Consumer watch

Get set for summer with bargain innovations, says Hayley Gilbert

Cable tidy

MicroUSB-to-USB cable, from £4.98 for a single pad, Lindy

USB cables are a necessity of modern life and are often quite the inconvenience. When they’re not being lost at the bottom of a drawer, they’re simply refusing to plug into a socket – however hard you try. The wonderful people at Lindy have tackled both of these woes by inventing a microUSB-to-USB which is not only neon, but the USB end is also reversible, so it can be plugged into place in any direction you choose.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?

• According to research by Heart of House (available at Argos), over 80% of UK renters admit they aren’t actually saving for a house of their own • 43% said they feel trapped renting, as they just can’t afford to save • 21% said that renting their home suits their lifestyle • London and Manchester are where renters are struggling the most to save • Those in Birmingham and Leeds are more optimistic about climbing onto the property ladder.

Did you know…

A national survey conducted on behalf of Vorwerk (vkdirect.co.uk) has revealed some very interesting facts about our cleaning habits:

• 15% of pet owners vacuum their pets