Tech journalist and frequent traveller NAFISA AKABOR looks at new tech you can use on your travels.
By: Nafisa Akabor
Here are the latest gadgets to keep you connected while travelling: the premium S23 Ultra with 200MP camera, the powerful 14” MacBook Pro to work anywhere, and for peace of mind, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus. For convenience, check out the Thule clean dirty packing cube and the Armadura phone holster.
Samsung S23 Ultra
If you’re a frequent traveller who needs a trusty camera, check out the Samsung S23 Ultra. It has a 200MP lens with advanced Nightography features for low-light images and video, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Its AI efficiency is suitable for gaming and productivity, with an improved battery life and S-Pen. Price: R30 999.
MacBook Pro M2
Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro is now available with its powerful M2 Pro chip that is a beast of a machine to take on your travels. This high-spec machine has 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage and can handle anything you throw at it, anywhere. It promises up to 22 hours of video playback, the longest for any Mac. Price: R42 999.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
Between rolling blackouts and travelling, security becomes a priority. The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is an outdoor security camera with a rechargeable battery that brings peace of mind to travellers. Get instant alerts on the app through motion detection. Features include two-way talk, security siren, 1080p HD video with colour night vision, and two LED spotlights. Price: R3 699.
Thule – clean dirty packing cube
If you are a pedantic packer, check out Thule’s new clean-dirty packing cubes. Each cube has an internal divider to keep clothes separate. The floating divider lets you pack equally or adjusted on each side. It is easily wipeable and limits odour, dirt, or moisture from transferring. Fits into most hand luggage and is water repellent. Price: R879.
Armadura
Local brand Armadura has genuine leather phone covers suited for travellers. Its luxury holster cover fits most phones with an envelope for cards. When paired with the Athena crossbody strap, you have three more pouches to store train or bus tickets, cash, tissues, etc. without being weighed down by a larger bag. Price: From R1 495.
Adventurous Andorra
I had an opportunity to drive the all-electric Nissan Ariya in Europe with its new e-4orce technology equipped with snow mode. Off we went adventuring in France and Spain and before we knew it, we were at the highest permanent racetrack in the world, Circuit Andorra. Driving between these three countries took a couple of hours, so it’s doable if you plan to hire a car in Europe.
The capital Andorra la Vella sits high up on the Pyrenees Mountain, making for an excellent ski holiday. We stopped for a couple of hours to drive on the snow track, but you will be spoilt for choice with no less than 10 ski resorts in the Pyrenees.
There are a variety of activities by season, including skiing, hiking, canyoning, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc, plus hot springs and spa visits. Top Tip: Convert your SA driver’s licence to an international one through a walk-in within minutes at an AA accredited agent.
