'Mac owners all seem a bit smug'

What's your favourite piece of technology, and how has it improved your life? That's an easy one for me – it's my iPhone. It allowes me to email and receive email wherever I am. You suddenly realise: how did I ever live without it? You can also listen to music with it and play games. When was the last time you used it, and what for? This morning to have a look at these questions. What additional features would you add if you could? A lie detector would be quite good – that would be awesome. Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time? Only if people stop lying. But the phone? I hope not, because it's one of the great design classics. What always frustrates you about technology in general? There's always something new coming out. You buy something and then they launch a new, better model. They always get you hooked like that. Is there any particular piece of technology that you have owned and hated? Not really. The only thing I could think of is those hands-free kits. Very practical when you're driving, but I hate people walking down the street using them – it looks like they're talking to themsevles, and it drives me nuts. If you had one tip about getting the best out of new technology, what would it be? Read the instructions, which I never do. Or ask the wife, who always does read the instructions. Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd? I'm a luddite who looks like a nerd. Or should that be the other way around? What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned? I try not to buy expensive kit because I lose it or break it! But I suppose my tractor was quite expensive. I bought a new one and had it sprayed Barbie pink. I bought it for my wife, but she never uses it because I'm always on it. Mac or PC, and why? Probably PC, because all the Mac owners say they're no good. And Mac owners all seem a bit smug. Do you still buy physical media such as CDs and DVDs, or do you download? What was your last purchase? I love buying books, because there's something tangible about books. DVDs I buy, but music I download. The last DVD I bought was Zombieland. Robot butlers – a good idea or not? As long as it came in a 4-by-4 verson, otherwise it would be useless on the farm. What piece of technology would you most like to own? A litte personalised submarine, which would be perfect on holidays. Everyone should have one – it beats snorkelling. • Watch Doherty's new BBC series, The Private Life of...