Tom Felton: I'm a little bit of a geek

What's your favourite piece of technology, and how has it improved your life?
I don't want to sound like I'm following the crowd, but it has to be the iPhone. For the past year and a half it's been the passion of my life.

When was the last time you used it, and what for?
I'm using it now [to do this interview]. The latest thing I'm hooked on is this app, Chess With Friends, and you can play it with anyone who's got an iPhone. Most of the Harry Potter cast and crew have got them, and we're always playing chess against each other.

What additional features would you add if you could?
Oh god, you know what would be really good for me is a dog locater – it would save me the hours that I have to spend looking for my dog.

Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time?
It's impossible to say. I can't help but think this is just the start for Apple phones.

What frustrates you about technology in general?
You've got to hate it when things crash – when there's no actual fault, but it just doesn't work. And the other thing I can't stand is when other countries are technologically so far ahead of us.

Is there any particular piece of technology that you have owned and hated?
Loads, because I'm a tech geek. I'm always buying gadgets, especially at airports. I recently bought a set of wireless headphones, and thought they looked cool … but the sound quality was naff and I looked like a Martian.

If you had one tip about getting the best out of new technology, what would it be?
The first thing I do with anything new is go to YouTube and look for a "how to" video. Going online and asking questions is the best way to learn.

Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd?
I'm a little bit of a geek – I have to be the first person to get new things when they come out. I always want to buy and try new gadgets.

What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned?
Probably my only real indulgence over the past few years has been cars, I do love them. I drive a BMW at the moment, a Z4, and that's pretty technical.

Mac or PC, and why?
I would have said PC endlessly for the past 12 years, because that's all I always used. But eight months ago I got a Macbook and have been using that ever since. I do like Windows, but for user satisfaction it has to be the Mac.

Do you still buy physical media such as CDs and DVDs, or do you download? What was your last purchase?
Rarely, it must me said. iTunes has been one of the biggest pluses for me in the past five years.

Robot butlers – a good idea or not?
Sounds tempting, but there is always that fear that they could go wrong. I think I'd take a human butler over a robot one.

What piece of technology would you most like to own?
I do have a bit of a garden and I'd love a hovercraft to get around it – one of the big four-seater ones with the fan on the back.