t know why the difference in volume, but if it were clipped to the outside of an object then your range would be much better.  If you’re clever and manage to lose the remote (which is more than possible for some of us) that too will eventually set off an alarm to remind you to put it back in its cradle.

Other advantages of the MemoryPlus 335, especially if you have some physical difficulties, would the four very large buttons on the front of the remote.  Each button is labelled from A to D, with each tag corresponding to a button.  On the back of the remote is a label for you to write which tag is attached to which item, in case you forget and start pressing buttons willy-nilly.  Also the MP 335 looks and feels very sturdy. I can imagine it would take a bit of abuse to break these devices.

After carrying around the MemoryPlus 335 for a couple of weeks I’m impressed enough to be considering sending one to my grandmother.  It does what it says it does on the box and is also a part of Doro’s very comprehensive Care range for the more senior among us.

TakTik tick of 7/10

For more details see the website