What's your favourite piece of technology, and how has it improved your life?
My Apple laptop has definitely transformed my life because I can do so many things on it – I don't understand how I got by without it.

When was the last time you used it, and what for?
I send emails all the time, and I love email because you don't have to talk to people. Yesterday I did a really useful thing. My dad lives on his own in Dorset and has a bad back, so I went online and did his shopping and had it delivered to his house. How useful is that?

What additional features would you add if you could?
I'd really like some sort of filtration method, that I don't have, for all the crap that comes my way. And I would like to take revenge on a few spam senders.

Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time?
I'm sure it'll be obsolete in about six months, and I'll have to buy another one.

What always frustrates you about technology in general?
I recently got a BlackBerry, and I can't get on with it – I can't see the screen properly, for a start. And I haven't sat down and learned how to use it properly, and I find that frustrating as well.

Is there any particular piece of technology that you have owned and hated?
I'm not one for computer games, but I was given one of those brain training things and I found it mildly offensive.

If you had one tip about getting the best out of new technology, what would it be?
Keep it at arm's length, and don't take any of it with you on holiday.

Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd?
A luddite, definitely.

What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned?
It's my laptop.

Mac or PC, and why?
Mac, just because I always have. It somehow feels more artistic – I don't know why, it just does.

Do you still buy CDs and DVDs, or do you download? What was your last purchase?
I do still buy CDs – I like to have something in my hand, and like to take them in the car. I don't do all that iPod business. I think with all that downloading business, somebody is getting shafted – and it might be me. I recently bought the soundtrack to Fantastic Mr Fox, which is fantastic. I've watched the film about 37 times – my daughter is obsessed with it.

Robot butlers – a good idea or not?
I've got somewhere in the cupboard a Rumba – a robot vacuum cleaner. It's absolutely hilarious, but now that I have kids, I can't use it any more – there are too many things lying around, such as Lego bricks. But robot butlers? No, they're a terrible idea.

What piece of technology would you most like to own?
I'd like a lawnmower. If I had a lawnmower, it would mean I had a lawn, which would mean I had a garden – which would be quite nice.

Emily Watson stars in "Cold Souls", which is out now on DVD