Naoko Mori: 'I'm a gadget freak'

What's your favourite piece of technology, and how has it improved your life? There's a lot. I'm Japanese, I'm a gadget freak – I like anything with buttons. I want to say my computer, but if I had to choose one, I'd say my mobile phone. This is almost sacrilegious, because I'm a complete Macophile, but I actually still have a BlackBerry – I just prefer the buttons. I'm still on the fence with the iPhone because of the buttons and the texting. When was the last time you used it, and what for? Eight minutes ago, checking emails. What additional features would you add if you could? I travel so much – I'm in the US a lot, and in Japan – that I currently have three phones. So what I would really like to see is a phone that holds three Sim cards, so you have different numbers in different territories. So what it can do is choose the best network, depending on what country you're in. Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time? I don't think so, I hope not. I think it will just be newer and better. What always frustrates you about technology in general? When it breaks down, or runs out of juice. It's just that dread that it can go wrong, and it often does. Is there any particular piece of technology that you have owned and hated? I've had a rotten time with shredders. If you had one tip about getting the best out of new technology, what would it be? I believe you should always buy the best that you can afford at the time. Also, be clear about what you need, and read the instructions. I know everyone hates to do it, but I think that to get the best out of whatever you buy, you have to. It's a bit boring, but it's worth it. Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd? Both. I'm Japanese, so it's in our blood to be geeks. But for certain things I'm old-skool – I love technology, and I love what it does, but I think it should enhance and not take over your life. Emails are great, texting is great, but for the right purposes. Also, I miss peoples' handwriting – we never write letters any more. What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned? I guess it would be my laptop, my Macbook Pro. Mac or PC, and why? Definitely Mac. Everything about it, it just feels right. For me it's like the difference between coffee and tea – I'm a coffee person. But I'm not sure about the iPhone yet. Do you still buy physical media such as CDs and DVDs, or do you download? What was your last purchase? CDs not so much, but DVDs definitely. I recently re-bought The King of Comedy, because I lost my old one – I love that film. I like having the physical thing – not just DVDs, but even books. I like the smell and the feel of the paper. I'd much rather read a newspaper – something like a Kindle wouldn't be a big pull for me. Robot butlers – a good idea or not? I don't need a butler – what I do want a robot. But I don't want one of those human-looking robots, I want like an old-skool one with the square head – almost like a companion, or a pet. What piece of technology would you most like to own? If it was something not real, I would like a time machine/transporter. With the amount of travelling I do, that would be a lot quicker and greener. In real terms, a helicopter or a massage chair. • Naoko Mori stars as Yoko Ono in Lennon Naked , screening on Wednesday 23 June at 9.30pm, on BBC4