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Samsung’s Watch 4 is a Classic MSI’s Summit E16 Flip is magic Jabra Elite 3 is for everyone & How to enhance the Sony ZV-E10 22001

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Issue 115 Dec2021/Jan 2022 www.stuff.co.za R49.50 (incl VAT) Other countries: R43.04 (excl tax)

Tick off your tasks

Whistle while you work Bolster your brain

Every step of the adventure

The Neo smartwatch is your child’s first introduction to the world of wearable technology. Available in Mint Green and Ocean Blue, this smart device includes a camera, activity tracker, calculator, weather information, and the ability to call predetermined numbers using its built-in SIM. This SIM, part of the Vodacom network, also lets you locate your kids at any time. Best of all, the Neo watch includes “buddies”, characters from © Disney. © Disney/Pixar. © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2021 MARVEL, who act as themes and also spring into action whenever your child checks their wrist. Every day is an adventure. Neo, Designed and Connected by Vodacom, is there to make it even better.

All the calls, chat & fun all-in-one watch

Visit www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/services/ v-by-vodacom/neo-watch to experience the Neo smartwatch range for yourself.

Subscriptions hotline Call Centre: 0873531291 WhatsApp: 0873531292 Advertising Business director Sally Hudson sally@stuff.co.za Senior account manager Thalia Pallotta 083 375 2418 thalia@stuff.co.za

This is normally when I’d reflect on the year in tech that was, and prognosticate about the solar cycle to come, because he time of that’s always, always accurate. Right? But, at th writing, the year isn’t even close to done. So thiis time, I thought I’d examine what has changed comparred to this time last year. In December 2020, Stuff was still in the midsst of Working from Home™. Another lockdown (withouut access to alcohol) was looming, and it was shaping up to bee a dreary festive season. In December 2021, things are diffeerent. A lockdown may still happen, but it seems much further off, and a significant portion of the country has been vaaccinated against the dreaded ‘Rona. The mood, then, is a happier one. We’re all more tired than usual at this time of year (and the folks at Stufff get w. It’s pretty bloody tired) but there’s a lot going on right now okay to feel a bit hammered by the world. This issue of Stuff is about looking forward. There’s the 85) festive season (so check out our stellar gift guide on p8 hat’ll on the horizon. There’s also a new year arriving soon, th surely be better than the last two. Right? 2022 will bringg its own challenges, but we’ve more or less proved we can caarry on during a minor apocalypse, so it’ll have to try really haard to screw things up. Assuming we’re not targeted by an asteroid strike in the opening days of 2022, it’s time to head back to work (p33). We’ve covered the gear you need, no matter your situation. There’s also new kit from Fitbit (p46),), Jabra (p45), and running shoes (p51), in case you’re doing your resolutions early. And then, a final note. Stuff ’s Max Milella leaves us after this issue. The peril of hiring university students, sadly, is that they need to finish their studies. Max has been an amazing addition to the team and he’ll be missed in the office. It’s been an experience working with this talented young man. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him and I (and we) wish him all the best.

Management Stuff South Africa is published by the Stuff Group (Pty) Ltd. Directors: Toby Shapshak, Sally Hudson PO Box 74, Melrose Arch, 2096 Kelsey Publishing UK Stuff UK content is published with the permission of copyright holder Kelsey Publishing Ltd, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG

Brett Venter, Editor brett@stuff.co.za @DrakonisZA

www.stuff.co.za

StuffSA

Stuff competition terms and conditions: Apple is not a sponsor, nor is it involved in any way with any Stuff Magazine contests or sweepstakes. Stuff Magazine does not offer Apple products as contest or sweepstake prizes. 1 Promotions, giveaways and competitions are entered through Stuff Group’s website www.stuff.co.za and are opened for Issue 115, 2021 on 29 November 2021 and close on 7 February 2022. 2 The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. 3 Employees of Stuff Group and their families are not allowed to enter. Advertising and public relations representatives may not enter competitions in the issue in which their promotions, giveaways or competitions are carried. 4 Prizes are not exchangeable for cash and/or other products. Prizes are available while stocks last. It is at the discretion of Stuff Group and the custodian of the prizes to ensure that, should there be a problem with the stipulated prize won, a reasonable replacement of the same value will be offered. 5 Stuff Group carries promotions, giveaways and competitions in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation on the part of the custodian of the promotions, giveaways and competitions. 6 Winners will be notified telephonically and by mail. It is the responsibility of the winner to ensure that the correct address and contact details are given. It is the responsibility of the custodian of the promotion, giveaway and competition to ensure that prizes are sent out correctly and within the specified time. 7 Prize delivery will take four to six weeks from the time the winner has been notified. 8 Promotions, giveaways and competitions are open to South African residents only. 9 All prize-winners will be published on www.stuff.co.za the following month, once the competition lines have closed. 10 Readers may not claim for more than one prize at a time, and once announced as a winner in any Stuff promotions, giveaways or competitions, will not be eligible for another prize for three (3) months thereafter. 11 By entering any promotions, giveaways or competitions, or by accepting any prize, entrants agree that their personal details may be retained by the promoter and/or Stuff magazine and used for the purpose of sending them information about future promotions, events and news, as well as for internal administration and analysis. 12 Unclaimed prizes will be kept for three months and will not be resent. 13 Participation in any promotion, giveaway or competition and/or acceptance of any prize implies full knowledge and acceptance of all rules.

© Stuff South Africa. All due care will be taken with material submitted, but the magazine and publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. Stuff South Africa assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial, graphic or other material. All rights in letters and unsolicited editorial and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and material will be subject to Stuff South Africa’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Stuff South Africa is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, publisher and proprietor cannot accept responsibility for any damage or inconvenience that may arise therefrom. Stuff is published in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Middle East, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Zinio digital edition.

[ Graphics NASA / JPL-CALTECH]

... and a word about prices Generally, we show the manufacturer’s recommended price. Occasionally we (or suppliers) can make mistakes. Please remember that prices listed in Stuff are intended as a guide only. We make every effort to confirm that all information is correct (and triple checked) when we go to print.

CON S ON THE COVER P8

P27

p100 Make anything

HOT STUFF 8

16 18 20 22 24

The Hot Five ● Apple iPhone 13 Pro A new iPhone but ‘Pro’, so not suitable for amateur telephoners ● Apple iPad Mini (2021) A new iPad but smaller than what you’re used to ● GoPro Hero10 Black A new action cam but a bit better than the last one ● Bose QuietComfort 45 New noise-slaying headphones but quieter and comfortier ● Lego AT-AT Turns out, we’re old enough for a walker Vital stats Sonos Beam 2 Where’s it beam to? The ceiling! Icon Land Rover Bond Edition Machine guns not included Games Featuring some sullen youths Wheels Porsche Mission R Just another Germanic fun day Stream The only TV guide a nerd needs

p93 You’re the action

p94 A stable outlook

p102 Tag, you’re it

TESTS 27 First test Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 If a smartwatch were really smart it’d tell you to stop wasting time fiddling with it and clean your room 44 Tested Tecno Spark 7 Nobody from Cybertron wants it 45 Tested Jabra Elite 3 The sort of Elites you don’t mind hearing about 46 Tested Fitbit Charge 5 Looks good for something that moves this fast 47 Tested DJI OM 5 Feels like there should be loads of good ‘gimbal’ puns, but no... 48 Tested MSI Summit E16 Flip Flip Flip, this is a good notebook 50 Tested JBL Quantum 800 Both great and not great at the same time 51 3 of the best Carbon runners Shoes that pretty much do the running for you 52 Group test Budget phones It’s surprising what you can get for R6 000 54 Long term test Amazon Echo Show 8 Is there an Echo in here? 64 Games Psychonauts 2, Deathloop

12.21/01.22 P85

P81

FEATURES 31 Mini meme Music apps Clever ways to get more from your wondrous/ dismal tunes 33 Cover feature Work Gear You might be headed back to the office or maybe you’re still working poolside. Either way, this is what you should be packing 58 Instant upgrades Sony ZV-E10 Vamp up this vlogtastic virtuoso 60 Beta yourself Android 12 Remember when versions were named after food? This could have been Android Skittles 85 Cover feature Stuff’s Christmas Wishlist We’ve all got different sorts of people in our lives. Sometimes we are those people. Here’s what to buy them/us before 25 December rolls around. 104 Random access memories Apple iPod (2001) The day the music died slightly

TOP TENS 70 Smartphones What’s the handiest, handsomest handset? 71 Budget smartphones Everyone deserves to hold an excellent phone 72 Tablets, streamers Slick slates and ways to stream everything 73 TVs All you need for a lazy night/day/year in 74 Laptops Porta-powerhouses to warm your knees 75 Wearables, smartwatches Strapping smart tracking tickers 77 VR headsets and VR games This reality sucks. Try these new ones 80 Headphones In-ears and on-ears, hear hear! 83 Games 10 ways to avoid adult responsibilities

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I WENT STRAIGHT TO HELL

Part of editing Stuff is playing fewer video games. Once upon a time, I covered every single game that touched a desk here, now I rarely attempt any. But that has an unexpected benefit – I get to catch up on titles I missed the first time around, like our top game from 2020, Hades. It recently landed on the Xbox store, and I just had to give it a shot. I’m really pleased I did. The artwork is amazing, the story is fantastic, especially for a roguelike, and the gameplay is a finely tuned machine. Guiding Zagreus around the ever-changing environs of Hades in search of escape is a nearly perfect gameplay loop, punishing but just challenging enough to keep you coming back for one more attempt. Brett Venter, Editor

I WAS FLIPPING CONVINCED

Tech journos have been simultaneously extremely keen on and extremely critical of foldable display mobile phones in recent years, me included. “Why does anyone need a folding phone?” is the most common response. Why does anyone need a foldable phone? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 may have changed my mind on the utility of foldables. Its smaller size means it easily fits in my tiny bag or my pants pocket when folded. Prop it up in tiny laptop mode to stream YouTube videos or display a recipe hands-free, or, my favourite: enable the flash and place it strategically during load shedding as a makeshift portable light source. Let the record show I’ve been convinced by the Flip. Marcé Heath, Digital Editor

Making Stuff up Publisher and Editor-in-chief Toby Shapshak toby@stuff.co.za Editor Brett Venter brett@stuff.co.za Digital Editor Marcé Heath marce@stuff.co.za Art Director Brandon van Rensburg art@stuff.co.za Digital Publisher Nic Boerma nic@stuff.co.za Stuff Writer Duncan Pike duncan@stuff.co.za Stuff Writer Max Milella max@stuff.co.za Selling Stuff Business Director Sally Hudson, sally@stuff.co.za

OUR MONTH

What this issue has brought us by way of geekery I GOT WHAT WAS COMING TO ME

This month, after weeks of Brett’s relentless teasing that it was “coming soon™”, we finally received the new Samsung Odyssey G70A. It’s a stunning part of the company’s gaming monitor line-up. I’ll be testing it over the next few weeks and let you know what it’s like but with a 144Hz 4K IPS panel, I’m expecting good things. Although, the 4K display means I’ll need to investigate upgrading my PC if I hope to achieve that buttery-smooth +60fps at high settings that my privileged behind has become accustomed to. If anyone has a cheap RX 3090 lying around, please do let me know. Other highlights of the past month included seeing Dune in IMAX and Xiaomi’s 11T Pro. Duncan Pike, Stuff Writer

I SAID MY GOODBYES

Although I’ve been here pretty much the whole year, it still kind of feels like I’m only just getting started with Stuff. Alas, my time has come to an end. Unfortunately, with the ramp-up in workload of year 3 of my degree and a possible return to campus (fingers crossed), I must turn my writing attention to more academic matters. Believe me, I’d rather be testing gadgets and critiquing games. The past year with Stuff and the editorial team has been truly remarkable. I’ve had some great laughs, improved my writing (though “it’s” and “its” still throws me off) and, most of all, made some brilliant friends. Take it easy guys. I’ll see you around. Max Milella, Stuff Writer

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Bokeh computer Apple has added a new Cinematic video mode that lets you shoot videos with a shallow depth of field and switch the point of focus at any point – even after filming.

HOT FIVE #1 GET UNLUCKY Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. Some suffer so badly from it they’ll refuse to sit in row 13 on a plane, skip the 13th step on staircases, or lock themselves indoors on the 13th of the month in case some terrible accident befalls them… but even the most extreme triskaidekaphobe will find it difficult to resist the lure of the latest iPhones. This year’s iPhone 13 Pro – and its slightly larger brother the Pro Max – have the same A15 Bionic chip as the regular iPhone 13, but they also get a five-core GPU to boost performance in games, video apps and the new camera features. Speaking of which, the 12MP cameras here are the most advanced found in any iPhone yet. The wide camera has a larger sensor, for less noise, more detail and better low-light shots; the ultrawide gains a new autofocus system that unlocks macro photography; and the telephoto is bumped up to 3x optical zoom. And while you’re gawping at your pics, you’ll be glad of the Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which means a 120Hz refresh rate – but only when you need it, because it’ll adapt to whatever you’re doing. Even if you’re hiding in a cupboard until the 13th is over. As hot as… turning your toaster up to 13 from R21 500 / apple.com 8

Stretch out and sate Despite all those goodies inside, the new iPhones last longer too. Apple’s wizardry has increased the battery life of the Pro and Pro Max by 1.5 and 2.5 hours respectively.

ALL THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM PLANET TECH

I’m notch, your hero You probably wouldn’t notice unless we told you, but the notch is 20% smaller than before. It’s slightly narrower, so doesn’t stretch so far into the corners, but a bit deeper.

Welcome to the boom, Sierra The Pro Max has a bigger screen and battery but the storage options are the same, from 128GB to 1TB. It comes in the same colours: Graphite, Gold, Silver and this new Sierra Blue.

Greener is a punk rocker The new Mini’s case is made of 100% recycled aluminum, which brings it in line with every current iPad. It’s part of the company’s plan to hit net zero climate impact by 2030.

HOT FIVE #2 SWEET LITTLE SLICK SCREEN

Apple iPad Mini (2021) This time last year, the iPad Mini was a dinky take on the standard iPad. Yawn. But Apple’s 2021 version rethinks the device as a teeny iPad Air – because the Air is a winner and a lot of people prefer their tablets to be small packages. The all-new iPad Mini gets a price-hike, but then you do get a lot for the extra R1 600. There’s a blazing-fast A15 chip (the same one that powers the dizzyingly powerful iPhone 13 Pro Max) that obliterates the competition, while the new enclosure minimises bezels and eradicates the Home button once and for all. Touch ID heads to the power button and the enlarged 8.3in Liquid Retina display makes everything look fantastic with 500-nit brightness, True Tone and P3 wide colour. You also get a USB-C port for plugging the tiny tablet into high-end kit, stereo audio in landscape, and improved cameras that boost your snaps and support Centre Stage when on video calls. Add in 5G and 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support, and you’ve a pro-grade iPad in a miniature slab that won’t terrify your backpack straps. As hot as… finding a hydrothermal vent in your goldfish bowl from R9 300 / istore.co.za 10

File keep it with mine Like the iPad Air and Pro, the Mini runs on iPadOS 15, which brings widgets to the home screen. The App Library lets you declutter your screen by filing app icons into groups.

Cam out swinging Using a Mini as a camera looks a bit less ridiculous than when you whip out a full-size tab and start snapping. The new version has updated 12MP cameras front and back.

MORE NEW APPLE KIT

WATCH SERIES 7

Given Apple’s ongoing merciless dominance of the smartwatch market, it’s not hard to imagine it getting lazy. But while the Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t a radical reinvention, it’s not an insignificant update either. The display is 20% bigger than that of the Series 6, and Apple has designed new faces that make the most of the extra real estate; plus it’s 70% brighter than the S6. Apple says the screen is more crack-resistant than ever, while an IP6X rating should make it nearly invincible to dust. from R8 500

iPHONE 13

We loved the iPhone 12, so much so that it’s been our No1-ranked phone for months. It’s too early to say if this year’s ‘basic’ iPhone is the one to go for again, but we know it has the same A15 Bionic chip that lives inside the 13 Pro. And while the 6.1in (5.4in if you go Mini) Super Retina XDR OLED display doesn’t feature 120Hz support like its pricier counterpart, it is 28% brighter than that of the 12. Chuck in a smaller notch plus better cameras and stamina, and it smells like another winner. from R17 000 (Mini from R15 000 ) 11

Getting away with murmur Bose’s NCH 700s are great at isolating your voice on calls, and it seems the QC45s will similarly use beamforming mics to focus on what you’re saying and kill the hubbub.

HOT FIVE #3

HOT FIVE #4

NEVER RADDER DREAM CAM TRUE

THE CROWNED OF SILENCE

Extreme sports are all about pushing yourself. Can you pedal faster, skate harder, break more bones? For nearly 20 years now GoPro has been on a similar mission to always go one better – and the Hero10 Black wants to push everything further again. With LCD screens front and back to make things easier to frame, it looks pretty much identical to the Hero9, but the speedy new GP2 chip inside takes its shooting prowess to the next level: you can now capture video at up to 5.3K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, or 8x slow-mo at 2.7K, while stills top out at 23MP. HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilisation should keep the gnarliest footage steady, with the horizon-levelling limit increased from 27º to 45º. Low-light performance has also been improved, so you’ll see less noise in your dusky footage. And of course, you can’t spend every minute of the day being extreme, so the Hero10 also has a webcam mode. That means you can use it for your monthly board meeting on Zoom too. As hot as… extreme board meetings R11 000 / ormsdirect.co.za

What’s the first name that comes into your head when someone mentions cereal? Corn flakes, probably, despite their dreariness. What about vacuum cleaners? ‘Dyson’ might jump to mind. And when the conversation turns to noise-cancelling headphones – regardless of how many now flood the market – surely none are more iconic than the QuietComfort 35s. It’s surprising, then, that it’s taken Bose this long to make a sequel. The new cans feature two modes: Quiet is obviously the noise-cancelling setting, and we’re going to stick our necks out and predict that Bose’s ANC wizardry is still leading the way; while Aware mode switches to full transparency. It looks like the usual plastic build, but if the QC45s are as comfy as their predecessors then we’re fine with that. With 24 hours of battery life they should see you through a long-haul flight and beyond – and with that sort of travelling now becoming a possibility once again, the QC45s might have landed just in time. As hot as… Tabasco-flavoured Kelloggs R6 500 / bhphotovideo.com

GoPro Hero10 Black

Bose QuietComfort 45

Squeeze, don’t touch Bose has opted to stick with its familiar button controls rather than the touch-pads of the NCH 700s, and we’re very much on the “If it ain’t broke” side of that argument. 13

Show some leg The Lego AT-AT is largely posable. Various munitions can be aimed and doors opened. The headshaped cockpit moves and the legs are articulated.

HOT FIVE #5 THE ORIGINAL WHITE WALKER Lego AT-AT

George (R.R. Martin) can pretend all he likes, the real slow moving threat in the snow is the All Terrain Armoured Transport, given to the world by George (Lucas) in 1980 during The Empire Strikes Back. Seeing these brutish monsters striding across the frozen plains of Hoth was striking then and they’re just as striking now. Lego’s own version of the Empire’s massive combat walker comprises 6 785 pieces of mostly grey plastic brick and enough interior detail to make any Star Wars fan feel a disturbance in the Force. The huge build comes with nine minifigures – 14

eight bad guys and then a suited-up-forspace-flight Luke Skywalker. Because there’s gotta be a hero in there somewhere. The set is packed with loads of extras. Two speeders, gun turrets, a bristling set of armament for laying waste to the puny Rebel Alliance, and enough internal space for 40 minifigures, in case you intend on re-enacting the Battle of Hoth in your living room. In terms of build and size, it’s even larger than Lego’s 4 784-piece Imperial Star Destroyer. Let’s see a dragon top that. As hot as… the end of Luke’s light saber Rtba / greatyellowbrick.co.za

Picture Life Together 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 | 64MP AI Quad Camera | Dual SIM

V I

T A L S T A T S

BEAM ME UP, SQUATTY Sonos Beam 2

R10 000 / sonos.com

The grille is polycarbonate for enhanced audio and easier cleaning than fabric.

If you’re still searching for immersive TV sound from a compact source, Sonos is back to raise the bar… ● Dancing off the ceiling We were a bit bowled over by the original Beam back in 2018. Small, smart and surprisingly affordable, the cinematic soundbar slipped into our living rooms and grabbed Gadget of the Year honours. Now its successor is here to shame your TV’s tinny tweeters all over again… with added Dolby Atmos. ● Another grille, another planet Put the Sonos Beam 2 alongside its predecessor and you’ll struggle 16

to spot the difference. It’s still a rounded-off rectangle, albeit with a slightly tweaked grille, and it still packs four full-range drivers, a central tweeter, three passive radiators and five Class D amps. What’s changed is the way these are controlled. The processing now coordinates playback across five arrays instead of three, the extra two being dedicated to surround and height information for that tingly Atmos separation. ● Bring on the dancing sources Towering sound is a fine way to immerse yourself in cinema, but you’ll need the right feed to make the most of it. Helpfully, next-gen

HDMI eARC means the new Beam supports higher-quality audio from your TV. You’ll have to wait before diving into those party bangers, though: Sonos says support for Dolby Atmos Music is coming later this year. It’s also planning to get on with Amazon Music’s lossless Ultra HD format. ● My smarts will go on Aside from the whole Atmos thing, the Beam 2 has all the smarts that made the first edition such a winner, including far-field mics with echo-cancellation for reliable voice control, Trueplay tech for acoustic room-tuning, and plenty of tinkering options in the app.

IT PACKS THE SAME DRIVERS, BUT WITH NEW PROCESSING FOR TINGLY DOLBY ATMOS SEPARATION

Work is looking bright

AFFORDABLE ATMOS BARS ● LG SL9YG

Virtual surround sound might trick your ears, but it takes bass for full-body immersion. LG’s wall-mountable bar ships with a separate sub for extra wireless whump-whump. R12 000 / bhphotovideo.com

ASUS ZENBOOK 13 OLED Asus tends to just update existing laptop models. The chassis stays more or less the same. But, as with people, it’s what is on the inside that counts. And inside this innocuous looking slab of computer is an absolutely gorgeous FHD OLED panel. Work stops being a chore when your eyeballs are being caressed by inky blacks and vibrant colours. Even Excel spreadsheets have extra life breathed into them. The other spec starts from Intel’s Core i5 1035G4 processor, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of M.2 NVMe solid-state storage, with USB-A and USB-C support crammed into a 1.14kg frame. The only sluggardly bit may be the battery – you’ll get a ‘mere’ 5.5 hours away from the wall. from R15 000 / asus.com/za

● JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam JBL’s MultiBeam simulates the Atmos effect with a standard five-driver setup. Automatic calibration takes care of the tinkering, tuning its output to suit your room. R7 000 / brandhubb.co.za

● Sony HT-X8500

Unless you’re a sonic superhero, you can’t hear with your peepers. Luckily, Sony’s slim but punchy oblong with Vertical Surround Engine is easy on both the ears and the eyes. R4 000 / incredible.co.za

No more rat race

RØDE NT-USB MINI The fact that Rode’s NT-USB Mini microphone can also be read as the Rodent-USB Mini is a subject of some confusion at Stuff. They have to know there’s a mouse joke in the name, right? But what relationship do small mammals have to a well-built but compact 360-degree cardioid condenser microphone designed to act as a portable studio? Mice don’t have a bit-depth of 24-bits, a 3.5mm connection and USB-C output, nor do they have a 48kHz sample rate or a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. You can’t mount a rat on a microphone boom, use it to stream audio, and absolutely no rodent has a built-in pop filter. So while we can see the joke, we don’t understand the joke. It’s a good microphone, though. R3 000 / bothners.co.za 17

I C O N IT’S BEEN BUILT TO CELEBRATE JAMES BOND’S 25TH OFFICIAL ON-SCREEN OUTING

LAND ROVER DEFENDER V8 BOND EDITION Rtba / landrover.co.za

That’s not an Aston Martin. With observation skills like that, you should sign up for spy school. But 007 knows how to off-road, and Land Rover has a long lineage in the trigger-happy franchise, stretching all the way back to The Living Daylights. The mean black-on-black one above? It’s been built to celebrate the 25th official on-screen outing of Britain’s second-best secret agent (after Johnny English).

Cool, how many ejector seats? Sadly, none. Unlike the tricked-out Defenders seen fleeing from evil types in No Time To Die, the V8 Bond Edition goes easy on the gadgets in favour of performance. Instead of rocket launchers or a thumbtack dispenser, it’s packing the same engine as the ‘standard’ Defender V8: a supercharged 5.0litre number good for 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Ideal for slipping out of trouble on the school run.

Speedy. But why so much black? To match the colour of Bond’s soul after cold-heartedly bumping off so many foes? Or just because it looks so gangster. Either way, it comes with an Extended Black Pack that imbues the Bond Edition with plenty of understated menace. That includes 22in gloss black alloy wheels… and bright blue front brake callipers, which apparently didn’t get the ‘any colour as long as it’s black’ memo.

When can I get one from Q Branch? Blowing your cover with a bespoke 4x4 isn’t like buying a hatchback: it takes time and tailoring, like a fine tux. Only 300 will be made, and just 5 of them will be sold in SA, with pricing yet to be announced. It’ll certainly be more costly than the standard V8 models, which start here at home around the R2.35 million mark. Probably best to abandon your spy dreams and just get the Carpathian model.

Time for some TV TLC

TCL C725

Chinese tech brand TCL’s new C725 television set is due to launch into South Africa after this issue goes to print but before it goes on sale, so this’ll be out in the market by the time you read this. Available in 55in and 65in sizes, this is the brand’s take on a 4K QLED panel. It uses a directLED lighting system for a brightness of 330 nits and packs dual 9.5 watt speakers. It also, unfortunately, only has a refresh rate of 60Hz, so don’t expect to pick up a gaming superstar for next to nothing. It’ll be affordable, but it’s not about to do your PlayStation 5 that much justice. Still, it’s always nice to see a new face. R13 000 / tcl.com/za

Windows 10 Home / Windows 10 Pro Free upgrade to Windows 11* when available Up to 11th Gen. Intel® Core™ i7 processor Up to Latest GeForce RTX™ 3050 Ti Laptop GPU 4GB GDDR6 *Windows 11 upgrade will be delivered to qualifying devices in late 2021 into 2022. Timing will vary on device. Certain features require specific hardware (see aka.ms/windows11-spec)

Available at Computer Mania www.computermania.co.za

G A M E S

OUT AUG 2022

FIRST LOOK SAINTS ROW PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC When a new instalment for a series shows up without a colon or number, you know it’s a sign of a reboot. So almost a decade after Saints Row IV, Volition has decided to shake off the ‘GTA clone’ associations of its open-world gangster simulator with a new and slightly more grown-up identity. Gone, then, are the 3rd Street Saints – as are fighting with oversized sex toys, plus the stratospherically over-the-top superpower tricks of the last entry. Saints Row is a fresh start set in a new location, Santo Ileso, 20

as you play The Boss – who has decided to make their mark on this city by building their own criminal empire. But while the cinematic reveal appears to have cemented the four main characters, including one permanently shirtless chap who pictures himself as a TV chef, full player customisation for The Boss is still present. That includes race and gender, and you’ll even be able to drop into online co-op with other Bosses. As you try to take over each of the nine districts of Santo Ileso, you’ll be able to finance your

gang’s activities by setting up fronts for illegal businesses, and you’ll need all the ammunition you can get to take down the city’s three main criminal rivals. It also sounds like the driving will be getting a big overhaul, with some inspiration taken from Baby Driver. Despite reservations from the old fanbase, Saints Row feels like a much-needed refresh for the series. When it launches next August, it may just fill the GTA 6 hole that Rockstar doesn’t seem to be rushing to fill any time soon.

FIRST LOOK OKEY DOKEV, PIG IN A POKEY

DOKEV

PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC How to explain the K-pop sugar rush that is DokeV? On the most basic level it’s South Korea’s answer to Pokemon from Pearl Abyss, the developers behind the billion-dollar-grossing MMO Black Desert Online. This creature-collecting game,

however, is going to be an open-world action adventure. And what a gorgeous world it looks like, where you play as a baby-faced tyke with gaudier fashion sense than the inklings of Splatoon. Where DokeV differs from Pokemon is that its battles against extra-dimensional beings are in real time as you summon powerful critters

known as Dokebi, who can take the form of animals, plants or inanimate objects. Your own character can also get involved with appropriately kiddy weapons, including a bubble-gun, a giant mallet, and even bouncing around on a hoppity hop. But what has us most pumped here – besides the ridiculously catchy theme

song – is how you can choose to traverse this world, whether it’s cycling around or riding a strange creature, switching from skateboard to Jet Set Radio-style nitro-boosting rollerblades, and even being able to grapple thin air like in Monster Hunter Rise. It almost looks too good to be true, but count us hyped to find out more.

BEST OF FAMILIAR FACES FOR YEAR-END

CALL OF DUTY VANGUARD

PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC Call of Duty will take players through the fire and the flames with another return to WWII. Studio Sledgehammer plans to transport players to well-trod locations in numerous theatres, on foot, in the air or encased in a metal behemoth – and that’s before obligatory multiplayer.

FORZA HORIZON 5

XSX, XB1, PC Boasting a larger map than ever, the fifth Horizon takes players down to Mexico for a little vehicular mayhem. It’ll be out by the time you read this, launching with a whole new set of multiplayer mini-games scattered around the map. Have fun messing with Drivatars, you hooligans.

GRAND THEFT AUTO V REMASTERED

PS5, XSX The game so good they released it three times, GTA V’s fourth release – on the current generation of games – is due early in 2022. Expect much the same game as the first three times, only better looking and faster than ever before.

INCOMING DECEMBER ● HALO INFINITE ● AMONG US [CONSOLES] ● THYMESIA JANUARY 2022 ● GOD OF WAR [PC] ● POKEMON LEGENDS: ARCEUS ● RAINBOW SIX EXTRACTION

W H E E L S

Porsche Mission R

R FRENZY ’LECTRIC Extra touches include 3D-printed seat pads contoured to each driver’s cheeks, and a helmet-holder with disinfectant spray built in.

Rtba (concept) / porsche.com Ooooh, a new Porsche. It looks, erm, potent… So right. How does 1073bhp from an 800kW electrical drivetrain sound? And one that can be charged from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes for that matter? It’s a proper weapon… but one that’s destined for the racetrack only. And that’s if it even makes it that far, as the Mission R is just an extremely handsome concept for now. That’s a shame, but how would we get a go in one? Well, Porsche is planning a customer race series for 2025, whereby very well-heeled fans purchase one of these beasts and then get to compete in a Carrera Cup-esque racing season of globe-trottin’, champagne-poppin’ action. So engineers have developed this beast to run for 30-40mins before its batteries run dry.

This all sounds highly expensive and unattainable. Of course it is. The Mission R has cost millions to develop – but like so many things in the upper echelons of the racing world, you have to see it as a halo product, whose tech will trickle down to potential future customer cars. After all, there’s still a big question mark hanging over the upcoming Boxster and Cayman models, which many people believe could go fully electric. So might this be a preview of the upcoming Cayman? We don’t want to mislead anyone, but the Mission R is small and purposeful, much like the Boxster and Cayman… and there’s also the addition of the clever motor technology found in the much larger Taycan Turbo S, which has been cleverly shoehorned into this compact package – proving it can be done.

NEWS DASHBOARD

A LIFE MORE ORDINARY

Oh, here comes yet another shiny electric VW… well, yes, but the ID.Life is an EV that’s set to cost about the same price as a petrol-driven Polo does now… and its 172kW (234hp) electric motor means this cute number accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Cheap thrills indeed.

MOTORRAD’S RAD MOTO

It’s a… scooter? Scrambler? Monkey bike? All three? We’re not entirely sure what the BMW Concept CE 02 is, but it aims to bridge the gap between an entry-level scooter and a learner-legal motorcycle. It’ll do 88km on a charge and, hey kids, you can use a skateboard as a footrest!

THERE GOES THE SPHERE

This is the Audi Grandsphere concept, and it’s as close to a private jet for the road as money can buy… or will be able to buy when they hurry up and make it. This monolith of luxury is clever too, with Level 4 autonomy allowing the driver to relax and enjoy the CinemaScope TV screens.

Nice specs, shame about the Facebook

RAY-BAN STORIES

It used to be only spies and perverts who wore glasses with built-in cameras… but if Facebook and Ray-Ban have anything to do with it, soon we’ll all be wearing snooping specs. Weighing just 5g more than a standard pair and available in several styles, the Stories come with integrated open-ear speakers, a three-mic array and dual 5MP cameras for shooting stereoscopic stills or 1184x1184 videos that can be shared via the Facebook View app. A battery-boosting case means they’re good for 50 vids, and there’s a touch-panel for volume and song control. Reckon your gonzo goggles will fly under the radar? An LED alerts onlookers that you’re recording. Sorry, spies and perverts. Rtba / ray-ban.com

In a dramatic twist, this month’s selection of new arrivals to TV streaming includes quite a few things with short names

The Hobbit

Interstellar

The Harder They Fall

The book that took place over three movies because Peter Jackson really liked New Zealand has come to Showmax. Catch all three – An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of Five Armies – on stream and follow along with Bilbo Baggins as he goes on an adventure to there and back again. Film / Showmax

So you liked Apollo 13 but it wasn’t quite dark enough for you. Perhaps Interstellar by Christopher Nolan is more your style. Planet Earth, bluntly, is screwed, and it’s up to Matthew McConaughey and an intrepid crew to head out on a long, unlikely-to-succeed journey to save humanity. This film features both wormholes and emotions. Film / Netflix, Showmax

A hardcore Western with a predominately black cast isn’t something you encounter every day but when the lead is played by Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz and Regina King, you’ll wonder why this doesn’t happen more often. Loosely based on actual people, this oat-opera revolves around a tale of revenge. Film / Netflix

Succession

Borat’s American Lockdown

Inside Job

Follow yet another season of the Roy family as they vie for control over the family empire. Patriarch Logan Roy is in the firing line as his son Kendall attempts to wrest control of everything from his understandably angered hands. If nothing else, the combative family will make you feel better about your own dysfunctions. S3 / Showmax

What happens when you stick Borat Sagdivev, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, in an isolated location with two conspiracy theorists? That the question answered by Borat’s American Lockdown, which sees Borat interacting with two chaps, named Jim and Jerry, during the worst of the COVID lockdown. S1 / Amazon Prime Video

So you’re interested in Rick and Morty but don’t feel you have the requisite intellectual capacity to post about it on Twitter? Inside Job is a far more inclusive look at that Deep State Donald Trump was always on about. If you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to keep all those conspiracies going, this show will lay all your theories to rest. S1 / Netflix

DO M N TH ISS ’T IS

Arcane S1 / Netflix

Sporting simply gorgeous visuals and an equally impressive storyline, Arcane breaks the mould of video game-based productions by being a stunning standalone presentation. Based in the League of Legends universe, the series follows a pair of sisters through a setting that wouldn’t disgrace game developer Arkane’s Dishonored games. Viewers don’t need to have the slightest idea what Riot Games’ League is in order to be gobsmacked by how well-realised this fantasy world is.

S T R E A M

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F I R S T T E S T S A M S U N G G A L A X Y WAT C H 4 C L A S S I C

The fourth is strong with this one Samsung and Google team up to take down the Apple Watch. But is bringing Wear OS to this fight like squaring up to a Sith Lord with a toy lightsaber?

from R7 000 / samsung.com/za

amsung makes some of the best smartwatches in the world. So when it suddenly decides to change things up completely, we get a bit nervous. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is the first Samsung watch with Google’s Wear OS software since the 2014 Gear Live. Do

you remember 2014? Barely? Same here. We like to imagine Google came to Samsung with a bunch of flowers and a Bluetooth speaker dribbling out ballads, begging Samsung to take it back. And Google caved in to all its demands, letting Samsung turn this into a watch that keeps almost all the best bits of the

Galaxy Watch3, but with added Wear OS clout. Is the Galaxy Watch4 Classic miles better than last year’s Galaxy Watch3? No. Not yet, anyway. But the hope is that Wear OS is about to get a shot in the arm with renewed interest from third-party app builders. Google might even put in a bit of effort to ensuring its

wearable OS doesn’t become a ghost town this time. But even now there’s loads to like in this watch. You get a rotating bezel controller and it’s great for run and gym tracking; both 42mm and 46mm versions have super-bright and sharp screens; and these watches feel faster and slicker than any Wear OS watch we’ve used… ever.

F I R S T T E S T S A M S U N G G A L A X Y WAT C H 4 C L A S S I C

5 1

Revenge of the kiff

You get a clicky control wheel around the screen, as on the Galaxy Watch3. This is the main difference between the ‘Classic’ and the standard Galaxy Watch4. It’s one of our favourite features, but you do pay for it: Classics cost around R1 500 more.

2 The rise of sky-gawker A 1000-nit screen means sunny days are no trouble, and it adjusts its intensity according to ambient light. There’s an always-on mode, but it drains the battery of our 42mm watch pretty quickly; this feature is a better fit with the higher-capacity 46mm version.

4 A new scope There are a small stack of ways to analyse your heart here: an optical rate scanner, an ECG for heart health and a blood pressure monitor. Two snags: blood pressure isn’t enabled in SA yet, and to use ECG you need a Samsung Galaxy phone.

3 The fat-tum menace The body composition monitor fires a weak electric signal around your body to work out how much fat and bone mass you have. We found it cruelly inaccurate compared to a smart scale… but maybe we just need to leave the pizzas in lockdown.

5 The source awakens Samsung is big pals with Spotify. You can download playlists and podcasts right to the watch’s 16GB memory (though only around half of that is free to fill). You can also transfer your own tracks via Galaxy Wearable, if you think Spotify is the devil.

Good Meh Evil

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24 hours with the Samsung Galaxy Watch4

3mins 10mins 20mins 28

1hr

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7hrs

F I R S T T E S T S A M S U N G G A L A X Y WAT C H 4 C L A S S I C

Techspecs Screen 1.2in 396x396 OLED (42mm), 1.4in 450x450 OLED (46mm) Processor Exynos W920 OS Wear OS 3 Storage 16GB Battery 247mAh (42mm), 361mAh (46mm) Weight 46.5g (42mm), 52g (46mm)

The arm-plyer strikes back The Watch4 can access different apps to other Wear OS devices. These are a few of the notables:

■ Spotify

■ Google Maps

■ Samsung Health

■ …and Bixby

The Spotify app lets you download albums, playlists and podcasts for playback phone-free, if you have Spotify Premium. This was a Galaxy Watch3 feature that Samsung definitely needed to keep.

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The fitness app suite is why this watch feels so much like a Samsung product. It offers the essentials plus some neat extras like a virtual running coach and proper gym exercise modes.

7hrs 30mins 8hrs

12hrs

22hrs

24hrs

Yes, you get access to Google Maps. A phone is still required for directions, but the bezel is a great way to zoom in and out of maps without accidentally flicking your way back to the watch face.

This watch is so Samsung it has Bixby instead of Google Assistant. It lets you toggle settings or start exercise sessions with a voice command. But sending texts requires a Samsung phone.

This is the best Wear OS watch in years: a greatest hits of Samsung watch design and Google watch software. And with any luck, it’ll only get better from here. We strongly recommend considering the larger 46m version, though, as the tiny one just doesn’t last long enough between charges if you make use of its best features.

STUFF SAYS ★★★★✩ A true top-tier smartwatch… as long as you can put up with charging the thing every day 29

F I R S T T E S T S A M S U N G G A L A X Y WAT C H 4 C L A S S I C

The alternatives: 3 more smartwatches

So will it be Samsung, or the attack of the not-quite-clones?

BEST FOR WRISTY REBELS

BEST FOR iPHONE USERS

Huawei Watch 3

Apple Watch Series 6

Garmin Venu 2

R7 300 / huawei.com

from R8 000 / istore.co.za

R7 900 / garmin.com

What’s the story? Welcome to the new era of Huawei. That means watches and phones walking further away from Google and Android, running software called HarmonyOS. But this doesn’t mean owners of other Androids can’t use the Watch 3: it works just fine with non-Huawei phones.

What’s the story? The Apple Watch Series 6 sits where Samsung wants to be. It’s massively popular, has a vibrant app ecosystem and is synonymous with ‘smartwatch’ for many. Every other maker in this market wishes it had half the success of the Watch S6.

Is it any good? You gotta have faith to get a Huawei Watch 3 right now. Samsung may have jumped platforms, but its ‘new’ one has been around for years; HarmonyOS really is new, and some of its features are still in development. There’s loads of potential here, but some parts grate: it pushes you towards using Huawei Music for streaming, for example, instead of a service people actually know. However, this is a split-personality watch in the best possible way. It lasts a couple of days as a full-on smartwatch, or the best part of two weeks as a fitness watch in its Ultra-long Battery Life mode.

Is it any good? All that success doesn’t come from nowhere, even for Apple. It has easily the strongest app library among smartwatches; it has one of the best wrist-worn heart-rate scanners, and an ECG feature for heart health. You don’t get a body composition mode to tell you you’re out of shape, but the rest is here. Of course, you’ll need an iPhone, which rules out this watch for many. And, just like the 42mm Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic, its battery life of a day and a bit may prove a turn-off for some. It’s great, just a little high-maintenance.

What’s the story? Crank up the fitness dial, tone down the general smartwatch stuff and you end up with something like the Garmin Venu 2. The Venu range was made to attract the kind of folks who might be put off by Garmin’s hardcore fitness watches. This is a smaller, touchscreen-operated wearable, and has an OLED screen instead of the practical but dull-looking ones Garmin usually employs.

KEY SPECS Screen 1.43in 466x466 OLED OS HarmonyOS 2.0 Storage 16GB

Stuff says ★★★★✩

One for the brave, but there’s potential in this nascent system

BEST FOR SPORTY TYPES

KEY SPECS Screen 1.78in 448x368 OLED (44mm), 1.57in 394x324 OLED (40mm) OS watchOS 7 Storage 32GB

Stuff says ★★★★✩

Still the go-to smartwatch… well, as long as you own an iPhone

Is it any good? If you’re mostly into exercise and fitness, this is a great alternative to a Galaxy Watch4 Classic. It lasts far longer off a charge – more than a week if you don’t keep the display on all day – and it has better support for third-party accessories such as heart-rate straps and foot-pods than any rival. There’s no ECG feature, however, and while Garmin has an app store there’s not all that much in it. Come for the sports, stay around for the low-fuss battery life. KEY SPECS Screen 1.3in 416x416 OLED OS Garmin OS Storage 8GB

Stuff says ★★★★✩

Don’t buy one for its watch features, but it’s hard to beat for fitness

APPS

Mini meme

● Cubasis 3

Don’t want to leave the house without anything less than a full-fat digital audio workstation in your pants? You’ll want Cubasis 3 on your phone (or tablet), then. The app provides limitless scope for crafting your next No1, whether you want to tap out notes on a piano roll, drag around loops, or pretend you’re Kraftwerk by twisting virtual knobs. Just be mindful this one’s deep. R520 / Android ● R830 / iOS

● KORG Kaossilator

It’s probably not escaped your notice that your phone is mostly a slab of glass. This doesn’t lend itself to traditional synth setups, since they’re packed full of knobs and sliders. So Korg’s app is mostly an expressive touch-panel that you drag a finger across to unleash thumping beats, whumping bass and ear-splitting leads. Just the thing to ‘UNCH UNCH UNCH’ into the night. R285 / Android ● R330 / iOS

JABBY ROAD STUDIOS

Prod away at your phone with these great music-making apps, and maybe one day the world will get to hear all those thumping tunes in your head

● PixiTracker

If even Kaossilator strikes you as staid, PixiTracker will strum your idiosyncratic itch. The oddball setup has you select a pixel-art icon, choose a note and place it on a sequencer grid. Lay enough notes down and you’ll have a tune – and if you need visual accompaniment, tap the TV button to watch Space Invaders bob around atop an audio waveform representing your musical genius. R52 / Android, iOS

● Fugue Machine

Described by its creator as ‘Bach in a box’, Fugue Machine is no dusty relic. Instead, this is a thoroughly modern sequencer that borrows from the layered compositional techniques found in classical music. You tap out notes on a piano roll and then run multiple playheads over the same set of notes. By tweaking each one’s speed, pitch, start point and direction, you end up with hypnotic juxtapositions. R250 / iOS

● Sequence

Groovebox

If you want something simpler for creating grooves on the move, this is a handheld beatmaker that lets you tap out drums, bass and lead lines on pads and dinky keyboards. It’s accessible stuff for newcomers, but explore a bit and you’ll unearth features for tweaking samples, editing notes and slathering tracks in cavernous reverb like you’re auditioning to join Slowdive. Free (IAP) / Android

● AudioKit L7

Should you not be keen on virtual instruments and instead crave making music with your face (or a guitar), AudioKit L7 provides you with a live looper where you can build a song across 16 tracks. It’s super easy to use but versatile, letting you tap loops to turn them on and off, add effects, or export your efforts as a ZIP full of WAVs so they can be the beginning of your next worldwide smash. R50 / iOS 31

FREEDOM’S CALLING. MUSIC REIMAGINED. CALLS REINVENTED. Anywhere’s possible with Jabra MultiSensor Voice™

GET MORE DONE

GOT MY MOJO, WORKING Of course many of us can work absolutely anywhere – it’s just a shame it took a pandemic for everyone else to figure it out. Perversely, the following selection of productivity gadgets aims to help you free up more time for doing absolutely nothing. In Batman pyjamas, if that’s how you choose to live your life.

THE COMMUTER p34

THE HOMEWORKER p36

THE DIGITAL NOMAD p38

THE STUDENT p40

THE ARTY TYPE p42

Oh dear, you’ve got to go back to an actual place of work, with people. Get more done, bail off early, and speed home quicker with these tech tools.

Desktop dazzlers, Wi-Fi-weaving wonders and planet-friendly printers for people who think the office is a place where you buy espadrilles.

Time to decamp to paradise for Wi-Fi and wanderlust, telling everyone who cares to listen that you’re the next big thing in ‘drop shipping’. You twit.

Our top picks for computing on a budget and home accessories to make 2-Minute Noodlestained hovels appear ever so slightly more inhabitable.

A dual-screen laptop for doodling, a phone for making those presentations pop, and A/V goodies for opening the taps on those gooey creative juices.

GET MORE DONE The trying game

Want a lunch-break game of Fortnite? You’ll need to dial back the details. The biggest new games are out of the question, but 2D titles and older stuff should run fine.

My sweet board

The speakers fire up through the keyboard tray and are optimised for Dolby Atmos. There’s no distortion when you crank up the volume, and the tonal balance is rather good.

Tap of the world

Whether you opt for a cool metal or warm Alcantara keyboard, you’ll get one of the most comfortable typing experiences of any notebook, with springy but quiet keys.

GET MORE DONE

THE COMMUTER So, it’s back to the office after a lifetime away… whether or not you’ve been secretly looking forward to it, this gear will help you slip into the old routine again NOW ADD THESE

MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 4

NOW APP THESE

from R19 000 / incredible.co.za

hen you’re only commuting as far as the kitchen table, it’s not really a problem if your laptop weighs as much as a fat spaniel; but if you’re heading to the office via car/bus/jetpack, you’ll want to carry as little bulk as you can… and at just 1.27kg, the sleek Surface Laptop 4 is a strong candidate. Crafted from aluminium with optional fuzzy Alcantara, it balances skinniness with sensible cooling. Armed with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, our entry-level model showed no signs of strain when running a handful of work apps, a browser filled with open tabs and Spotify in the background. It’ll cope with heavy-duty stuff like video editing too, but not with the same ease as Apple’s M1 chip.

Porty fears two There are some compromises when it comes to connectivity: just one USB-A, one USB-C and a headphone port. But the 2256x1504 3:2 display is great for fitting in two documents side by side, and while the bezels around it could certainly be smaller, you probably won’t even notice unless someone sits down next to you with something super-skinny. The battery life can be bettered, but it’ll be more than enough to get you from nine to five with some catching up on emails or Netflix on the way home – unless you’ve opted for the jetpack that day, in which case you should probably watch out for hadedas and stormy weather. KEY SPECS ● 13.5in 2256x1502 LCD touchscreen ● 11th-gen Intel Core i5 ● 8/16/32GB RAM ● 256/512GB/1TB SSD ● Windows 10 ● USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm, Surface Connect ● Up to 19hrs ● 308x223x14.5mm, 1.27kg

STUFF SAYS ★★★★✩ Microsoft’s ultraportable gets a handy performance boost

BOSE QUIET COMFORT EARBUDS

THERMOS DESKTOP MUG

Remember being at the office? Where Jim from Sales is always talking and Dwight won’t stop trying to get you to invest in his latest thing. If you’re looking for something to block that out, the noise-cancelling and equally brilliant sound quality on Bose’s QC Earbuds will transport you far away. R6 900 / takealot.com

It’s unlikely that you’ll ever make full use of this insulated mug but with the return of load shedding, anything’s possible. It’ll keep its contents hot or cold for up to six hours, avoid soiling your work surface with condensation, and won’t burn your digits if you pick it up. Get two, in case. R580 / yuppiechef.com

AIRPOP ACTIVE+ HALO SMART MASK

MONTANA COLT LAPTOP BRIEFCASE

With any luck masks won’t be mandatory on public transport forever – but if you fancy knowing a bit more about what’s hitching a ride in your lungs, this is like a Fitbit for your face. Its sensor pairs with Apple HealthKit and records things like breathing rate and particles blocked. R2 350 / bigapplebuddy.com

You could travel to work with all your essentials shoved in a Woolies bag, but is that really the impression you want to give? This laptop briefcase fits laptops up to 15in, and has pockets for smartphones, a tablet, and an RFID pocket to keep your cards safe in transit. R5 900 / takealot.com

TITAN TRANSPORTER Yes, you could use nothing but your own muscle power to get to work – it’s terribly environmentally friendly. But it’s a little easier with the Titan’s integrated motor, which’ll give you up to 32km/h of support that you can add your own skill to. There’s 55km on a charge, which should get you to the office and back. R25 000 / cyclelab.com

XIAOMI MI 20W WIRELESS CAR CHARGER There’s nothing more annoying than getting in your car to find you forgot to fuel up your phone overnight. But this charger, mounted to the air vents, welcomes a low battery. Just clip your phone in and it’ll juice most wireless devices up on the way to the office. R1 000 / takealot.com

POCKET Sometimes your commute is the only chance you get to catch up on reading. Pocket is the ideal app to collect all the stuff you haven’t had time for. Free / Android, iOS

OVERCAST Rather than listening to other people’s phone calls, Overcast is a great way to fill your ears with podcasts, with clever features to enhance the talky bits. Free / Android, iOS

HEADSPACE The long drive home might not be the ideal place for meditation, but Headspace is packed with stuff to help you shake off your daily stress. Free / Android, iOS

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THE HOMEWORKER If you’ve cancelled your commute for good and now only get dressed from the waist up on weekdays, welcome to your ultimate working-from-home setup NOW ADD THESE

APPLE iMAC 24IN

NOW APP THESE

from R25 700 / istore.co.za

FOCUS Can’t trust yourself not to get distracted by a Reddit thread that’s just pictures of bread stapled to trees? Focus lets you create a timed blocklist. R80/m / macOS

COFFITIVITY Missing the general hubbub of the office? Coffitivity plays the ambient soundtrack of a coffee shop, with three environments to choose from. from Free / web, macOS

BETTER SNAPTOOL There aren’t many things that Windows does better than macOS, but it has the edge in arranging your open apps. BetterSnapTool fixes that. R50 / macOS

NETGEAR WI-FI 6 ORBI Some people don’t spend R20 000 on their laptop, let alone their Wi-Fi… but if you have to get a good signal to every corner of your crib, this is the daddy of mesh networking. The modules are pretty hefty but just two of them can bathe up to 1 200m22 in 6Gbps Wi-Fi, with capacity for over 100 devices. from R19 000 / takealot.com

GOOGLE NEST HUB Unless you’ve bribed one of the kids into being your PA during the school holidays, nobody’s going to respond if you start barking orders and asking who your 2pm is with, so why not get a Nest Hub? Its 7in screen offers easy access to your calendar and you can ask it to play whatever music you want. R3 200 / superbalist.com

PHILIPS 4300 ESPRESSO MACHINE

HUMANSCALE FREEDOM HEADREST

With all the money you’ve saved by not stopping off at Seattle every day you could probably treat yourself to a Porsche... or at least a decent coffee machine to satisfy your craving at home instead. This one makes eight different types of coffee from freshly ground beans. R12 000 / yuppiechef.com

WFH rule no1: don’t work from bed. That’s easy to say when you’ve got a nice chair to prop yourself up in, but not if you’ve been sitting at the kitchen table since last March. Humanscale’s chairs aren’t cheap, but this one’s self-adjusting recliner system takes the strain off your poor aching body. R28 000 / ubuy.za.com

MEACOFAN 1056 AIR CIRCULATOR

EPSON ECOTANK L3150

Sometimes it’s worth putting up with inane office chatter if it means access to aircon when summer turns the heating up; but if you’re full-time WFH, that’s not an option. While the 12-speed 1056 fan isn’t much of a looker, its circular oscillation means you get cool air blasted all over. R2 600 / hirschs.co.za

Like unlimited toilet rolls and help-yourself stationery, free printing is a perk that disappears when you leave the office behind. If you’d rather not fork out for new ink every few weeks, Epson’s EcoTank printers support Apple AirPrint and have big old tanks that should last years. R4 000 / incredible.co.za

f your home is also your office your computer doesn’t need to be portable, but Apple’s latest iMac is so slim and light it’s almost like having a laptop that’s been torn in two, or an iPad Pro fixed to its own stand. Of course, you can’t get a MacBook or an iPad with a 24in 4.5K Retina screen; so if it’s pixels you’re after, the iMac delivers in spades, with impressive brightness and superb colours. Speaking of colours, it comes in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and silver, so you can choose one to match the decor of that home office you carefully converted the spare bedroom into when it looked like lockdown was here to stay. Even the mouse, keyboard and magnetic power cable are co-ordinated. Nice.

M1 can fall in love The new iMac is powered by Apple’s M1 chip – and it’s just as much of a success here as it is in the MacBooks, particularly with apps that are optimised for it. Even with only 8GB of RAM it makes light work of almost anything with not a whisper of complaint from the fan. It can’t be upgraded, though, so go for 16GB if you might need a bit more oomph in the future. Apple reckons this iMac has the best camera, speakers and mics ever. You won’t want to record an album or shoot a movie with one, but even though the screen can’t be adjusted vertically, Janet from marketing is unlikely to complain that she can’t see or hear you on Zoom. Whether that’s a good thing or not is your business. KEY SPECS ● 23.5in 4480x2520 Retina ● Apple M1 ● 8/16GB RAM ● 256/512GB/1/2TB SSD ● macOS Big Sur ● 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4), 2x USB 3 (8-core only), 3.5mm ● Mains power ● 547x461x14.7cm, 4.46kg

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ Smart, slim, silent – the new iMac is the only all-in-one worth considering

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Touch a shame

The keyboard that comes with the pricier models includes Touch ID. It works well, but we can’t help but feel Face ID using the webcam would have been even better.

My plug buddy

There’s no SD card slot, and the base model comes with fewer USB ports and no Ethernet (it’s on the power brick of the others), but there is a headphone socket for old-timers.

Chinny love

The 4480x2520 screen has fairly prominent bezels, with a chin that contains the speakers and the brains needed to stop this iMac from being just a very colourful monitor.

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Wide my llama

You get 12MP wide and 10MP ultrawide cameras on the back, so if you really must you can use this iPad to take fairly decent photos – though doing so can be a bit unwieldy.

RAM rap!

If you opt for the priciest 1TB/2TB models you’ll get 16GB of RAM, presumably in order to cope with all your fancy content, whereas the lesser ones make do with 8GB.

High ’boltage

The USB-C port also supports Thunderbolt and USB 4, so you can plug in an external drive. Monitor support is limited to mirroring, so you’ll get black bars up the sides.

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THE DIGITAL NOMAD When the whole world is your office, you don’t need to get a pass from HR… but you do need a different kind of approach to kitting up for optimum productivity NOW ADD THESE

APPLE iPAD PRO 12.9IN

NOW APP THESE

from R19 700 / istore.co.za

eing a digital nomad in the age of COVID might mean you spend more time on the beaches of Bloubergstrand than Bali – but when travel does return, having an iPad Pro stashed in your bag will mean you’re ready to work from anywhere. Possibly even Ballito. Apple’s cleverest rectangle hasn’t changed much on the outside, but opt for the 12.9in version and you now get a stonking Liquid Retina XDR display. Its 264ppi resolution isn’t a great leap from the 11in model, but brightness, colour and contrast are streets ahead. Things just look more vibrant, highlights are more intense, and blacks almost look like they could suck in time itself.

Flit and working again The M1 chip inside puts up figures that are comparable with the iMac on p37; and with pro-grade apps for everything from video and photo editing to writing and boring old spreadsheets, the whole ‘you can’t do real work on an iPad’ argument just doesn’t hold water any more. With 5G support on the cellular model and an ultrawide 12MP camera that uses Apple’s Centre Stage tech to make sure you’re always in shot on video calls, it’s also ideal for keeping in touch with your beloved colleagues. For typing, Apple’s new Magic Keyboard is hard on the wallet at R6 700. But the iPad Pro’s modular make-up is one of its biggest strengths – and it switches from tablet to laptop to digital sketchpad with ease, no matter where you pitch up. KEY SPECS ● 12.9in 2732x2048 Mini LED touchscreen ● Apple M1 ● 8/16GB RAM ● 128/256/ 512GB/1/2TB ● iPadOS 14 ● Up to 10hrs ● Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4) ● 281x215x6.4mm, 682g

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ A very modern computer for a very modern worker

IRIS FLOW

APPLE AIRTAG

With all that travelling you’re going to need a decent pair of cans to block out the hubbub when you’re trying to work in airports, coffee shops and noisy hotel lobbies. Iris’s wireless headphones don’t have ANC, but they claim to help you switch your brain into a ‘flow’ state, which can aid focus. Or you can up the volume. R8 000 (import) / irislistenwell.com

Apple’s Find My app is brilliant for locating your lost iStuff, but what if it’s one of your non-Apple things that’s gone wandering? You can attach an AirTag to pretty much anything you own – bag, keys, bike – and if it goes AWOL the app will help you find it. If you’ve got an iPhone with UWB, it’ll even tell you when you’re getting warmer. R600 / istore.co.za

LARQ BOTTLE PUREVIS

THULE CROSSOVER BACKPACK 25L

G-DRIVE ARMORLOCK ENCRYPTED NVME SSD

Nobody’s suggesting you should traverse the globe with a 25-litre bag, but when it comes to humping your kit around whichever spot you’re in for now, this waterresistant pack is big enough for a 15in laptop plus a tablet, and has a crush-proof compartment. R2 500 / thulestore.co.za

You wouldn’t leave your work laptop without a password to keep baddies out, so why should your portable hard drive be any different? In fact, this 2TB SSD doesn’t waste time with mere passwords: it uses your phone’s biometric tech to control access. R5 400 / bhphotovideo.com

When you’re living out of a backpack it can be hard to keep yourself clean, let alone all your kit… but Larq has a solution. Its self-cleaning water bottle has a UV light built into the lid, which kills the nasties inside every two hours (or when activated by pushing the button). If only they could apply the same tech to a pair of pants… R2 600 / amara.com

ONEADAPTR ONEWORLD PD If only more travel problems could be solved with adaptors. Need to ask where the nearest vape shop is in Portuguese? You could stick a language adaptor in your mouth. The OneWorld PD isn’t that clever, but it does allow you to plug in your gadgets in 150 countries, and has a bunch of USB ports. R850 / oneadaptr.com

WORKFROM Rocked up somewhere new and need to find a spot to work from? This app can help, with info on places with good Wi-Fi and coffee in over 1200 cities. Free / Android, iOS

TRAIL WALLET If you’re juggling daily budgets and currencies as part of your digitally nomadic existence, Trail Wallet keeps track of your finances. It’s free for the first 25 items. R105 / iOS

TRIPIT Making your route up as you go along? Got a complicated itinerary? Forward all your booking emails to TripIt and the app will build a schedule for you. Free (IAP) / Android, iOS

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THE STUDENT There’s only so much beer and ironic clothing from a second-hand store you can get on a student loan, so save cash with these economical additions to your education NOW ADD THESE

ACER SPIN 713

NOW APP THESE

R15 000 / takealot.com

REFME If you’re writing essays you’ll need to know how to cite your references; RefMe makes it much easier. Just scan a book’s barcode or paste in a URL. Free / Android, iOS

EVERNOTE Evernote is a bit like an online scrapbook: use it as a place to jot down ideas, record voice notes or keep clippings from websites. from Free / Android, iOS, Chrome

GOOGLE DRIVE Anyone with a Gmail account gets 15GB of cloud storage for free, so you’d be a fool not to get the Drive app to make the most of it. from Free / Android, iOS, Chrome

SAMSUNG AM700 SMART MONITOR

DESKSTAND STANDING DESK

A computer monitor is basically just a TV with all the fun stuff taken out, but the 32in M70A Smart Monitor puts it back in. During the day you can plug your laptop in, but when all the work’s done it includes all the catch-up apps you’d get with a Samsung 4K TV, plus a set of built-in speakers. R8 900 / takealot.com

Want to try one of those standing desks but don’t have much to spend? This one assembles in seconds and sits atop what you’ve already got so you can experiment with working on your feet without having to wait tables or offload trucks. That’s just what you do for money. R1 600 / deskstand.com

This office chair does a fine impression of a much more pricey buttock-plinth. It’s height-adjustable, features swivel and tilt controls, and there’s built-in lumbar support to encourage you to sit up straight. OK, it’s not designed for proper allnighters, but perhaps that’ll encourage you to work quicker. Something has to. R1 500 / makro.co.za

STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE

TP-LINK DECO P9

AMAZON ECHO DOT

Like champagne, caviar and clean bedding, mesh networks aren’t a common sight in student houses, but TP-Link’s Deco P9 system is at the more affordable end of the market. What sets it apart is that it also uses powerline tech to give you wired options when Wi-Fi won’t do. Nifty. R6 300 / evetech.co.za

The Dot might be the most wallet-friendly Echo, but its titchy dimensions don’t mean weedy sound: even if it’s not going to drown out that hi-fi, it does a decent job. And the four-mic array means you can yell at it all day, whether you want the weather forecast or a reminder of your lecture schedule. R2 000 / superbalist.com

It’s usually not hard to get students to drink but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Hydration is a great thing to practise when attempting to climb the ranks of academia, for brain reasons. This one is insulated, serves to contain both hot and cold fluid, and comes with two different lids. R200 / faithful-tonature.co.za

PARIS OFFICE CHAIR

ou can get cheaper Chromebooks than Acer’s Spin 713 – but when it comes to something that won’t embarrass you during orientation week, it’s hard to see past this 13.5in workhorse. For the uninitiated, Chromebooks are almost entirely browser-based, so you’ll have to rely on web apps, but with Google’s Docs et al (or Microsoft’s equivalents) for work, Spotify for music and Snapseed for tarting up photos, there’s little day-to-day stuff you can’t do on one these days. And if you’ve got an Android phone, everything integrates very nicely too.

Cores and effect Powered by a 10th-gen Intel processor (options vary from a dual-core Pentium Gold to a quad-core i7) and 4 or 8GB of RAM, the Spin 713 has that little bit more oomph than Chromebooks that cost less, which means it’ll be able to cope with having more tabs open at once, plus it’s better-specified all round. Unless you opt for the most expensive model you’ll only get 64 or 128GB of storage – but as we’ve already said, almost everything you do with a Chromebook is web-based, so storage isn’t really a factor. The brushed aluminium finish gives it a classy feel, the touchscreen swivels to turn it into a rudimentary tablet or streaming TV, and there’s an HDMI port for hooking it up to a bigger monitor if you need more screen space. The 2256x1504 display itself is more than adequate, though: bright, vivid and pin-sharp, with a 3:2 aspect ratio to fit more of the good stuff in. KEY SPECS ● 13.5in 2256x1504 IPS touchscreen ● Intel Pentium Gold/i3/i5/i7 ● 4/8GB RAM ● 64/128/256GB ● Chrome OS ● HDMI, USB 3, 2x USB-C ● Up to 10hrs ● 301x235x16.8mm, 1.45kg

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ Polished and portable, the Spin 713 is an impressive, affordable package

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Meat on the edge

If we’re being really picky, the bezels around the Spin 713’s 13.5in touchscreen are a bit on the wide side, but it’s a pretty slick design and hardly looks old-fashioned.

Keys please me

One area that’s easy to overlook with cheaper laptops is the keyboard, but the 713’s backlit QWERTY feels like something you’ve spent a bit more cash on, as does the trackpad.

Whole slotta love

As well as that handy HDMI output, you also get two USB-C slots, one bigger USB 3 slot, a headphone port and even a microSD card reader, so it’s fully socketed up.

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Heft of centre

The Duo 14 feels sturdy and well built, and considering all the clever trickery it’s pretty compact. Unsurprisingly, though, it’s fatter and heavier than the 13in MacBook Pro.

Dancing hues

The second screen’s shallow angle means it isn’t suited to anything where colour accuracy is crucial, but it’s handy for Adobe’s Creative Suite, with optimised slides, dials and buttons.

Tilt for speed

Open it up and the hinge angles the keyboard towards you and tilts the ScreenPad Plus forward. This makes it easier to use but also helps to keep the components underneath cool.

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THE ARTY TYPE Forget paintbrushes and modelling clay – today’s creative geniuses need a totally different set of tools to flourish (disclaimer: you may also need some talent) NOW ADD THESE

ASUS ZENBOOK DUO 14

NOW APP THESE

R33 000 / incredible.co.za

aptop design hasn’t changed much in the past 40 years: screen at the top, keyboard at the bottom, hinge in between. While the displays sometimes fold both ways, twist or detach completely, it’s always a variation on that common theme – but Asus’s Zenbook Duo 14 isn’t like other laptops. Lift the lid to reveal its 14in touchscreen and you’ll be greeted by a second, 12.6in one – dubbed the ScreenPad Plus – taking up some of the space that would normally be filled by the QWERTY. You can use it for toolbars, timelines, control panels and anything else that you need constant access to but don’t want clogging up the main display – a bit like a supercharged version of Apple’s TouchBar. It also comes with a 4096-point stylus.

Squisherman’s blues That second display’s inclusion means the keyboard is slightly condensed – so some keys are on the small side, there’s no room for anything to rest your wrists on, and the trackpad has to be squeezed in at the side. The buttons themselves are decent, with good consistency and a nice level of snap, but it all feels a bit awkward – at least until you get used to it. Well, compromises are inevitable with a design like this. An 11th-gen Core i7, a GeForce MX450, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD make for a solid rather than spectacular loadout, but battery life is impressive. KEY SPECS ● 14in 1920x1080 + 12.6in 1920x515 IPS touchscreens ● 11th-gen Intel Core i7 ● 16GB RAM ● 512GB ● Windows 10 Home ● 2x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, USB 3, microSD, 3.5mm ● Up to 17hrs ● 234x222x17mm, 1.58kg

STUFF SAYS ★★★★✩ It has its flaws, but the Duo 14 is an innovative option for Apple-dodgers

BELLROY TOKYO TOTEPACK

REMARKABLE 2

JBL CHARGE 5

If you have a laptop that’s as keen on multitasking as the Zenbook Duo 14, you need a bag that’s equally flexible – like the Tokyo Totepack. Is it a tote bag, or is it a backpack? It’s both! Tuck-away straps allow you to switch with various pockets and a padded space for a laptop up to 16in. R2 800 / compendium store.com.au

You can’t beat a good old-fashioned notepad for jotting down ideas – but this is Stuff, we’re hardly likely to recommend a stack of A4. The ReMarkable 2 is a bit like a cross between a Kindle and an iPad, letting you scribble stuff down on its 10.3in E Ink screen before converting your handwriting into cloud-synced files. R9 200 / bigapplebuddy.com

It can be tough to get those creative juices flowing without the aid of some tunes, but it’ll only ever be a dribble if you rely on a laptop’s speakers. JBL’s Charge 5 is tough enough to take out and about, but sounds good enough to be your daily work companion. And it’ll easily get you through days between charges. R2 500 / takealot.com

NANOLEAF ELEMENTS

SONY XPERIA PRO

HP OFFICEJET PRO 7720

While some people could work in a dark cupboard, others need a less ‘hostagey’ environment. When switched off, the seven panels of the Elements make up a wall-mounted sculpture, but turn them on and you can use your smart home platform or Nanoleaf’s app to pick from 12 lighting scenes. R6 000 / bigapplebuddy.com

Most of us don’t need a phone with an HDMI input, but if you shoot video for a living you can use the Xperia Pro’s 6.5in 4K screen as a monitor before piggybacking on its 5G connection to share the footage. Even on its own, the Pro’s three 12MP Zeiss lenses can shoot Ultra HD video with eye-tracking AF. R28 000 (import) / bigapplebuddy.com

Sometimes there’s just no substitute for printing something out and seeing how it looks squirted onto a very thin slice of old tree. HP’s OfficeJet Pro 7720 will take paper up to A3 in size, so you can get a proper idea of what your latest creation looks like, with 34 colour pages spat out every minute. R3 800 / hponline.co.za

BRAINSPARKER CREATIVITY CARDS Struggling to get inspired? Brainsparker offers a random quote, image, action or question to help lube up your synapses. Free (IAP) / iOS

BLEK Playing games when you’re supposed to be working? Tsk… but what if the game doubles as work? Blek is designed to get your imagination firing – just don’t play it all day. R80 / iOS

SMARTIFY Like Shazam for artists, Smartify gets to the heart of art, letting you scan a picture to uncover its story. It’s a nifty shortcut for anyone needing arty inspiration. Free (IAP) / Android, iOS

T E S T E D T E C N O S PA R K 7 P R O

This one sparks joy With solid internals and a rather attractive build, the Spark 7 Pro stands out in an increasingly crowded mid-range from R3 000 / game.co.za ■ The mid-range smartphone market is enjoying a bit of a renaissance, which goes to show that you don’t need to take out a second mortgage just to enjoy a good phone. The Spark 7 Pro, Tecno’s latest entry, does everything you’d need it to, and does it better than you’d expect it to for its asking price.

Back tracking The fingerprint scanner is mounted on the back of the phone, which is just objectively slicker than any side or front mounted scanner.

■ Specs-wise, there’s little to boast about but nothing to sniff at either. The display runs at 90Hz, which is attractive, though it runs at this speed on a 720p LCD display, which is less so. It gets the job done, but don’t expect it to hold a candle to more expensive devices. The built-in speakers are good enough for calls, but you’ll want some good headphones for your favourite tunes. ■ Under the hood, the Spark 7 Pro packs an octa-core Mediatek Helio G80 chipset and starts at 4GB of RAM, which struggles on taxing games but gets everything else done rather darn well. The camera sensors are competent, at 48MP in the front and 8MP around back, provided you aren’t shooting in particularly poor lighting.

Gimme the juice The Spark 7 Pro packs a 5000mAh battery, plenty capable of taking on nearly two days of usage, even during Stage 4 load shedding.

■ The only real letdown is the design. It’s nice enough to look at, if a little basic. Unfortunately, the camera bump is extended to past the middle of the phone just for the sake of branding. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we say it’s a bit of an eyesore.

■ Say hi to your OS

Tech specs Screen 6.6in IPS LCD Processor MediaTek Helio G80 RAM From 4GB Cameras Rear 48MP Front 8MP Battery 5000mAh OS HiOS 7.5 Storage 128GB Dimensions 164.9 x 76.2 x 8.8 mm

The Spark runs on Tecno’s proprietary HiOS operating system, which looks a lot like an Android 11/Chrome OS fusion. That is to say, it does what it does well, and looks good while doing it.

■ Double Trouble

Tecno’s kitted this little number out with dual-SIM functionality, so you can keep one on deck for local usage and one for when you’re travelling, which is great. More is more, so the saying goes.

STUFF SAYS Plenty of bang for not-so-much buck ★★★★✩

Sometimes, all it takes is a Spark 44

It won’t outdo current top-end devices, but it does vaguely resemble the top-of-the-line from a few years ago. The chipset is perfectly capable, the display is attractive and speedy (if a little low on the resolution end), the cameras are good enough provided the lighting is too, and the battery will last you a full day and then some when subjected to regular use. For R3 000, what you get for the price you pay is pretty damn impressive.

TESTED JABRA ELITE 3

The common touch Do the work Using hear-through for runs is almost essential, but these buds have a strange foible. You’ll have to activate it each time you want to use it.

Jabra’s budget in-ears prove that great wireless audio quality doesn’t have to be tied to a massive price tag R1 600 / takealot.com

■ Jabra is a Stuff favourite. Their Elite range, both in- and over-ears, are consistently excellent. But the other consistent feature is the price – excellent audio generally costs several thousand bucks. But the company has a cheaper lineup – the new Elite 2 and Elite 3 in-ears. The latter are affordable buds that, admittedly, lack some features but there’s one area they don’t skimp. ■ And that’s the audio quality. Yes, you can get better quality from the company if you give them more money but the Elite 3’s brilliant combination of a tight seal, passive noise cancellation, and solid sound aren’t anything to be upset about. Songs are crisp and detailed, with almost no distortion at any place on the audio spectrum. ■ Which makes up for the slightly cheap build quality and the physical controls on each bud. You’ll likely press those buttons too hard at first, forcing the Elite 3s into your ear canal, but they needn’t be so firmly prodded. They’ll work just fine with a softer touch. The right bud, by default, handles play-pause and track skips and the left sorts out the hear-through function.

■ Cannot stop the battery These in-ears feature a lengthy battery life – they’ll last almost an entire workday without needing to return to their lightweight charging case. Give them a few minutes in there and they’ll cheerfully finish out the day.

■ Working it out

The Elite 3 buds have an IP55 rating, letting them shrug off sweat and moisture from basically any source you’ll encounter while pounding the pavement. They won’t survive being dropped in a cup of coffee, though.

■ The fit, depending on your tastes, is fantastic. The Elite 3 buds will stick in your ears through everything from housework to workouts without budging a millimetre. But this comes at a price – they enthusiastically grip the inside of your ears, only relinquishing their hold with a substantial but sweaty pop.

Tech specs Audio 6mm drivers Connectivity Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C charging Battery life 7hrs (buds), 21hrs (case) Waterproof rating IP55 Weight 4.6g each, 34g case

STUFF SAYS Jabra’s in-ears aren’t just for elites any more ★★★★★

It’s past time to see how the other half lives

Wireless buds have exploded in popularity but that doesn’t make them accessible. Jabra’s Elite 3s are a step in the right direction. Yes, you can grab wireless in-ears for less than a grand, but you won’t find anything like the sort of audio quality presented here. Battery life is way above average in terms of charge, but the case could store a little more juice. There’s no cause for complaint here, overall. For their price, the Elite 3s are mighty impressive. 45

TESTED FITBIT CHARGE 5

Super Charge Fitbit’s absorption by the Google machine spawns an excellent colour OLED screen debut for the Charge line-up

Paying a Premium The Charge 5 comes with 6 months of Fitbit Premium, which conceals the tracker’s best stats. However, it wants your credit card number before the freebie starts.

R4 000 / fitibit.co.za ■ Fitbit’s Charge has been a stalwart of the company’s fitness line-up for ages for good reason, but the company’s recent acquisition by Google has turned up its best one yet. The Charge 5 is the first in the range to include a gorgeous colour OLED screen along with its usual run of GPS and tracking features. ■ There’s also ECG tracking for a more accurate heart rate (but this wasn’t available at launch), the ability to track SpO2 (just bear in mind that this isn’t medical grade). Plus, there’s all the movement tracking you’re used to from the Charge. Not much has changed on that front. The Charge 5 works best picking up walks and runs, but it’ll also handle weights, swims, bicycle sessions and even interval training – with varying degrees of success.

One work week Fitbit promises a week of battery life, but we’ve found it lasting closer to ten days with moderate GPS usage. Talk about underpromising.

■ Stress tracking is present in the Charge 5, giving you EDA tracking at a fraction of the price of the Fitbit Sense. It’s a decent little feature, but it does make the Sense a very expensive white elephant. ■ Aside from fitness features, there are also on-wrist notifications. The screen isn’t suitable for replying and this isn’t a smartwatch replacement, but you’ll always know what’s happening on your smartphone, if that’s your thing. ■ Fitbit’s app is great about providing all sorts of insights, but the really deep data is locked behind a Premium subscription. Access will cost you about R155 a month.

Tech specs Display 1.04in colour AMOLED Sensors ECG, SpO2, ambient light, optical heart rate Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0, GPS+GLONASS Battery Life 7 days Waterproofing 50m (5ATM) Weight 28g

■ Under the skin

Fitbit includes an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor in the Charge 5, a feature previously reserved for the R8 000 Fitbit Sense. Just grip your fingers on either side of the band’s face and run the EDA Scan app.

■ (Don’t) get physical

There are no buttons on the Charge 5 at all. That takes some getting used to. Navigation is all touch, with directional swipes handling most functions. A double tap on the screen works as your back button.

STUFF SAYS Come for the new screen, stay for the excellent tracking ★★★★✩

Fitbit is Charging what the market will bear 46

This is Fitbit’s best-looking Charge yet. The colour OLED is an excellent addition, with the option to set it to always-on or lift-to-wake. We preferred the latter, for the battery extension. Then there’s the heart-rate tracker, which is top-notch. The sports tracking could use a little work, but that’s normal for the Charge range. It’s a stylish, lightweight, and versatile tracker that’ll give you enough stats to get your fitness journey started.

TESTED DJI OM 5

Let’s go grippin’ Only a year after the OM 4 launched, DJI’s newest mobile gimbal shrinks things down for ultimate portability R2 800 / djiauthorisedretailer.co.za ■ DJI might be known for its slick drones, but it does a fine side-line in camera-steadying gimbals too. The OM 5 is the latest in its range for phones. It’s much smaller and lighter than the OM 4, but quite pricey for a product in this field. ■ Put simply, the OM 5 is a handle with a three-axis gimbal stuck on top. To get your smartphone fixed to the gimbal, you place a small clamp around it; the clamp locks into place via a powerful magnet. It’ll hold a phone of up to 290g. ■ There’s an extension rod built in, and an included mini tripod screws into the base of the handle to let you set up on a flat surface. It uses a standard screw, so you can even mount it atop a regular tripod. The controls are all well placed, allowing you to use the OM 5 one-handed with ease: there are buttons to toggle phone orientation between portrait and landscape – got to keep the TikTokkers happy!

Baby got pack The OM 5 folds down for easy storage and there’s a soft protective pouch, which also has space for the mini tripod and phone clamp.

■ There are limits to the gimbal arm, obviously – fling it around too much and it’ll judder as it struggles to keep up – but used properly it will give your video footage a smoothness that the steadiest pair of hands couldn’t achieve.

■ Trackity zones

DJI’s companion app Mimo gives you access to ActiveTrack 4.0 for keeping the gimbal automatically pointing at a single subject: draw a box around your cat, your kid or your face and the camera will always follow it.

■ Oh my dolly!

Mimo also offers special shooting modes such as panoramic photos, dolly zooms, hyperlapse and timelapse. You can also trigger the camera using gesture controls – flick it a V-sign to snap a selfie, for example.

■ The one downside of the small size is a small battery, which cuts the old OM 4’s 15hr battery life to 6.4hrs. While that’s a big drop, we think the trade-off of the more portable size and added extension rod is worth it. It recharges via USB-C in any case, so finding a way to top up should be easy.

Tech specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5, USB-C Battery life 6.4hrs approx Dimensions (folded) 175x75x37mm, 326g

STUFF SAYS Rock-steady and travel-friendly, this is the phone gimbal to beat ★★★★★

Never mind the reduced stamina, feel the fold-up compactness

The OM 5 is not a great leap forward over its predecessors, and with that reduction in battery life you could even argue that the OM 4 is a better bet for some people. But the portability of the OM 5 will prove a big boon for many users, and the extension rod is a smart inclusion too. DJI has found some ways to improve on the already-excellent OM 4 here, and for first-time buyers we’d certainly recommend the new model. 47

TESTED MSI SUMMIT E16 FLIP

Eyes on the top

MSI eschews its usual chunky red-and-black design to serve up a flexible and versatile 2-in-1 that looks as good as it performs R40 000 / computermania.co.za

We’re used to MSI’s gaming hardware, so this productivityfocused 2-in-1 is an interesting deviation from the norm. The company’s quite handy at making machines that go fast and those skills have transferred well to this attractive slice of computing goodness. There’s almost no fat on this slim, sturdy computer and MSI attempted to make it as multitalented as possible. They’ve also succeeded, provided your expectations aren’t too high in a few departments. Gaming. We’re talking about gaming here. Being MSI, yes, the Summit E16 Flip can play games. It’d be weird if it couldn’t, but that’s obviously not its main function. It’s designed to replace whatever machine you’re used to working on during office hours, and a few other devices besides. Want a 16in tablet? That’s an option, with stylus support a decent bonus. But the 2kg weight and accompanying size means it’s the sort of tablet you rest on a desk. Jack of all trades, master of none? Kinda. It’ll handle most duties impressively enough, but there’s a little way to go before total mastery is achieved.

GOOD MEH EVIL

Looks much slicker than expected. Nice

Reach for the Summit If you’re keen on some postoffice gaming, the Summit E16 Flip’s RTX 3050 will happily oblige (1). It’s not pure gaming hardware but if you’re mucking around with Fortnite you’re looking at close to 60 frames per second. It’ll handle most other games at medium settings, with an occasional excursion to ‘high’.

Quite a pick Intel’s Core i7-1195G7 chipset powers this beastie, with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage in our review model (2). It’s plenty fast, though you’ll snag dedicated laptops that can outperform this model at similar price points. That’s not to say it’s slow. MSI’s performance mode’ll give you a little more headroom, too.

Look at that view The 16in IPS display (3) has a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 and a ratio of 16:10 – that’s how you know this one’s supposed to live at the office. The panel is bright and clear enough to handle a touch of glare, but the 120Hz refresh rate does a bit of a number on the battery life.

Pitching a tent The Summit’s hinge folds all the way round, letting you choose from laptop, tent, or tablet orientations (4). It also lifts the base when you’re in laptop mode, exposing the vents there. It’s not as finely engineered as Lenovo or Dell’s efforts, but there’s no real cause for complaint.

The keyboard is begging to be typed on

Trackpad could do with a little more room

2 Rock solid Build quality is always a concern with a 2-in-1 and while the MSI Summit isn’t rugged, it’s durable enough. There’s aluminium construction encasing this machine on all sides (5), giving it heft (that you’ll only dislike if you’re carrying it long distances) and reassuring presence.

But the screen’s 16:10 ratio makes up for it The price is a tiny bit of a kick in the nards

Battery life could be better, but it’ll serve

TESTED MSI SUMMIT E16 FLIP

Instant Upgrade The Summit E16 Flip ships with Windows 10 Pro, the “last version of Windows”, but users get a free upgrade to Windows 11 if they want it.

Tech specs Screen 16in QHD+ 120Hz IPS Processor Intel Core i7-1195G7 RAM 32GB GPU GeForce RTX 3050 Storage 1TB M.2 SSD Battery 82Wh OS Windows 10 Pro (Windows 11 avail.) Weight 2KG Dimensions 358.2x258.5x16.9mm

Needs more cowbell As with mountain climbing, it’s the little things that really matter. The Summit has all the tools you need

■ Contact strength

■ Chalk bag

■ Left approach

■ Right approach

The E16 Flip’s keyboard is a gorgeous LED-backlit chiclet arrangement with great spacing and satisfying travel. The only place it gets cramped is in the number-pad region, which is squeezed in just a tad too much for comfort.

About the only complaint we have is that MSI skimped a bit on the trackpad. It’s plenty wide enough, but there was scope to expand the navigation panel vertically as well as horizontally, with room to spare.

4 Along the left side, users will find a full-sized HDMI port, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (one is reserved for the charger) and a key to disable the webcam. It’s not a physical switch, but there’s an on-screen confirmation.

There’s a whole lot going for the MSI Summit E16 Flip. It’s usable is most orientations, has plenty of grunt and a fair complement of ports for peripherals. The generous screen’s 120Hz chops reigns in an already average battery. Use it as a desktop machine to fix that. Then, there’s the price. R40k is a bit much, guys.

The opposite end is a whole other ballgame. Here you’ll find two USB-A ports, for some legacy equipment, as well as a microSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s a pity MSI didn’t spring for the full SD slot.

STUFF SAYS ★★★★✩ It does more than a little bit of everything, but it’s also a little bit more expensive than we’d like 49

TESTED JBL QUANTUM 800

A quantum stumble A fairly expensive, feature-rich wireless headset that does most things well enough but lacks any standouts R3800 / incredible.co.za ■ We were expecting a little more from the JBL Quantum 800, considering it falls under the Harmon brand. This is JBL’s first foray into the gaming headset market and while the headset isn’t exactly bad there is plenty of room for it to grow into something greater.

Ooh shiny If your friends or family like RGB, this set has a ring of it on the earcups you can customise using the included software.

■ To start off with, that’s a mighty high price. JBL does a fairly good job of giving you your money’s worth in features. Expect active noise cancellation, EQ options and spatial audio enabled through the software as well as a dedicated volume mixer to adjust levels between voice chat and game audio. And make no mistake, these are indeed for gamers. You are welcome to use them in the office but be prepared for a few sideways looks. ■ The construction is mostly plastic, the metallic part of which is a huge fingerprint magnet. While the foam earcups and headband are comfortable enough in short bursts, the clamping force and weight might cause some strain after a while. It does mean, though, that you get pretty good passive noise isolation just from the fit. ■ As for the sound, the main function of a headset, these do… okay. The bass and treble accuracy lacks a little, with the mids doing their best to make up for it. But the software EQ means you’re able to customise them to suit your preferences.

■ Control at your fingertips

Tech specs Driver size 50mm Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz Weight 410g Impedance 32ohms Bluetooth version 5.0 Battery life up to 14hrs AActive Noise Cancelling Yes Built-in Microphone Yes Inline Controls Yes

The left earcup features most of the controls like a mic mute button, volume wheel, a wheel to mix voice chat and game audio, and the ANC/hear-through button. They could have been spaced out a little more though.

■ Goes well with console flavours too

Connect the Quantum 800 to your PlayStation via 2.4Ghz wireless or to your Xbox via 3.5mm audio jack but take note, the features controlled by software are only for PC.

STUFF SAYS A decent enough set of cans, albeit rather pricey ★★★✩✩

The wrong place to search for a quantum leap 50

The Quantum 800 brings a lot to the table, as it should for its price. But it seems like for every feature it brings, there is a slight caveat to be had. The advertised 14-hour battery life might seem good but you will need to turn features like RGB off to achieve that. When they’re flat, though, you must also plug in two cables just to use them. This is an okay headset overall that is just a few tweaks away from being a real value champ.

GROUP TEST RUNNING SHOES

3 OF THE BEST

Carbon runners Designed for smashing records, the latest carbon-plated superfoam shoes give spring-loaded propulsion to every step TEST WINNER

BEST FOR DOING IT ALL

Asics Metaspeed Sky What’s the story?

BEST FOR SHEER SPEED

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%

BEST FOR GOOD VALUE

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

The first Asics shoe packing a full foot-long carbon plate and new nylon-based FF Blast Turbo foam, the Metaspeed Sky is built to provide a killer combination of soft landings and explosive push-offs, and to increase your stride length when racing. The lightweight mesh uppers also offer decent space for wider feet and the grippy rubber outsoles are great on tighter turns.

What’s the story?

Is it any good?

Price R5000 / asics.com

Price R5900 / nike.com

Price R4500 / adidas.com

Stuff says ★★★★✩

Stuff says ★★★★★

Stuff says ★★★★✩

It took a while but Asics finally has a contender to rival the top-tier carbon shoes… and to offer something a bit different too. They’re a shade more stable than some high-stacked racers, and the balance of cushion and response makes this a good option over shorter distances and fast rep interval sessions. They’ll happily eat marathons as well.

An energetic ride that kicks into gear when you push your pace at any distance

This is the fastest long-distance race shoe known to man: Eliud Kipchoge wore the Alphafly to run the world’s first sub-2hr marathon. The combination of responsive Zoom X superfoam cushioning, foot-long carbon plates and unique air-pods forced World Athletics to rethink the rules on what elite runners are allowed to wear. When it comes to all-out racing and chasing PBs over marathons and half-marathons, these Nikes deliver a punchy, responsive ride that’s hard to beat. They’re not as light and nimble as the old Vaporfly, and the high stacked midsole isn’t everyone’s cup of Lucozade, but there aren’t many shoes to match these performance-enhancing creds.

The most explosive carbon racer for chasing marathon marginal gains

Adidas has responded to Nike’s carbon game-changers with this stripped-down racer, designed to deliver maximum energy return with high-response Lightstrike Pro foam. The wishbone carbon plate sits between midsole and sockliner, and is tuned to get that all-important toe-off spring without loading stress onto the metatarsals. Despite being heavier than the Alphafly, the Adios Pro 2.0 runs lighter on the foot. It’s nimble, agile and punchy at pace. That forgiving higher drop offers some extra protection when your form gets ragged, or you simply want to run slower. And unlike some carbon shoes, it’s strong for training, not just racing.

A lightweight, streamlined racer at a very competitive price 51

GROUP TEST BU

Let it hide

One UI includes the Knox security suite, which boosts Android’s standard encryption and privacy tools.

GROUP TEST BUDGET PHONES

Fistful of steals Amazing what you can get for R6 000 or less these days… but which of these three budget phones is the best bargain for you?

Space cadet

There’s loads of storage inside – 128GB is the only variant SA’s got, but there’s also a microSD slot if things get cramped.

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G What’s the story?

So you want to grab a Samsung for not very much money? You’ve got loads of options from the company but this is a very competitive market segment. There are loads of options everywhere. The A32 comes in two different flavours, the standard A32 and then this 5G version that trades an AMOLED screen and 64MP main camera sensor for a speedier internet connection, a TFT display, and a 48MP main sensor. There’s a 6.5in screen to play with, but there’s no real difference in terms of design. Both have a notch and a plastic back. This one’s all about the internals, with the Dimensity 720 5G processor standing in for the stock A32’s Helio G80.

Is it any good?

Honestly, there’s a whole lot of compromise in the Galaxy A32 5G. The stock version of the phone is better almost across the board – it’s got an AMOLED screen at a proper FHD resolution, versus a 720 x 1 600 TFT panel, and a much larger main camera sensor. You really have to care about the internet speed to swap this number of internal features for 5G, which makes this perhaps the least attractive device on this list. There’s still plenty to love – Samsung’s design is solid, if a touch generic, and the 5,000mAh battery operates for longer than you’d expect. That can be laid at the door of the reduced spec loadout. The 48MP main camera takes decent

snaps, especially if you’re taking them in good light, but that’s not remarkable for budget smartphones. Samsung’s software mean that it’s also got some low-light skills. Don’t expect miracles, but it’ll do okay in darker settings. On a pure hardware level, the standard Galaxy A32 is the better phone. And it’s also R500 cheaper. If you’re okay with 4G, opt for the less costly device.

R6000 / samsung.com/za Key specs ● 6.5in 90Hz HD LCD ● MediaTek MT6853 Dimensity 720 5G, 4GB RAM ● 128GB ● 48+8+5+2MP rear, 13MP front ● 5000mAh ● 205g

STUFF SAYS Unless you absolutely must have 5G in your hand, choose the stock A32 ★★★★✩ 53

Get heady

The Poco X3 Pro is the most powerful phone in this group, with a Snapdragon 860 and dedicated gaming tools on board.

Psychedelic jack

Not only does the Poco include a stereo speaker setup, but you also get a port for plugging in your trusty wired cans.

Poco X3 Pro What’s the story?

For less cash than you’d reasonably expect, you could own the excellent Poco X3 Pro. This sleek phone is essentially a reinvigorated Poco X3 NFC – one of the best budget phones of last year – with a performance boost courtesy of the mighty Snapdragon 860 chipset. Visuals are served up by a 6.67in FHD+ display and, despite that low price, the Poco also delivers a stereo speaker setup, plus a headphone port and solid Bluetooth. You’ve got NFC for contactless payments, microSD support to expand the storage and a responsive edge-mounted fingerprint sensor. Basically it’s got everything you could possibly ask for except a slot that spits out money.

Is it any good?

As expected, the Snapdragon 860 chipset can handle absolutely everything you need it to, even memory-guzzling games like Genshin Impact (provided you keep the detail on medium settings). The X3 Pro sports an IPS screen rather than OLED so contrast isn’t super-strong, but your peepers will still be pleased by the punchy colours and fine details. Plus the adaptive refresh rate maxes out at 120Hz to keep things looking smoother than buttered Barry White. The 48MP main sensor captures sharp pictures of even the squirmiest subjects, as well as respectable 4K footage. In fact, beyond the slightly garish design, there’s really not much to dislike about the Poco

X3 Pro. Besides, while the rather ridiculous branding may be a bit of an eyesore, at least the phone is solidly built with Gorilla Glass 6 and IP53 splash-resistance. Note, however, that Poco phones still use Xiaomi’s MIUI launcher – so while you get wonderful bonus bits like the gaming mode and Control Center, you’ll also be lumbered with a bunch of junk and questionable future updates. R5400 / takealot.com Key specs ● 6.67in 120Hz FHD+ IPS ● Snapdragon 860, 6/8GB RAM ● 128/256GB ● 48+8+2+2MP rear, 20MP front ● 5160mAh ● 215g

STUFF SAYS Incredible value – and the X3 Pro can’t be beaten for gaming power ★★★★★ 54

I’ll slick around

That punchy 6.67in AMOLED display supports HDR, while a 120Hz refresh rate means visuals are buttery-smooth.

Best of view

The mighty 108MP camera sensor can take crisp, bright, good-looking pics with impressive levels of fine detail.

Redmi Note 10 Pro What’s the story?

From the Xiaomi stable, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is one of the most impressive budget phones right now, from its smart yet hardy design – with splash-resistance and scratch-beating Gorilla Glass 5 up front – to the specs inside. Performance comes courtesy of the Snapdragon 732G, which can capably handle everyday life as well as light gaming. Meanwhile Netflix fans will appreciate the spacious 6.67in AMOLED screen with HDR support, plus the stereo speakers and headphone port. There’s good news if you want to shoot your family too, in the legally acceptable sense, as Xiaomi has crammed a 108MP camera onto the back.

Is it any good?

For this bargain price, the display is a proper eye-pleaser. Thanks to its HDR streaming support you’ll be served with crisp contrast and lifelike visuals, while the 120Hz refresh rate means supported apps and games such as Vainglory are satisfyingly smooth. As a bonus, this Snapdragon platform is also energy-efficient, so the Note 10 Pro’s battery should keep you going all day long, even with plenty of screen-on time. The only thing missing is 5G support. That 108MP camera can capture great snaps of kids, pets and other hyperactive subjects, as well as richly detailed 4K home movies with crisp, clear audio. You also have an ultrawide lens to fit

more action into each frame, plus the usual macro features. But here we go again with Xiaomi’s MIUI launcher. You still get all the stock Android features, plus a feast of nifty bonus bits including the Apple-style Control Center and a proper one-handed mode. On the flipside, however, the Redmi is stuffed with bloatware and probably won’t enjoy Android updates well into the future. R5500 / incredible.co.za Key specs ● 6.67in 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED ● Snapdragon 732G, 6/8GB RAM ● 64/128GB ● 108+8+5+2MP rear, 16MP front ● 5020mAh ● 193g

STUFF SAYS A strong all-rounder with great camera tech and a lush 120Hz display ★★★★★ 55

TWO WEEKS WITH THE ECHO SHOW 8 (2ND GEN)

Cam up and see me Amazon’s mid-priced smart display has been treated to a timely upgrade, including a much-improved camera… so Stuff enjoys some higher-quality face time R4 500 / smartspeakers.co.za

As well as streaming music and audiobooks direct, it works as a standard Bluetooth speaker.

DAY 01 When we reviewed it back in 2019, we thought the original Amazon Echo Show 8 hit the smart display sweet spot: the screen was not too big nor too small; the speaker sounded surprisingly muscular (if a tad bass-heavy); and its price seemed about right. You’d have to peer through a metaphorical magnifying glass to see what’s changed on this new version: it sports the exact same

wedge-shaped design as the old model, with the majority of the exterior being wrapped in a mesh fabric. The front is pretty much all screen – an 8in 1200x800 touch display with a chunky frame. Built into that frame’s upper-right face is the upgraded 13MP camera (the original was a piddly 1MP), which has a sliding physical cover for guaranteed privacy. A mic button on the top lets you toggle Alexa’s ears on and

The wedge design is the same, but built into the frame is an upgraded 13MP camera – the original was a piddly 1MP 56

off, and next to it are volume controls (although you can simply ask Alexa to adjust that). On the back there’s just a socket for the power connector, the original Echo Show 8’s 3.5mm audio output not making the cut. Pity, but we doubt many were using it. On the inside, the processor has been upgraded to a MediaTek MT8183. Setup is easy: pull the speaker out of its minimalist packaging, plug it in and it’ll ask to connect to your home Wi-Fi. Once that’s done, you log into your Amazon account, confirm your timezone and address (for weather, traffic,

news and the like), decide which part of your home you’d like it to locate itself in, give it a name… and that’s about it. We’re quite familiar with asking an Echo Plus to play music from a Spotify account, set timers, convert baffling US weights and volumes (a ‘cup’, you say?) and settle dinnertime arguments over who’s won the FA Cup the most times. Alexa’s a useful tool, but the Echo Show 8’s screen opens up a whole new dimension of functionality and features: TV shows via Netflix or Prime Video, video calls, recipe videos, photo viewing and more.

LO N G -T E R M T E S T

Donut of Truth™

01 Really easy to set up and supports lots of services 02 Webcam is much better than before 03 Scores pretty well on sustainability

04 Makes an impressively big sound for its size... 05 …but it can cause a bit of unwanted resonance 06 YouTube only works via the browser

Tech specs Display 8in 1200x800 touchscreen Processor MediaTek MT8183 Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Camera 13MP Audio 2x 2in speakers with passive bass radiator Dimensions 200x136x99mm, 1037g

DAY 03 Three days in and we’re loving this. Say “Alexa, play Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix” and the unmistakable strains of the cult anime series’ intro sequence will be blasting out in seconds; say “Alexa, show me photos from Facebook” and you’ll be treated to a slideshow of your most recent images; ask for a weather forecast and you’ll get a nicely detailed one on screen, tailored to your location.

DAY 04 Today we’ve been trying out video calls. The new camera has a basic face-recognition tracking mode to ensure everybody in the room gets in the frame, and you can call anyone in your contacts list who has a camera-equipped Echo device, or a smartphone or tablet running the Alexa app. You can also make standard voice calls and this seems to work for pretty much anyone – no need for the recipient to own an Echo speaker or have the Alexa app.

DAY 07 We’ve got used to small speakers delivering big sound, but this one still surprises with its sheer power. A pair of 2in neodymium drivers

and a bass radiator produce audio that’s big on low-end growl (a little too big at times) and able to fill a decent-sized living room, but capable of clarity and nuance too.

DAY 09 Limitations have begun to reveal themselves. If you want to watch YouTube videos, you have to do so through the device’s web browser as there’s no built-in app and no way to cast them from a phone. Also, while certain third-party services (Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music) are fully supported, many aren’t: you can’t ask Alexa to stream video from Disney+ or Now, or music from Deezer or Tidal. Meanwhile, pictures from Facebook or Amazon Photos can be displayed, but not from your Instagram or Flickr archives.

DAY 14 Many of the new Echo Show 8’s features may not be of much use to you – it really depends on which services you use – but as long as your life is compatible, it’s a great smart home helper. That hugely improved camera can even be used as a quasi-security cam or video intercom, beaming a live window of whatever’s happening in front of it to your smartphone.

STUFF SAYS Small speaker, big sound, decent camera: the Show goes on, and it just gets better ★★★★★ 57

IR TH ST ES AD E… D

SONY ZV-E10

ONE SONY GP-VPT2BT SHOOTING GRIP With a small body designed for vlogging, the ZV-E10 can get away with ditching chunky tripods in favour of this handy grip that doubles up as a mini-tripod. Enjoy Bluetooth control over your camera, assignable buttons nd an easy-rotating head, so your camera can face you or whatever’s in front of you with a quick twist. R3 600 / outdoorphoto.co.za

TWO RODE WIRELESS GO II

THREE SENNHEISER MKE 400

Rode’s excellent compact wireless microphone kit packs a twin transmitter. That means you and your co-host (or guest waffler) can both sound equally stellar – and with onboard recording, an extended range of up to 200m (with line of sight) and better stability than its predecessor, the Wireless Go II is our No1 choice. R8 600 / bothners.co.za

Clipping a mic to your shirt just won’t cut it for serious vlogging on the move – you want a good all-purpose shotgun mic with strong rejection of ambient noise from the sides. The MKE 400 is a wallet-friendly but high-quality option with on-device controls, a headphone port and 300hr battery life… plus it’ll even work with your smartphone. R5 000 / mitechdirect.com

NO TH W T IS RY …

TH TH EN ES GE E… T

INSTANT UPGRADES INS

IMAGING EDGE MOBILE

1 CAM CLOSER

2 SHOW OFF THE GOODS

3 SPEED UP, SLOW DOWN

Upgrade your webcam by simply hooking your ZV-E10 up to your PC or Mac for plug-and-play ease – the only possible downer being a slight delay between audio and video. For the very best experience, download Sony Imaging Edge Webcam on your computer, toggle PC control on in the settings of the camera, and fire up both connected devices to be the envy of your virtual office.

Are you a glam influencer who needs to plug that sponsored content or share the latest Zara haul with your adoring fans? Sony’s Product Showcase feature is back, and you’ll be living for it. Dive into settings and, on the final page of the first set of options, you’ll see Product Showcase Set. Turn it on, and now when you bring a product into frame the AF will home in on it instead of your face.

Many cameras don’t preview slow-mo or timelapse footage when playing back in the device, but this one does. The new S&Q mode is dedicated to slow and quick recording, and can be activated by cycling through modes using the mode button on top of the camera. To change framerates, open up settings; you’ll find S&Q settings on the first page of the second set of options.

Transfer images from your camera to your phone, use it as a remote viewfinder, control shooting settings and add location information to photos. Free / Android, iOS

IMAGING EDGE WEBCAM

To be able to turn your ZV-E10 into a webcam or livestreaming device, you just need to download this clever piece of Sony software. Free / PC, Mac

4 LOOK ’EM IN THE EYE

5 SOFTEN THE SCENE

6 TAKE SOME PICTURES

Sony’s autofocus is excellent, and that’s in part down to its smart eye-tracking, which works for both humans and animals across photos and video. To use it, on the fourth page of the first set of options in settings, navigate to Face/Eye Priority in AF. Turn it on, choose either Human or Animal, then left or right eye. Note that you’ll need to turn off Product Showcase first.

A new trick on Sony’s high-end cameras is Background Defocus mode. It does what the name suggests – think Portrait mode on a smartphone. The main difference between the ZV-E10 and an iPhone 12 is that Sony’s cam doesn’t use software to create fake bokeh but adjusts its shooting settings, dropping the aperture to keep subjects crisp while backgrounds go soft and dreamy.

You might be surprised to know the Sony ZV-E10 is just about a best-in-class camera for pure photography. Yes, it’s a vlogger’s dream with great 4K video and a nifty three-capsule microphone for decent sound recording, but the camera’s photo specs match the much pricier Sony A6400, from its 24.2MP sensor and 440-shot battery to its almost unrivalled autofocus skills.

DAVINCI RESOLVE

If you’re getting into vlogging and consider yourself a bit of a geek, this is a mighty video editor that can pull together everything from vlogs to full-on feature films. Free / PC, Mac

BETA YOURSELF

ANDROID 12 Dozen it look good? But the new version of Google’s OS is more than just a visual refresh. Stuff delves into its smart new privacy features, revamped gestures and more… THE BASICS

■ Widdle with widgets

Having done nothing much with widgets for ages, a complacent Google watched Apple blaze past with iOS 14. Bum suitably kicked, it has now revamped widgets for Android 12. Tap-hold a home screen and select Widgets to access the new and more coherent list-based picker, complete with search field and widget previews.

■ Embrace diversity

With Android you’re reliant on the whims of your device’s manufacturer. Whether or not you get Android 12 – and in what state – is down to them. The features we’re covering here are from the vanilla install you’d get on a Google Pixel; with luck, they’ll soon rock up on whatever you’re using.

■ Keep things private

In the Settings app, head to Privacy > Privacy Dashboard. You’ll see an overview of what permissions (location, camera, mic and so on) your apps have recently used. Tap one for a timeline, from which you can manage an app’s permissions if it’s doing something dodgy. Under Location, you can replace precise access with an approximation.

■ Show your true colours The Android 12 redesign adds a subtle dose of warmth to Google’s take on minimalism by way of a great many curved corners and a bucketload of pastel shades. In Wallpaper & Style, you can have the system pull hues from your wallpaper. Scroll up and you can apply the theme to first-party icons. Very tasteful.

■ Save your scrolls

Take a screenshot in the usual manner (by pressing volume down and the power button) and, if the current app is supported, you’ll see a ‘Capture more’ option. Tap that and then adjust the crop to include the entire scrolling view if you want; then save or share the result as a PNG. No more stitching several images together – as long as your phone supports this feature.

PRIVACY ON TAP ■ Check your lights

Anim-hater?

The new Android is very animated. If that liveliness isn’t for you, head to Settings > Accessibility > ‘Text and display’ and turn on ‘Remove animations’.

If an app’s using your device’s mic or camera, a coloured indicator will appear in the status bar. Tap it and you can see which app is the culprit… and then tap again to turn off permissions if necessary.

■ Press your buttons

Feeling paranoid? Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the pencil to edit your Quick Settings tiles, and drag Camera Access, Mic Access and Location into place. Now you can quickly get at single-tap buttons that will instantly stop ‘The Man’ listening in.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

NOVA LAUNCHER

Not keen on the visual design Google’s foisted on you with Android 12? Nova Launcher’s many settings let you adjust themes, colours and layouts, set multiple docks, or define gestures to open your apps in all kinds of new and peculiar ways. from Free

KWGT ACCESS ALL AREAS ■ Go one-handed

SWITCHER HITS ■ Pick out pics

The revamped app switcher now has a plain background and will continue playing videos, rather than freezing them – but it has other smarts too. If it spots an image, you can tap a button to access Google Lens and copy/share/save options.

■ Lap up links

Similarly, if you’re on a web page, head to the multitasking pane and you’ll see a link button. Tap that and you’ll be able to copy or share the link. You can of course do that in Chrome itself, but using the app switcher’s faster.

In Settings, go to System > Gestures. Tap ‘One-handed mode’ and turn it on. Drag down over the bottom edge and the screen will move down, so you can access hard-to-reach elements without banana thumbs.

■ Turn on the taps

Still in Gestures, head to Quick Tap. With this enabled, you can double-tap the rear of your phone to take a screenshot or perform a range of other actions, including opening a specific app.

■ Don’t be too Quick

Earlier we mentioned Quick Settings, but this part of Android 12 needs careful consideration. Only four of these newly big and colourful buttons will appear on your initial drag, so position your most-used first.

BUTTON UP

Just because Google’s interested in widgets again, that doesn’t mean it’ll provide you with ones you want. So use KWGT to craft everything from bizarre clocks to memory meters… or just grab one of the app’s many free featured widgets instead. from Free

■ Shut it down

Hold down the power button and you’ll see Google has simplified things dramatically. You now get chunky and easy-to-prod buttons for locking, restarting or shutting down your phone – or kicking off an emergency call.

■ Rule the roost

Given that this power menu used to house smart home and payment controls, you might be wondering where they now live. And, for the third time, we point you towards Quick Settings. Before long, everything in Android will live there…

AUTOMATE

If you’re the type of person who can’t stop grinning when messing about with flow charts (it takes all types), you’re going to love Automate. The app’s designed to change settings and send notifications based on triggered events. from Free

CLOUD-COMPUTING FEATURE

KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUD There are many compelling reasons to switch to cloud services when it comes to backing up your small, medium, or micro-enterprise (SMME) in South Africa

loud services seem to be pervasive. Odds are you make use of them without really being aware of it anymore. Your personal email is probably hosted in the cloud. If you’ve ever made a voice or video call using an app, a common feature in a post-COVID world, then you’ve made use of a cloud service to do so. Any streaming service you use, from Spotify to Showmax, is also based in the cloud. It remains an arcane function of the technology world, particularly when it comes to South African businesses. The “cloud” is, for smaller businesses, a mysterious entity that may or may not be worth the time and effort it takes to investigate – a mistake that does these enterprises harm in a world steadily moving across to a virtualized, more connected work ecosystem.

PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS Cloud services have much to commend them to SA’s smaller companies. They’re a considerable equaliser, enabling enterprises without access to server infrastructure and the sorts of budgets that can afford dedicated technicians and a place to stash hardware, access to the same sorts of features multinational companies historically fielded. And improving cost effectiveness means that even lumbering giants are switching their

operations over to cloud-based services operated by a dedicated outfit. Several big names in cloud services have long been established in South Africa, with Chinese multinational Huawei the latest to initiate a large drive into the growing African datacentre market. Why? Because there’s money in other people’s data, and not in the way that Facebook… sorry, Meta sees it. There’s money in keeping other people’s data safe, and in moving it to where it could be most useful. A LA CARTE The benefits for small businesses should be obvious – professional tools available via an internet connection that previously would have called for the services of a specialist, or a team of them, to purchase, set up, and maintain. All that’s really left is the purchase, with cloud-based additions added and dropped from a given company’s bottom line as easily as clicking a ‘subscribe’ (or ‘unsubscribe’) button on YouTube. Maintenance and security is all handled by the service provider, a cost that is offloaded from the owner of an SMME. Setup is increasingly possible for the merely tech-savvy, as opposed to a dedicated member of an IT department – letting them get on with fixing serious problems without worrying too much about setting up an email account. That’s just a login page now.

A growing number of enterprises are shifting investment and functions to the cloud

POINTS TO CONSIDER It’s worth it to remember, however, that there are some limitations to cloud services. There’s no control over data centres, or the hardware inside them. Should a specific job call for a very specific set of services not currently offered, an alternate custom solution could become expensive. There’s also the matter of trust – cloud users must trust that their data is safe in the hands of their service provider. That isn’t a hard thing to have at the outset but security failures at the provider level, which users have little to no influence over, can harm the trust that users must feel to hand the dayto-day running of their livelihoods to a third party. And that can be extremely difficult to earn back. FUTURE OF THE CLOUD IN SA The benefits of entrusting a business’ inner workings to a cloud provider tend to outweigh the concerns brought about by a

relinquishing of control. Advantages, like the agility and mobility afforded by accessing flexible and functional services as needed, far outweigh potential disadvantages. A lack of internet connectivity is the major issue here – most cloud services are nonfunctional without it – but the country’s current Eskom situation is wreaking far more havoc on South African businesses than anything a cloud service could do. South Africa’s larger companies are already responding to the call of the cloud, both on the provider and client side. Jay Zhou, head of Huawei Cloud in South Africa, calls the field “a highly competitive, ever evolving market”, and suggests that local relationships, targeted support, and knowledge of “the driving forces behind technology and business” are essential factors when it comes to providing ample solutions to customers. And the number of those customers is increasing.

A growing number of enterprises are shifting investment and functions to the cloud, driven mostly by the needs of the ongoing pandemic. But it’s not likely to end there. Arthur Goldstuck, managing director of World Wide Worx, explains that, “The transition to digital channels will likely continue beyond the pandemic as organisations adopt fundamentally different ways of working. In many cases, it is prompting different architectural solutions for expansion, such as ‘cloud bursting’ and augmenting on-premises deployments with virtual appliances.” The world is changing for businesses, but the democratising nature of the cloud means that South Africa’s small, medium, and micro-enterprises need not be left behind in the charge towards the future. All it takes is the realisation that accessing the cloud is fast becoming the faster, cheaper, more sensible option for accessing and providing services to clients and customers.

[ Graphics vecteezy.com]

CLOUD-COMPUTING FEATURE

TESTED GAMES

XSX, XB1, PS4, PC / doublefine.com

Psychonauts 2

The original Psychonauts offered a genuinely interesting story that wasn’t just about saving the princess or the world, or collecting a hundred MacGuffins. Here’s why its sequel is a timely one…

direct sequel set only a few days after the first game, Psychonauts 2 is keen to catch you up on everything that happened to little Raz prior to his graduation to become a member of the elite Psychonauts. The story sees Raz investigating both the secret group and his own circus-performing family, and often diverts you off course with new areas to explore and side-quests to tackle. While that might interrupt the pacing, you will find yourself in plenty of fascinating scenarios,

like navigating a giant pachinko machine or taking part in a bizarre cooking show. But as was the case with the first game, this one’s at its best when exploring other characters’ minds, with each mental world having a different theme; this has allowed for imaginative level design with vastly diverse art styles. Combat is the weakest element: it’s often somewhat scrappy, with a lock-on that can be more of a hindrance than a help when you’re occasionally mobbed from all

directions. But anyone who hasn’t signed up for a challenging game can opt to toggle to invincibility mode at any time (at the very least we recommend turning off fall damage). Still, if we’re going to talk about accessibility, Psychonauts 2 could have done more to provide hints or ease your navigation, such as prompts when you’re stuck at a puzzle because you don’t have the right power equipped. Still, any minor annoyances are far outweighed by the game’s

generosity, including the chance to revisit past mental worlds. Its physical and intangible realms are both full of warmth and humour – just be prepared for plenty of puns. This isn’t a game about heroes fixing people or defeating villains so much as it is about recognising our own flaws and how dark thoughts exist within everyone, and it treats the player’s own journey of mental wellbeing with patience and empathy. So nothing like Twitter, then.

STUFF SAYS A story that brims with imagination while also addressing very real issues ★★★★★ 64

TESTED GAMES

People have the powers

Yeah, but just try getting planning permission for a real octopus-shaped casino.

Well, it is frustrating buying a suit when your arms are thicker than your head.

Raz has a repertoire of psychic powers that really add to the gameplay, and which you can upgrade or modify over the course of the game. There are the obvious ones such as telekinesis and psi blasts for ranged attacks, but the most inventive ones come in useful for platforming, combat and puzzle-solving. For instance, time bubbles can slow down both enemies and fast-moving objects, like a spinning fan that’s blocking your path; and levitation lets you speed around on a ball that can traverse dangerous terrain but can also be upgraded as a way to knock down or ground-pound enemies. One of the more inspired powers is mental connections. This seems to be a grappling hook, but it can be used to connect two disparate ideas in someone’s mind. In fact, you could even break off someone’s negative thoughts associated with a certain idea and reconnect them with more positive ones. It’s an interesting concept… and behind the puzzle-solving, the game also explores the implications of trying to ‘fix’ someone’s mind. It’s a good example of how Psychonauts 2 playfully and meaningfully uses mechanics to develop both themes and narratives.

TESTED GAMES

PS5, PC / bethesda.net

Deathloop

If you do one thing before lockdown runs out: play Deathloop. No, seriously. If we weren’t here writing this review, we’d be playing Deathloop

f you played Dishonored, you’d know that Arkane loves to show off its brilliant formula of combining dynamic combat, ingenious puzzles and expansive verticality. The wonderful thing about Deathloop is that it manages to improve on this formula without any real compromises. Every facet aligns with the next beautifully, and this all makes Deathloop frickin’ incredible. The result is a game that’s easy to pick up but almost impossible to

stop playing. Comparisons with Groundhog Day – though with significantly more violence and a dearth of Bill Murray – are extremely apt, as players will essentially loop around the same day, trying to get something different to happen. Deathloop is set in Blackreef, a secret isle nestled in the North Atlantic somewhere. Here you’re free to traverse the four districts: The Complex, Karl’s Bay, Fristad Rock, and the urban sprawl of Updaam at different times of day.

The inhabitants of Blackreef go about their day (quite literally) without fear of death, simply because a strange anomaly has made it so none of them can die. Okay, they may die – the normative rules don’t apply, though. The world will attempt to make that death swift, with things like poisonous gas and icy waters and ballistic turrets and too many weapons for one island. If the inhabitants (here they’re called The Eternalists) perish, they wake up that same morning, ready to

relive the same day again, with no memory of the previous day. That’s where the ‘loop’ bit comes in. Now, you’re tasked with breaking this loop. Easy, right? Perhaps not, but Arkane’s blend of stealthy shooter action and interesting traversal mechanics mean you’ll be thrilled at the prospect of accomplishing this impossible task. You’ll compare it with other titles from the studio, and with good reason, but this is its own, endlessly looping, beast. One of the best games this year.

STUFF SAYS At first you don’t succeed, try, and try again. Just like our boy Colt ★★★★★ 66

TESTED GAMES

Far out, man

Every district changes depending on the time of day.

When a loop restarts, you’ll lose your cool weapons and trinkets.

Players quickly find out that protagonist Colt Vahn is a former leader of The Eternalists faction called a Visionary. Initially, you won’t know why Colt has suddenly switched teams — because now he’s tracking down the other Visionaries to try and break the loop. Which in turn means that everyone (and we mean everyone) on this seemingly peaceful isle wants to kill you, the traitor. This makes the base mechanic of this game very clear: don’t die, find the target, and end them. So it’s a stealth shooter, but Arkane has managed to pack this game full of nifty little gems, interesting features, puzzles and an awesome map system. The island features four very distinct districts — and within each, there are various possibilities, depending on the time of day. Traversal, like getting around and such, is absolutely brilliant — and brings with it a fair amount of freedom and verticality for players. Cole doesn’t need to stick to main roads, and sometimes shouldn’t. This makes a sort of sense, his main lair being the underground tunnels that he uses to get from one district to another.

GADGET DOCTOR

ALWAYS ON CALL

facebook.com/stuffsa ● @StuffSA stuff@stuff.co.za

MAIL OF THE MONTH Q

REGIONAL DELICACIES

I ordered educational DVDs from Amazon but cannot get them to play in my DVD player. They seem to work on my laptop, but only if I play them from the folder. Is there any way I can get them to play in the DVD player? What would your recommendations be? Maria

We’ve encountered this sort of problem before – it’s very likely that you’ve got Region 1 DVDs there. South Africa, along with a variety of other territories, uses Region 2, so most DVD players sold here, especially older ones, only support Region 2 discs. Check the disc’s cover, or the disc itself, to make sure whether it’s a region issue (it’ll

have a large number 1 in a rounded square). If so, you’ll either need a Region 1 or regionfree DVD player to get them working on a TV. It’s also possible to covert the discs themselves, but that’s a lengthy (and technically illegal) process. It might also be worth investigating your DVD player. Some can be region-unlocked by tinkering with settings or using the remote to input an unlock code. It’s not a surefire solution but search the model of you DVD player online and see if there’s a (free) tested method to make your hardware region-free. If anyone asks you to pay for the answer, though, tell ‘em to sod off. It’s also possible to buy region-free players. They’re not terribly expensive, but that’s a last resort.

Speak your brains to Stuff and you could win! This letter wins a Xiaomi product hamper.

GOING THE DISTANCE

I look after my 88-year-old mom and was wondering if there is a way for me to use food apps, like KFC, Nando’s or Steers to order food for her in SA while I’m in the US. Neville

We don’t see why not. Most of us at Stuff use Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and various food delivery apps all the time, but we’ve never tried to use them

while overseas. It should be possible to order and send food to a local address, even if you’re on another continent. If you have problems, try using a VPN to pretend to be back to SA.

UNICORN HUNTING

Sony’s PlayStation 5 feels more like a unicorn than it does the gaming console with which I can relive my childhood fantasies through the rebooted Ratchet & Clank franchise. The nine months

since its hyped release have felt like a lifetime of frantically refreshing websites, navigating COVID-19 scares, chip shortages and actual snack shortages in the wake of the ever-changing curfew rules. Thankfully, having watched Sony’s State of Play in September, I can reassure myself I won’t be missing out on too much over the festive period. God of War Ragnorok and Marvel’s Spider-man 2 appear to still be some time off. Maybe 2022 is the year for us, the deprived. Alex

Hang in there Alex. We can’t really speak to the COVID issues, but it doesn’t look like the chip shortage will be ending anytime soon. We recommend contacting a local retailer and getting your name on some sort of list so that when the stock arrives, you’ll be notified. That way you won’t need to replace your F5 button.

THE MAGIC WAS IN YOU ALL ALONG

I'm looking for an iPad keyboard. I'm leaning towards the Magic Keyboard (the one that attaches to the iPad) as it seems to have a good trackpad as well as a nice keyboard. My budget is whatever the best one is. Sasha

Go with your gut here. Since you’re already a part

of the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Magic Keyboard will suit your needs well. While there might be other, cheaper options, or some that offer a slightly bigger trackpad or typing experience, none will be as easy to pair.

DRIVE TO DESTRUCTION

The 500GB Toshiba external hard drive my brother gave me for Christmas in 2012 has stopped working. The light stays on but doesn’t appear with my other drives on my Windows 7 PC. I then tried it on another two USBs in my system. Still the same. I have also tried it on my mother’s system. It does not work. I have taken my hard drive to a technician, and they said they can’t find anything wrong. What else do you think could be the problem, and what do you think I should do next? Gavin

Firstly, congrats on having a hard drive last that long. Mechanical drives are to computing today what lobotomies were to medicine in the 40s. As to your problem, it sounds like a classic drive fail, although we would recommend getting a second opinion. If the drive has failed, the only thing to do would be to get a replacement. If you can’t do without the contents, be prepared to pay in the thousands for specialists to retrieve it.

TO IN E RITND W WA US

Next month’s mail of the month wins a hamper of Xiaomi products* worth R2 000! 68

*Products may differ in colour from the images shown

OP EN

This gadget leapt straig outta testin and into ou rankings.

OF EVERYTHING

NEW

Time changes everything, including Stuff Top Ten placings.

HOT BUY BARGAIN BUY UPDATE Searing with techy genius, a product that’s set our hearts aflame.

A solid gold bargain. Worth owning, regardless of cashflow.

Smartphones Budget Smartphones Tablets & streamers TVs Laptops Smartwatches & fitness trackers Budget buys

70 71 72 73 74 75 76

VR headsets & games Drones, action cams & compact cameras System cameras Headphones Wireless/smart speakers Consoles Games

77 78 79 80 81 82 83

WHERE TO GET THEM

TOP TENS SMARTPHONES

70 HOT BUY

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is still a beast of a device but, since the iPhone 13 was announced at the time of writing, we’re expecting the good old 12 won’t hang onto this spot much longer. But it’s still well worth your time, with a blistering A14 Bionic chipset beating at its heart. In fact, Apple hasn’t been as innovative with its phones as usual, so it might be time to embrace the price drop and reward your patience with one of the best phones to spew forth from the mess that was 2020.

TIPS & TRICKS The iPhone 12 reportedly has 4x better drop performance. Still, better to be safe than sorry.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Apple’s best smartphone to date, it’s difficult to see how they could top this

Snap a MagSafe wallet to the bac of your iPhone 1 and free up som pocket space.

● NOW ADD THIS MagSafe Charger Why bother plugging your phone in to charge when you could just have it stick to a magnet? So much easier. R800 / istore.co.za

Hope you have a power adapter somewhere as the iPhone 12 w ship with one.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S21+

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

Huawei P40 Pro

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

UPDATE

DATE

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

The Galaxy S21 is an improvement over last year’s snazzy Galaxy S20. While the actual features might not be substantially different, the S21 is faster, snappier and features one of the best cameras we’ve seen. Oh, and Samsung is still the undisputed ruler of phone displays.

Are you a hardcore gamer? Do you work hard? What if you’re into pro photography? Or do you just want a pretty phone? The Galaxy Note 20 is a powerhouse with enough cool gimmicks and features to just keep on impressing us. If you can afford it, it’s well worth the price.

Stuff says ★★★★★ A slight improvement on an already amazing blueprint

Stuff says ★★★★★ Large and in charge, the Note 20 is one of our favourite devices of 2021

from 19 000 / samsung.com/za

from R20 000 / loot.co.za

UPDATE

★★★★★ from R23 000 / istore.co.za The best iPhone but even bigger, shinier and unfortunately much more expensive.

★★★★★ R22 500 / samsung.com/za The Galaxy S21+ is a great phone but for the higher price, it’s not a significant improvement over the S21.

★★★★★ R23 000 / samsung.com/za An excellent upgrade overall but that price tag makes our eyes water.

★★★★★ R20 500 / loot.co.za Look past the lack of Google apps, and this is a premium device with brilliant power under the hood.

★★★★★ from R13 500 / istore.co.za It’s the iPhone 12 but much cuter. It’s no less powerful but it’s still adorable!

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

★★★★★ from R22 500 / istore.co.za Once again, an amazing phone that’s only this low because of that outrageous price.

UPDATE

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

★★★★★ R11 000 / samsung.com/za Looks like a flagship, very nearly is. But it isn’t quite there yet.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

● Prices quoted are for handset only unless otherwise stated

from R13 500 / istore.co.za

BUDGET PHONES TOP TENS

HOT BUY

TIPS & TRICKS

Samsung Galaxy A32

You’ll need to manually activate the 90Hz refresh rate… just watch that battery life afterwards.

from R5 000 / samsung.com/za

Given how much you’re paying, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a snazzy little handheld. While it obviously cuts back on some of the more luxurious features belonging to its beefier siblings, we can’t help but appreciate its 90Hz display, long-lived 5 000mAh battery and solid performance even when under duress. The camera even takes decent pictures above and beyond what is expected at this price point, making the A32 our top budget smartphone.

The Galaxy A32 should handle most games well but you’ll notice the device becoming rather warm. That’s normal. This budget phone comes with passable Night Mode photography thanks to Samsung’s software smarts.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Excellent value for money, Samsung leads the budget smartphone race, for now ● NOW ADD THIS SoundMagic ES18 Wired Earphones The Galaxy A32 features an audio jack. Make good use of it with these excellent budget ‘buds. R150 / sound-magic.co.za

Oppo A15

Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Samsung crafted a very impressive mid-range mobile in the Galaxy A52. It works well and best of all, it doesn’t cost R20K. You get a similar software experience to pricey flagships, plus impressive media creds. It would sit higher if it were a touch cheaper.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is well priced for what it offers. It runs decently, features a competent camera and has excellent battery life. The massive display is also an impressive inclusion at such a low price point. Bloatware holds it back from placing higher on this list.

Stuff says ★★★★★ If you’re looking to emulate that flagship experience, look no further

Stuff says ★★★★★ The value proposition of the Redmi Note 9 outweighs the bloatware

R7 000 / samsung.com/za

R3 600 / connecteddevices.co.za

★★★★★ from R9 500 / istore.co.za One of the most expensive phones here. Well, it’s still an iPhone.

Vivo Y30

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Samsung Galaxy A72

Nokia 5.4

UPDATE

Samsung Galaxy A52

★★★★★ R3 000 / takealot.com The Oppo A15 packs in everything you need from a smartphone at an excellent price.

UPDATE

★★★★✩ R4 600 / hi-online.co.za An all-round decent phone let down by the clunky Funtouch operating system.

★★★★✩ R3 600 / mia.africa.com The Redmi 9T gets you to your destination despite cutting corners along the way.

★★★★✩ R10 000 / samsung.com/za A powerful phone that’s less value-orientated than it should be at this price.

★★★★✩ R3 000 / hi-online.co.za Despite the less than stellar display and downgrades from the 5.3, it’s not bad.

Hisense H40 Lite

★★★★✩ R4 500 / incredible.co.za Local is often lekker, even when it comes to budget smartphones that pack a punch.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TOP TENS TABLETS & STREAMERS HOT BUY

HOT BUY

UPDATE

Xiaomi Mi Box

The old iPad Pro was already our favourite tablet by miles, and the latest update only makes it more desirable. As before, it isn’t cheap; but with its huge and super-slick 120Hz Liquid Retina screen, ludicrously speedy internals and double-lens camera (like the one in the iPhone 11), this is one working device to rule them all. Since Apple added cursor support to iPadOS, it’s also the best tablet to replace your laptop – and a glimpse into the near future of computing.

Buying a TV box in SA is a hit or miss, as most of them are massproduced and run on iffy software. Your best bet is opting for a certified Android box, like the Xiaomi Mi Box S. It’s the second of its kind, and can stream content in 4K from a variety of services on the market. Already have a smart TV? Just add the Mi Box S to up its streaming game. It’s also got Chromecast built-in, with some Assistant chops to improve its desirability. The Play Store offers a variety of apps that should impress any content snob.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Apple’s mega-tablet evolves into an outstanding piece of kit and pulls even further ahead of the pack

Stuff says ★★★★★ Ready to join the Mi too movement? This is by far the best Android box on the market in SA right now

UPDATE

Apple iPad Air (2020)

from R1 400 / incredible.co.za

UPDATE

3 4

Apple iPad (2021)

UPDATE

Huawei MatePad T8

UPDATE

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

R23 000 / samsung.com//za The Galaxy Tab S7+ is an excellent device for folks who want a fast, powerful tablet without being locked into Apple’s environment. It also features one of the best displays we’ve ever seen on a tablet. Stuff says ★★★★★ A worthy contender in the high-end tablet wars

★★★★★ from R6 000 / istore.co.za The standard iPad remains as good in 2021 as it has been every year before.

★★★★✩ from R2 500 / incredible.co.za A slightly chunkier device for games, series and books. Kid friendly features are a bonus.

oogle Chromecast 3.0

m R1 000 / incredible.co.za e Chromecast is a cheaper option to smart your TV, and it works seamlessly. Plug-in, y and cast from your mobile device thout hassle. Pair it to a Google Nest and n more control using Google Assistant. ff says ★★★★★ st your dreams to the TV

from R11 000 / istore.co.za The iPad Air is still one of the best high-end tablets you can find. The addition of the excellent A14 chip makes this one of the fastest, most powerful tablets currently on the market. Stuff says ★★★★★ Still the go-to all-purpose iPad for most folks

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+

UPDATE

Apple iPad Pro (2020) from R14 800 / istore.co.za

NEW

from R1 700 / takealot.com Amazon’s latest streaming stick offers 4K plus a faster processor than its predecessor and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. It doesn’t have Showmax, but the selection of third-party apps is excellent. Stuff says ★★★★★ This is the best stick you can buy

Apple TV 4K

★★★★✩ from R3 500 / istore.co.za f you’re in the Apple ecosystem, might as well cough up for this one. It works. Well.

Mediabox Maverick

★★★★✩ R1 600 / takealot.com This box packs a punch, winning points for being so easy to install.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

TVs TOP TENS

HOT BUY

LG OLED 65G1 from R50 000 / lg.com/za

LG’s OLED TVs are consistently impressive and the G1, the company’s newest super-slim television, is no exception. It’s ‘merely’ 4K but at just 20mm thick it’s also ideal for sticking on your wall. Which might be why you need to get the feet separately. LG’s thrown all the bells and whistles at this TV, with upgraded webOS 6.0 at its heart, excellent upscaling chops and visual production that will keep your eyes from wandering to 8K screens for some time to come.

Stuff says ★★★★★ As expected, the updated C9 is the closest you’ll get to a tiny home cinema TIPS & TRICKS

The audio can’t match the amazing display. Add an LG SN11R soundbar (R20 000 / takealot.com) to pump up the bass.

UPDATE

● NOW ADD THIS Sony PlayStation 5 If you have a 4K screen you really should be pairing it with the best newgen console on the market. Your games have never looked better. from R10 000 / koodoo.co.za

LG’s OS has upped its recommendation capabilities, but you’ll need to watch for a while to get the best from it.

LG OLED 65C9PUA

Samsung UA55TU7000

LG 65NANO86 NanoCell UHD

Samsung 75Q950TS

UPDATE

Sony 65A8H

from R60 000 / incredible.co.za

★★★★★ from R46 000 / lg.com/za Our previous champ has been dethroned, but it still has plenty of love to give.

★★★★★ from R10 000 / hificorp.co.za Large and in charge sporting Samsung’s keen eye for design and 4K, all at a very attractive price.

★★★★★ from R27 000 / takealot.com We never wanted to tear our eyes away from this gorgeous screen and neither will you.

★★★★★ from R140 000 / samsung.com/za An amazing 8K TV but that price is… well, let’s be honest, if you’re not Jeff Bezos, it’s too high.

Sony 75X90H

from R40 000 / incredible.co.za

The Sony 65A8H might look a bit pricey (because it is) and short of a feature or two (because it is), but that doesn’t mean it’s not a brilliant TV. Because it is. What it lacks in HDR10+ and HDMI 2.1 support it makes up for with amazing image quality, impressive full range sound and an intuitive Android interface.

The Sony 55X90H is no longer available in South Africa but the 75X90H is as good. Our pick from Sony’s 2020 LED range packs in proprietary TV tech to select what it considers the optimal settings for whatever you’re watching. The 75X90H produces some beautiful colours upscaling nearly everything to 4K-esque quality.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Doesn’t do absolutely everything, but what it does it does brilliantly

Stuff says ★★★★★ This smart Sony might be your secret weapon

UPDATE

Samsung The Frame 55in 4K

★★★★✩ R30 000 / takealot.com A 4K TV that looks like it belongs in a gallery, even when it’s turned off. Who says television isn’t art?

Skyworth 55SUC9300

★★★★✩ from R9 100 / takealot.com This budget TV delivers everything you need, including a 4K and some stunning colours.

LG UHD 55UN7100

★★★★✩ from R11 000 / hificorp.co.za A 60in 4K TV with HDR support, and you don’t have to sell a limb to afford it? Sign us up.

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TOP TENS LAPTOPS TIPS & TRICKS

Who needs a Touch Bar? You can log into your Mac with your iPhone’s Touch ID using the MacID app.

The universal clipboard lets you copy text on your iPhone and paste it directly to your Mac.

HOT BUY

UPDATE

Apple MacBook Pro 2020

from R23 500 (13in) / istore.co.za

If you thought the spec bump of the 2019 MacBook Pro was worth your time, then the 2020 version will astonish you. There’s nothing as powerful as Apple’s new M1 processor which runs 2.8x faster than the last model, while the GPU pushes speeds 5x faster. A battery life of 20 hours, Wi-Fi 6 support and a gorgeous 13.3in retina display, this is Apple’s next generation. It’s difficult to see how they’ll improve on this design but we won’t have to worry about that for a while. Let’s just enjoy the MacBook’s efficiency at speeds we’ll soon get used to.

Stuff says ★★★★★ The M1 chip is reason enough to upgrade your Macbook Pro ASAP ● NOW ADD THIS Satechi Type-C USB 3 Combo Hub Two ports not enough? This hub adds loads more and sits snugly against the MacBook Pro’s side. R800 / amazon.com

UPDATE

Asus ExpertBook B9

Dell XPS 13 (2020)

UPDATE

from R18 000 / istore.co.za

★★★★★ R31 500 / evetech.co.za An update to the processor and battery continues the XPS 13’s high standard.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

MSI GT76 Titan

UPDAT

Apple MacBook Air 2020

★★★★★ from R28 500 / firstshop.co.za It’s always business time when you’re working on this overpowered monster of a laptop.

★★★★★ from R31 500 / incredible.co.za Gaming has never felt as good (or as metal) as this iron-clad warrior makes the experience.

★★★★★ from R16 000 / incredible.co.za Microsoft’s hybrid is a versatile, portable productivity machine that justifies its price.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 from R17 000 / incredible.co.za

Have we mentioned how much we adore that M1 chip? Cramming all that power into a smaller shell makes for a convenient package. Improved battery, 3.5x faster CPU and much speedier GPU means that it might not boast the power of the Pro but given how much you’re getting for the price, that’s a fair trade-off.

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 3 isn’t going to dethrone the Apple MacBook Pro as the king of the 13in castle but it’s bound to make the brand (at least, in SA) keep a hand to its neck. Slick design, excellent battery life and that excellent Matte Black hue make this one Microsoft royalty. Apple’s design team should be a tad worried.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Most benefits of the Pro at a smaller price. What’s not to love?

Stuff says ★★★★★ We couldn’t be more pleased with our first Surface laptop

UPDATE

★★★★★ from R59 500 / evetech.co.za It packs a punch with at least an RTX 2070 GPU and up to an Intel Core i9 in a weighty chassis.

Asus ProArt StudioBook Pro 17

★★★★★ from R33 500 / techinn.com The best desktop replacement for any creative or designer looking to go portable.

Asus Zenbook Duo 14

★★★★✩ from R33 300 / incredible.co.za You’re paying extra for a secondary screen but you’re getting your money’s worth.

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SMARTWATCHES, FITNESS TRACKERS TOP TENS

TIPS & TRICKS Current times demand frequent hand washing. Press the wheel, hit Settings and select Handwashing to turn on your timer.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the next step forward for all you fashionable fitness junkies. It improves on the Series 5 in every way, enhancing what was already the best smartwatch on the market. With a capacity of 32GB, a battery life of around 18 hours on a full charge and every sensor you could possibly need, there’s just something about the efficiency of the Apple Watch that pulls us back in. It gives you everything you need and looks slick while it does it.

Open the Watch app, select My Watch and then Notifications. You now control which apps send missives through to your wrist.

UPDATE

Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s only logical to upgrade when the Apple Watch continues being the best in the biz ● NOW ADD THIS Nike Sport Band Level up your fitness cred by slipping your Watch into one of Nike’s fitness bands. It won’t make you fitter but it can’t hurt. R1 000 / istore.co.za

UPDATE

Garmin Fenix 6S

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Everything the 5S did the 6S does better, with improvements across the board, if you overlook the battery being a little weaker. The range of sports tracking is still off the charts, it’s more compact than ever and still looks better than nearly any other fitness tracker.

A robust piece of tech that’ll probably last longer than you’d expect, with a sturdy build, great design and decent specs. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 doesn’t lack much, and there’s a helluva lot to love about it. And it has that stylish thing going.

Stuff says ★★★★★ You owe it to yourself to upgrade to this model; it’s better in every way

Stuff says ★★★★★ A powerhouse wearable filled with cool features

from R7 000 / samsung.com/za

Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro

★★★★★ R5 000 / huawei.com/za Fast, stylish and suitable for any occasion, the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is built to fit any lifestyle.

Garmin Forerunner 945

Garmin Fenix 6

Huawei Band 4e

Fitbit Charge 4

UPDATE

R10 800 / garmin.com/za

Apple Watch Series 6 from R8 000 / istore.co.za

The new Sleep mode has a setting that reminds you to charge your Watch an hour before your bedtime. Set it up. Now.

HOT BUY

NEW

★★★★★ R11 100 / garmin.com/za Check temperature and altitude acclimation, make NFC payments, play music and more.

★★★★★ from R10 500 / garmin.com/za The best fitness-orientated smartwatch, offering incredible levels of detail.

★★★★★ R700 / huawei.com/za It’s the simplicity and value for money that’s ranked the Huawei Band 4e so highly.

★★★★★ R2 000 / fitbit.com The Charge 4 is a fab fitness tracker that doesn’t look like much but does everything.

Fitbit Luxe

★★★★✩ R3 000 / fitbit.co.za This is what you get when you combine fashion and fitness features.

Polar Vantage V2

★★★★✩ R10 000 / sportsmanswarehouse.co.za This little number is packed with features, but that price tag is daunting.

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TOP TENS BUDGET BUYS

HOT BUY

UPDATE

Razer Seiren Mini Microphone R1 250 / evetech.co.za

TIPS & TRICKS

It’s rare that one encounters a microphone this small that works so well. The new Razer Seiren is the microphone for anyone who spends plenty of hours talking at the computer and doesn’t want a clunky mic hanging over their mouth. It’s also adorable, sitting comfortably out of the way while still putting out some impressively clear audio at a reasonable price.

Make sure you’re sitting a comfortable distance away from the mic to avoid distortion.

Stuff says ★★★★★ One of the best sounding mics we’ve ever heard in this price range

Wanna try recording yourself? Download Audacity and give it a whirl!

● NOW ADD THIS Hybrid FM02 - Pop Filter Make sure those plosives aren’t punching your listeners in the face with a proper pop filter. R300 / takealot.com

The Seiren Mini Microphone comes in three colours: Black, Mercury and Quartz.

Raspberry Pi Zero WH

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

JBL Go 2

While it may be simple, this stylish collectible needs to be on every fan’s shelf. Just holding is enough to whisk you back to the classic Nintendo Game and Watch of the 80s. Plus, it includes the original two Super Mario Bros games and Ball. The only games you’ll ever need.

This portable speaker packs a solid punch, boasting quality sound for music, movies, and even conference calls thanks to its noise cancelling speakerphone. It’s got a reliable 5-hour battery, and has an IPX7 waterproof rating, so feel free to bring it pool- or beach-side.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Simple and snazzy, that’s really all you could ask for in a collectible

Stuff says ★★★★★ The perfect speaker to take anywhere

R1 300 / store.nintendo.co.za

R600 / takealot.com

★★★★★ R1 300 / takealot.co.za The latest Instax Mini is fun, compact, quirky and perfect for a day out with some friends.

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick

Logitech G403 Hero

Kindle Fire 7in Version

UPDATE

Game and Watch

★★★★★ R300 / pishop.co.za No need for dongles or hubs. With the wireless Pi, your projects can be squeezed into smaller places.

UPDAT

★★★★★ R800 / takealot.com Turn any TV, monitor or projector into a smart TV and stream anywhere with this little TV stick.

★★★★★ R1 200 /evetech.com A fantastic mouse that looks and feels fantastic even if you’re on a budget.

★★★★★ from R1 400 / incredible.co.za With 16GB of storage and an 8-hour battery, the Kindle Fire is perfect for reading, checking emails.

Blackstar AmPlug2 Fly

★★★★✩ from R1 000 / amazon.com It doesn’t have the most features, but you can rock out without rocking your neighbours out of bed.

Wahl Aqua Groom

★★★✩✩ R1 500 / superbalist.com Looking for a decent, affordable, compact beard trimmer? Look no further.

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VR HEADSETS & VR GAMES TOP TENS

HOT BUY

Oculus Quest 2

Half-Life: Alyx

The Oculus Quest has finally been dethroned by it’s bigger and better sibling, the Quest 2. It’s still the most efficient way to experience VR with the lack of cables and physically tethering to a PC making for an experience that’s like no other. The increased resolution, sitting at 1832x1920, means 50% more pixels than the original Quest, 6GB of RAM and the 90hz refresh rate should hopefully alleviate any nausea. These upgrades mean the system runs faster and smoother than ever.

It’s Half-Life, right? Developers Valve said they’d only go back to the legendary franchise when there was some new kind of technology they wanted to show off and boy howdy, did they succeed with Alyx. One of the most detailed, comprehensive games in VR, Half-Life: Alyx tells a compelling story with riveting combat that shifts from explosive fire-fights to quietly disposing of zombies. Interacting with the environment in virtual space is amazingly done. There’s nothing else like it.

Stuff says ★★★★★ The Oculus Quest 2 is the best even if you have to jump through some Facebook hoops to use it

Stuff says ★★★★★ Valve proves VR could very well be the future because nothing comes close to playing this game

from R12 000 / 180by2.co.za

Oculus Quest

from R11 500 / zeekonline.co.za The original Oculus Quest is nothing to turn your nose up at. It’s still just as portable and easy to use, making for an entry into Virtual Reality that’s more streamlined than most headsets (bar one obvious one). Stuff says ★★★★✩ It’s the older model but it's still impressive

Oculus Rift S

R12 000 / 180by2.co.za An amazing swan song for VR’s first gen, the Rift S is excellence made more appealing by its accessible price tag. Just because it's cheaper doesn't mean you shouldn't look out for dangling cables… Stuff says ★★★★✩ A fantastic headset despite those unruly cables

HTC Vive Pro

★★★★✩ R22 500 (starter kit) / rebelgaming.co.za This high-end headset offers the best VR experience by a long way. But at a price.

Oculus Go

★★★★✩ from R6 000 / 180by2.co.za Go-godance withthe Goonthe go. It’scheaper than the Quest, and a standalone headset.

from R330 / Oculus Quest/Rift, Vive, Valve Index

UPDATE

Hitman 3

R1 250 / PSVR Don the bald head and red tie of the world’s greatest assassin and take out your targets with clean efficiency or sheer chaos. There’s no better way to play the modern Hitman game than in VR. Stuff says ★★★★★ Why be you when you can be Agent 47?

Star Wars: Squadrons

from R650 / Valve Index, Vive, Oculus The closest you’ll come to sitting in a real X-Wing cockpit and blowing up those dastardly enemy TIE fighters, Star Wars: Squadrons campaign and multiplayer is some of the most fun we’ve had in VR. Stuff says ★★★★★ Nothing like the smell of photon torpedoes

The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners

Beat Saber

★★★★★ R220 / PSVR, Oculus, Vive, Valve Index Tense, violent and immersive, this is the best game adaption of The Walking Dead.

★★★★★ from R175 / Oculus Rift, Vive, PSVR Dual laser swords are meant for slicing and dicing blocks to the thumping beat of a song.

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TOP TENS DRONES, ACTION CAMS & COMPACTS

HOT BUY

DJI Mavic Air 2

Sony ZV-1

With the Air 2, DJI has built on the basic platform of a simple entry-level drone and thrown in a heap of pro-grade features, so those dipping a tentative toe into the waters of aerial photography or videography no longer have to put up with mediocre content. The sensor and 48MP resolution produce very sharp imagery, while the ability to shoot in RAW format gives plenty of postproduction options and the DJI Fly app allows for fast image filters, movie edits and social media uploads.

Offering excellent image quality, a great range of video options and features designed specifically for vloggers on the go, Sony outdoes their previous compact camera, the RX-100. Our only issue is the lack of a touchscreen, which still blows our minds, and the battery being inaccessible if the camera is mounted. Yet those are small gripes with a piece of hardware that is one of the best available on the market and an easy recommend for anyone looking at investing in quality, portable cameras.

Stuff says ★★★★★ An easy to use drone for noobs and experts alike – this features some great advancements over the last model

Stuff says ★★★★★ A tremendous compact camera that demonstrates how Sony is still at the top of the photography game

R16 800 / istore.co.za

DJI Mini 2

R9 500 / istore.co.za The follow-up to one of our faves is the Mini, but so much better. It brings 4K to a drone that still impresses with its size. For under 10K, this is an absolute win. Budding drone enthusiasts owe it to themselves to own one. Stuff says ★★★★★ At this price, what you get is staggering

GoPro Hero 9 Black

R9 500 / capeunionmart.co.za Taking the already excellent GoPro Hero 8 and making it even better, the Hero 9 is GoPro’s best camera to date with a beefed up battery, dual screen functionality and some impressive software improvements. Stuff says ★★★★★ You won’t find a better action camera anywhere

DJI Osmo Action

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

UPDATE

★★★★★ R7 000 / ormsdirect.co.za Face-optimised metering makes DJI’s action cam an ideal choice for vloggers.

★★★★★ R29 400 / ormsdirect.co.za Superbly responsive in the air, this is the gold standard in portable flyers.

R16 800 / ormsdirect.co.za

Sony DSC-RX100 VI

R23 000 / kameraz.com Sony is currently dominating the compact camera space. The RX100 VI is a tremendous device that would be even higher on this list if it weren’t for that bulky price tag. Stuff says ★★★★★ Premium point-and-shoot perfection

Panasonic Lumix TZ220

Sony DSC-RX100 VII

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III

UPDATE

R16 700 / cameraland.co.za This Panasonic compact is a significant upgrade from the TZ110, offering extra reach with the zoom lens, better colour reproduction, and an improved experience when using the electronic viewfinder. Stuff says ★★★★★ Small, neat and not dramatically overpriced

★★★★★ R28 400 / takealot.com A true all-rounder that shoots 24fps at full resolution with a whopping 8x zoom lens.

★★★★★ R14 800 / takealot.com For the asking price, this compact does everything you want and does it well.

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SYSTEM CAMERAS TOP TENS HOT BUY

TIPS & TRICKS

Fujifilm X-T4

It’s easy to set up the X-T4’s customisable Q button: just hold it down for a couple of seconds for options.

R36 500 / ormsdirect.co.za

The Fuji X-T4 might be the high-end mirrorless camera of your dreams. Relatively affordable for a flagship, it excels at stills and video thanks to in-body image stabilisation, high-speed shooting and 4K recording at up to 60fps. Rapid shooting is backed up by fancy AF tricks that feel equally fast and reliable, and even the battery life goes above and beyond the usual standards. There’s no doubting this is a worthy successor to the already fabulous X-T3.

Avoid those wonky horizons by turning on the built-in on-screen level in screen settings. Fujifilm X Acquire is a clever bit of PC/Mac software that backs up all your X-T4’s custom settings.

Stuff says ★★★★★ A superbly capable mirrorless camera for shooting pretty much anything in style ● NOW ADD THIS Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 This versatile lens covers a bigger zoom range than most and adapts to pretty much any requirements. R12 400 / ormsdirect.co.za

Sony A7C

Panasonic Lumix G9

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T200

Canon EOS 90D

Nikon Z6

UPDATE

Fujifilm X-T3

Sony A7 III

It may have been surpassed by the X-T4, but we still can’t find anything bad to say about the X-T3 – it’s just consistently great in so many ways. With pro-level video options, a high-res EVF, and super-fast autofocus and burst shooting, what you’re getting here is an all-round beast of a camera in a small, beautiful form. And now that it’s a last-gen model, it’s also a lot cheaper than it used to be.

The A7 III manages to pack in a lot of technology and desirability for less than R50k. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that’s well suited to a bunch of shooting scenarios, coping well with landscapes, portraits, and even a little bit of high-speed sport shooting. As a camera design it’s admitedly not the prettiest thing we’ve ever seen, but it handles well for its compact size.

Stuff says ★★★★★ An incredible stills shooter with video smarts to match

Stuff says ★★★★★ A fantastic all-rounder that excels in low-light conditions

R25 300 / ormsdirect.co.za

R48 500 / ormsdirect.co.za

UPDATE

★★★★★ R34 500 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za The Sony A7C unites portability and precision into a very appealing package.

★★★★★ R29 000 (body) / kameraz.com The G9 is still the best Lumix to date, with staggering shooting speeds.

★★★★★ R14 600 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za You get the X-T3’s sensor in a cheaper, smaller body with more spare change for buying lenses.

★★★★★ R15 600 (15-45mm) / kameraz.com A compact, lightweight and easy-to-master camera that won’t break the bank.

★★★★ R29 000 (18-55mm) / takealot.com An updated all-rounder, the 90D builds on the 80D with increased power and more megapixels.

★★★★★ R37 000 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za A top-notch and reasonably sized mirrorless camera from the optical experts.

Fujifilm GFX 100S

★★★★★ R106 000 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za Light for a medium-format camera, except maybe in the wallet area.

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TOP TENS HEADPHONES OT

UPDATE

Sony WH-

Sony WF-1000XM4

With their perfect balance of wearability, e noise-cancelling prowess and audio performance, there just hasn’t been a better package than the Sony XM3s… until now. The XM4s look and sound almost identical, but a range of new features – including Speak-to-Chat, which stops the music when you start talking – aims to lure you away from your current ’phones. If those are the XM3s, it’s tough to justify the upgrade; but it’s going to take something extraordinary to knock Sony off its perch now.

Sony may catch flack for its phones but its audio gear is second to none. Serious cancellation skills, the inclusion of Speak-toChat and typically well-balanced sound reproduction make the WF-1000XM4s the in-ears to have. But, as with the over-ears, the previous generation was just so good that it’s hard to recommend these if you already own our Number 2 pick. If you don’t have a pair of Sony buds in your ears yet, though, these are the ones to have.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Not surprisingly given their heritage, these are the best all-round noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Stuff says ★★★★★ Similar innovations to those found in Sony’s over-ears opposite put these wireless buds on top of the pile

from R6 350 / takealot.com

UPDATE

R7 000 / sony.co.za

B&W PX7 Carbon Edition

UPDATE

Marshall Monitor II ANC

UPDATE

Bose NCH 700

Apple AirPods Max

R9 000 / takealot.com Bowers and Wilken make some fine headphones, but these are up there with some of its best. Stellar sound quality and a comfortable build make these an easy recommendation… if you can afford them. Stuff says ★★★★★ A little pricey but worth every cent

R3 500 / incredible.co.za Despite the age of Sony’s XM3’s it’s miraculous what these buds are capable of. They still feature some of the best noise cancelling in the business and continue to output some of the best audio in its field. Stuff says ★★★★★ Amazing build and mind-blowing sound

R6 000 / takealot.com Marshall’s amp-inspired design shines through with these headphones. They look fab, fold conveniently away and pump out great sound. Whether you’re a musician or an avid music lover these will see you right. Stuff says ★★★★★ So good, you’ll want to turn them up to eleven

★★★★★ from R9 000 / soundimports.co.za Bose are still the masters of the medium, if comparatively a little overpriced.

★★★★✩ from R11 000 / istore.co.za Sounds great but that price and their Applecentric nature keeps them from greatness.

Sony WF-1000XM3

NEW

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Sennheiser CX True Wireless

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

from R7 500 / ultrasound.co.za As so often happens, bigger, better features have knocked these ‘buds down the list – not that there’s a fault with these excellent, if bulky, in-ears. Noise cancelling is brilliant, but that price has got to come down. Stuff says ★★★★★ Makes noise a victim of cancel culture

★★★★★ from R2 600 / mitechdirect.com Sennheiser’s cans are always great, and those skills transferred to these excellent buds.

★★★★★ from R2 500 / samsung.com/za Samsung may have given up on the design, but we still love these comfy li’l beans.

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WIRELESS AND SMART SPEAKERS TOP TENS HOT BUY

HOT BUY

Sonos Roam

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Look, the Sonos Roam isn’t the very best speaker you’re going to encounter at this price point, but it’s certainly one of the most skilled. Integrating with your other Sonos kit but equally capable on its own, the Roam loves to do just that. Well-rounded audio is a given and the battery is ample, if not the full ten hours Sonos claims to offer you. Sound Swap hands off to nearby speakers, Trueplay tunes to your space and it supports both Alexa and Google Assistant.

While this magic orb of a smart speaker looks like something you might see in an older Star Trek episode, the latest Echo from Amazon wins because it’s just so efficient. Setting up connections between devices has never been simpler, thanks to an integrated Zigbee hub, and it’s helped along by Amazon’s excellent Routines app. It may not have omnidirectional speakers but that doesn’t matter – you were just going to stick it in a corner anyway. Isn’t that right?

Stuff says ★★★★★ Sonos finally got a Move on, but even that has to make way for this portable powerhouse

Stuff says ★★★★★ While smart speakers are growing in popularity, Amazon is still way ahead of the pack

R4 000 / takealot.com

UPDATE

R2 000 / superbalist.com

Google Nest Audio

UE WonderBoom 2

R4 200 / superbalist.com Google has refined its smart speaker with a sound that may be fuller but is still better suited to casual listening. It’s fast and efficient but you should be aware that compatibility can be a problem. Stuff says ★★★★★ While a little finicky, it’s still an impressive device

from R2 000 / takealot.com These speakers are so good that they consistently sell out in South Africa; if you see one available, you should jump on it! Excellent sound, fantastic battery and super portable, this is one of the best value options out there. Stuff says ★★★★★ A rugged little wonder with a sonic boost

Sonos Move

UPDATE

from R9 500 / takealot.com Sonos’ first mobile effort is still worth your time and money but the advent of the Beam means a Sonos portable is within reach for considerably mess money. And money talks, they do say. Stuff says ★★★★★ Beamed down to third, but still great UPDATE

UE Megaboom 3

★★★★★ R3 700 / takealot.com You’ll struggle to find a better, longer-lasting or more feature-laden portable speaker. NEW

JBL Xtreme 3

★★★★★ R5 000 / takealot.com The updated Xtreme has everything you could possibly need in a speaker.

Apple HomePod Mini

from R4 000 / superbalist.com While Siri is growing more competent with more and more updates, it’s still not as advanced as Alexa or Google. Still, this smart speaker will do what you need and look good while it’s at it. Stuff says ★★★★★ Apple still has a way to go before it’s competitive

Sonos One

Google Nest 2nd gen

★★★★✩ R5 000 / takealot.com Easily the best speaker quality available, we’re just not fans of the chunky design.

★★★★✩ R1 500 / bigapplebuddy.com Sleep Sensing is cool, but that does mean you’ve got to stick it in the bedroom.

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TOP TENS CONSOLES

82 UPDATE

GOT EARS? THEN CHECK OUT…

PlayStation 5 from R10 000 / koodoo.co.za

Next-gen is finally here and it’s looking better than ever. The PlayStation 5 is a behemoth of a console and that size isn’t just for show. Games load faster and look better than ever before thanks to the new solid state drive and the actual machine is quieter than ever. Then there’s the DualSense 5 controller which is just… monumentally cool. Alongside a stellar lineup of launch games, Sony has really outdone itself with its latest console, justifying that price tag. The PS5 is an amazing console all round.

Stuff says ★★★★★ An amazing controller and some solid launch titles make for a great kick off to next-gen gaming Xbox Series X

R12 000 / btgames.co.za Microsoft’s next-gen offering isn’t too shabby either. It’s a beast of a console with some impressive hardware to boot. The reason it’s not in first place is a disappointing controller and lack of launch games. Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s good but could be better

Nintendo Switch

● BITING COMMENTARY ● BRILLIANT INSIGHTS ● (BAD) JOKES! ● GADGET HANDS-ONS

PlayStation 4 Pro

FIND IT ON SPOTIFY OR YOUR PODCAST PLAYER OF CHOICE. SIMPLY SEARCH FOR “STUFFED”

from R7 000 / store.nintendo.co.za Nintendo’s console earned a promotion in our list after it impressed us with a growing list of fantastic games. Plus, no other device here offers the joy of portable gaming. Long journeys will never be boring again. Stuff says ★★★★★ This 2-in-1 console is the real deal

★★★★★ from R6 800 / koodoo.co.za A great all round console with one of the best libraries of games in recent memory. UPDATE

YOUR ESSENTIAL AUDIO GUIDE TO WHAT’S HOT IN GADGETS

Nintendo Switch Lite

★★★★★ from R4 500 / store.nintendo.co.za Yeah, it’s a tiny bit smaller. But it’s also cheaper and just as powerful as its big bro.

www.stuff.co.za/stuffed/ or anchor.fm/stuffsa

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GAMES TOP TENS

HOT BUY

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart R1 370 / PS5

This PS5 exclusive is compared to the best that Pixar and DreamWorks can field, and with good reason. The rip-roaring tale that scoots players around the galaxy (back and forth through the titular rifts) looks every inch as good as pre-rendered animation. The series’ frenetic energy, insane weaponry and tight-designed platforming action are all present, offering players an experience they won’t forget for an age.

TIPS & TRICKS Keep moving. A stationary Lombax is a dead Lombax so jump, dash and keep your enemies off-balance while in combat.

Stuff says ★★★★★ So much fun that you’ll feel like you travelled to a parallel universe ● OR PLAY THIS The Outer Worlds As whacky, with more RPG features, only it’s Fallout. In space. R900 / PC, PS4, XBO, Switch

Don’t play favourites. It’s tempting to stick to what you know but Rift Apart’s entire arsenal is worth exploring.

Returnal

R1 370 / PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Tight controls, excellent art design, stunning visuals and a compelling narrative characterise Returnal ’s AAA rogue-like gameplay. It’ll make you come close to snapping your DualShock 5 but you’ll also keep on coming back for more.

Take one of the best PS4 games, Marvel’s Spider-Man, ramp up the graphics, throw in some haptic feedback, a banging soundtrack and a rad new protagonist in this gem of an open-world title. The story hits as hard as combat does.

Stuff says ★★★★★ Returnal should be on every PS5 owner’s console

Stuff says ★★★★★ Easily the most fun we had in 2021, a must-buy for any PS5 owner

R1 200 / PS5

Hitman 3

Monster Hunter: Rise

Demon’s Souls

The Last of Us Part II

8 9 10

★★★★★ from R420 / PC, PS, Xbox The end of the line for 47, but the end of the line for many, many victims first.

★★★★★ R1 100 / Switch Monster Hunter is back to its handheld roots with excellent combat and polished loot grind.

★★★★★ R1 400 / PS5 As difficult as it is beautiful, Demon’s Souls is a joy to play and eventually defeat.

★★★★★ R850 / PS4 An emotional story punctuated by savage gameplay; this is still the best recent PS4 title.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

★★★★★ R1 200 / Switch An excellent port and expansion on one of the most underrated Super Mario games.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

★★★★★ from R700 / PS4, PS5, XSX/S, XBO, PC You wouldn’t think crafty assassins and vikings would mix but they do. Oh boy, they do.

Doom Eternal

★★★★★ from R310 / PS4, XBO, PC, Switch Slaying thousands of demons with a shotgun and a laser greatsword… Need we say more?

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WISHLIST

WISH LIST Active athletes p86

Gaming geek p88

Always busy p90

Camera crazy p92

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The Outsiders p94

The Gearhead p98

DIY diehard p100

Tech impaired p102

WISHLIST

MAXFIT ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELLS The reason you go to a gym is because there’s no space for all the kit at home. But what there was? MaxFit’s got a pair of adjustable dumbbells that switch from 2.5kg to 24.5kg at the twist of a dial – all while taking up the space you’d allocate to a single pair of weights. They rest on a plastic base, so provided you’re not showing off, your floors will remain undamaged. R5 750 / maxfitsa.co.za 86

WISHLIST

JBL Xtreme 2 If you’re not lifting while Eye of the Tiger blares in the background, are you even working out? JBL’s portable powerhouse has a fifteen-hour batter and an IPX7 rating so you can even use it poolside without worrying about it dying on you. R3500 / takealot.com

Mjolnir Water Bottle

Skault Yoga Mat

UA HOVR Machina 2

There’snotmuch roomforpersonal expressionwhen itcomestowater bottles.Butthen, there’salsothis Thor-inspired butimpractical effortthatlooks likethegod’s iconichammer.If you’restillableto liftitafterdoing arms,youdidn’t gohardenough. R920 / amazon.com

Youcouldgowith askinnyyogamat, butthis10mmslab ofnitrilebutadiene rubber(NBR) providesmore ofacushionfor thosestarting outorrecovering fromaninjury.The non-slipsurfaceis generous,andit shouldsurvive mostthingsshort ofabullterrierpup. R1 000 / takealot.com

They’renotjust lightweightand breathable,Under Armour’ssecondgenMachinapair withMapMyRun toofferon-thespotcoaching tohelpyour form.Reflective materialspromote longevity,and there’saPebax plateforbetter push-offs. R3 500 / underarmour.co.za

BS Adjustable Weight Vest GetyourinnerGokuonwiththisvestthat adjustsbetween4kgand8kg,inonekilogramincrements.Therearealsoother effortsoutthere,specificallyforCrossFit, thatlookforalltheworldlikebulletproof vests,ifthat’smoreyourspeed. R1 000 / sportsmanswarehouse.co.za

ACTIVE ATHLETES Permanently moving, filled with boundless energy, annoyingly attractive… there’s got to be some way to weigh those people down

Jabra Elite Sport

Fitbit Charge 5

Theymaybe gettingonabitbut integratedheart rateandVO2max monitoring,as wellasanin-ear coachtellingyou whentopushor chillmaketheElite Sportbudsan excellentgiftfor thepersonwho trackseveryother aspectoftheir activelives. R2 250 / amazon.com

Therearemany, manyfitness devicesoutthere worthyoftimeon yourwristbutthe Charge5’sbright OLEDscreen, battery,tracking andfeatures makeitaprime lightweightand versatileexercise partnerforallbut thesuper-serious fitnessfanatic. R4 000 / fitbit.co.za

Wintergreen Magnesium Soak Workout isn’t just about pain and effort; recovery is the really important bit. Stick a pack of Wintergreen magnesium bath soak pods into the right sweat-soaked stocking and help your sports-inclined recipient to bounce back better from their strenuous sessions. R130 / clicks.co.za

Adjust X Kettlebell 18kg Thekettlebellisa veryuseful fitnesstool,but you’lloutgrow thatlittlepink4kg thinginamatterof weeks.AdjustX letsyouscalefrom 4kgto18kg withouthavingto dedicatespaceto asetofweirdly shapedmetalballs inyourhome. R2 000 / takealot.com

UA Impasse Run 2.0

Hyperice Vyper 2.0

It’stoughtohitthe roadonablustery, dampdaybutthe ImpasseRun2.0 keepthewindand moistureoutinall butaserious downpour.And eventhen,you’ll runinrelative comfort.Sun’s backout?The wholethingpacks downintothe rightsleeve. R2 500 / underarmour.co.za

Fitnessrollerscan alsobehigh-tech. Hypericeknows itspercussion massagersandit putssimilar vibratingtech insidethisroller. Choosebetween threeintensities andbuzzyour bedraggled musclesbacktoa semblanceof healthinnotime. R2 900 / gear4u.co.za

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WISHLIST

825 isn’t r you, rnal her, ne.

Big

The PS5 the bigges ever made sure yo enough s your

SONY PLAYSTATION 5 This is undeniably the hottest console on the planet right now. The PS5 is the first console to support 8K gaming, but you’ll need an 8K TV for that. If you only have a measly 4K TV, the PS5 supports a stunning 120Hz refresh rate. That, together with the super-fast NVMe SSD, means you’ll spend less time staring at a loading screen and more time waiting to respawn. Unless that’s just us? from R10 000 / koodoo.co.za 88

Hotter

While the PS5 does get hot, we’re talking about availability. You’ll need a fast trigger finger in order to secure one.

WISHLIST

Warp AMD Upgrade Kit

PlayStation Classic Console If you can’t get your hands on a PS5 or just feel like a trip down nostalgia avenue, then the PlayStation Classic might be for you. It’s a slightly smaller, modernised version of the OG console complete with HDMI and two controllers. It also comes with 20 pre-loaded games including the first GTA and Resident Evil. R3200 / takealot.com

Whetheryouwant tojointhePC MasterRaceor needanupgrade, pickingtheright parts,making surethey’re compatibleand notkillingyour walletisdifficult. That’swhythese kitsexist.Getone andleavethat stresstothepros. R11 200 / dreamwaretech. co.za

Detachable Aviator USB cable (coiled) Ifyou’vealready upgradedallthe otherbitsand peripheralsinyour PCthere’sone you’veprobably forgottenabout. Ifyou’restill usingthestock cablethatyour keyboardcame with,areyoueven agamer? R550 / beyondcustoms. net

Nintendo Switch OLED

Sparkfox PlayStation 5 Silicone FPS Grip Pack IfyoumanagetofindaPS5,wellthen congratulations.Nowyouneedtogitgud. Thatcouldrequireyoutosweatabittoget thoseWs.Sweatyhandsandcontrollers don’tmix,soratherwrapitinarubber.Or silicone,inthiscase. R140 / takealot.com

Ifyou’vealready gottheprevious NintendoSwitch model,thereisn’t reallyareason toupgradeto thenewOLED version.Butif youdon’thave oneandfeellike wreckingsome friendshipson MarioKart,might aswellmakeit thisone. R8000 / store. nintendo.co.za

GAMING GEEK With the pandemic keeping everyone indoors, many turned to video games to pass the time. Then there were those that chose the gamer life long before

Dune Adventures in the Imperium

KBDFans DZ60RGB Hot Swap kit Oneofthemost overlooked peripheralsisthe keyboard.Doyour fingers,andthe restofyoursetup, afavourandbuild acustom keyboard.With thiskityouhavea choiceoverevery pieceoftheboard soyoucanreally makeityourown. from R2 080 / ctrlshiftesc.co.za

Playseat Evolution Gaming Chair If you fancy yourself a bit of a speed freak but prefer to speed about in the comfort of your own home, then your setup isn’t complete until you’re sitting like a racer. This one has space for a wheel, pedals, and a gear shifter. R9 000 / evetech.co.za

Ifyou,likeus,saw DenisVilleneuve’s adaptationof Duneandcan’tget enoughofthe sandyuniverse thenthistabletop RPGmighttide youoveruntilthe nextfilmcomes outin2023.You couldbethe nextMahdi. R5 350 / modiphius.net

Nubia Red Magic 6 Pro Ifyou’relooking foramobiledevice toplaysome gamesthatisn’t aniPhone,theRed Magic6isoneof themostpowerful Androiddevices onthemarket. Withthe Snapdragon888 SoCand16GB ofRAM,every gamewillrun smoothascream. R23 000 / zeekonline.co.za

Palit GeForce RTX 3090 GamingPro OC

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-months

Ifyou’relooking foranewGPUfor yourrigand moneyisoflittle concern,thenthis isthebestcardon themarketright now.Anygameat prettymuchany resolutionisbutter smoothonthe highestsettings.. R48 000 / wootware.co.za

Findingtheright gametobuy someoneasagift canbeatough time.Playitsafe andsnagthem XboxGamePass. Itcoversgames onPC,console andstreaming gamesfromthe cloudtoyour phoneortablet. R450 / xbox.com

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Bendy, still good

The Snapdragon 888 inside this device powers the dual 120Hz dynamic AMOLED displays, helped by 12GB RAM.

The tiniest lapto

Set it up like the little laptop you’ve ever see and you can be the coolest hipster in th coffee shop.

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 3 The newest addition to the Fold family makes it easy for us to give it a wholehearted recommendation. Foldable display tech is actually… feasible now. Samsung’s brought a host of productivity features along to make this the perfect companion to a productivity slave. The larger inner display folds out to allow for multiple apps open at any given moment, while S Pen functionality adds useful navigation and input capability. R38 000 / samsung.com/za 90

App Flex

Flex mode allows you to snap up to 3 apps into the display. Videoconferencing this way is a breeze.

WISHLIST

Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter If you bought a notebook in the past few years, there’s a good possibility you’re missing a port or two that you actually need. There’s also a good possibility you’re running low on space, because who isn’t? Enter Satechi’s new USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter. It’s a hub that’ll quickly convert your portless, storageless notebook into a beefy production workhorse. from R1 350 / satechi.net

Jumbo Desk-stand

Anker Cable Manager

Notreadyfora walkingdesk? Samehere.Ifyou wanttoexplore standingatadesk, justoptforadesk stand.Stationit onanexisting deskandpractise standingwhile working.Adjustit downifyou’re havinga‘sitting’ dayoraccording toheight. R1 700 / deskstand.co.za

Weallknowa pedanticcable sorter–this’ll sparkjoyineach ofthem.Thiscable managercollects uptofivecables, eachequipped withaholderthat slotsintoahub. Thishubcanbe attachedto wherever–so cablescanbe rearrangedatwill. R580 / pclinkshop.com

LG Tone Free True Wireless Headphone FN6 Microgreen Hydroponic Smart Garden Chancesareevenyoursucculentsdon’t survivewhenyou’reonadeadlinefor months.Thissmarthydroponicherb gardentakesminimaleffortandwill producefreshgreensall-year-round. Keepitonyourdeskasittakesuplittle space.Keephealthywhileoncrunch, yeah?Remembertobreathe. R1 100 / yuppiechef.co.za

LGstillmakes goodonitsaudio kit–theToneFree FN6scomeina niftyUV-steriliser caseandholdup to6hoursof chargeatatime. Yougetdecent soundandgreat activenoise cancellationfrom thesebuds. R3 500 / incredible.co.za

ALWAYS BUSY? Whether it’s for bread on the table or pleasure, some of us just can’t close the laptop lid and smell the fresh air. Might as well level up their workspace, then

Ellies 4-way 2-pin Multiplug

ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Sure,multiplugs areuseful,but almostallourtech reliesontwo-pin andUSBports. Thetechieinyour lifecoulduse something dedicatedtothose standards.This stocking-stuffer allowsforupto fourtwo-pinas wellastwoUSBs. R200 / hificorp.co.za

Ifyouneed:a superspeedy meshconnection, Wi-Fi6support, somefancy securitytoolsto keepyourfamily anddatasafe online,andeasy accessthrougha mobileapp,these routersarethe go-to.Asusrarely disappoints. from R7000 / asus.com/za

WP Pro Desk Black + Walkingpad A1 Pro Why stop at a standing desk? This adjustable desk comes with a companion treadmill which’ll keep you moving while you work. This is especially useful if you can’t find the t ime to walk outside. Complete with a remote, you control the speed and incline and desk height. R14 000 / walkingpad.co.za

Apple iPad Pro (M1) TheiPadisleaning towardsfull notebookpower withApple’sM1 silicon.Youget4K videoediting,3D editing,Apple’s neuralengineand imagesignal processor,-everythinga creativeworker needs.Optfora keyboardtogofull work-mode. R16 700 / istore.co.za

RS Pro LED Desk Lamp Youcanworkhard withoutbeingin frontofascreen. Thisone’sforall thebuilders, engineers,and creatorsyou know.Thisdesk lamp’llilluminate eachscrew,pin, andsoldering head.Provides 21Woflightandis fittedwitha dimmer. R4 000 / za.rs-online.com

Targus Citylite Pro Backpack Perfectfor carryingtheirallimportanttech, withsomebuilt-in protection. There’splentyof room,and,if you’vegota powerbank, there’saportto passyourUSB chargerthrough soyoucanpower yourphone. R2 000 / takealot.com

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Keen Focus

Thanks to this snapper’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus,you get faster,more accurate focus without annoying lens zooming

Pixel Perfect

The EOS RP films just fine in good ol’ full HD but can also shoot 4K at 25fps.

Bonus lens

CANON EOS RP The best gift you can give a new camera hound is a mirrorless shooter. As far as choosing mirrorless cameras go, we’re a bit spoiled for choice. That’s a brilliant problem to have. But when you’re not sure what you need, go with something that’s good at everything, like the Canon EOS RP. The 26.2MP CMOS sensor captures crystal clear images no matter the lighting, and the DIGIC 8 processor keeps things moving along smoothly. Perfect for pros and newbies alike. R28 900 / ormsdirect.com 92

The kit version also nets you a 24-105mm STM wide-angleto-telephoto lens, weighing just 395g.

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Adobe Photography

Insta360 Go Action Camera The Insta360 really is a marvelous little tool. This tiny hands-free camera records video in full HD 1080p, and can take photos in 2560x2560 resolutions, and it comes equipped with FlowState Stabilisation and Auto Editing. Throw it on a pivot stand for food vlogging, or clip onto yourself while you go mountain biking to capture awesome moments in perfect clarity. R3 000 / outdoorphoto.co.za

Adobeoffersthe besttoolsaround. Thephotography bundlegivesyou Photoshop,aswell asLightroomand LightroomClassic, whicharen’tquite aspowerfulonthe manipulationfront butarepeerless whenitcomesto managingand processingpics acrossdevices. R180/m / adobe.com

SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Card There’snothing worsethanfinding agoodshotbut nothavingthe storagetotakeit. Youneedabackup SDcard.SanDisk’s ExtremeProlineis perfectforthose shutterbugswho needcatalogued terabytecards.Or afewsparegigs, justincase. from R290 / takealot.com

Nikon D5600

Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack Havinggoodgearisgreat,butyou’re gonnaneedadecentbagtolugitall aroundfromshoottoshoot.No-one knowsqualitybackpacksquitelikeThule. Thiscamera-centricsackhaspadded compartmentsforyourcameraandall Thule’sbestgimmicks.Plus,they’re verycustomisable. R3 500 / outdoorphoto.co.za

Theperfect beginnertool,or auxiliarydevice forexperts.The D5600packsa 25.2MPCMOS sensorandan EXPEED4toturn thegears.It’sgot an18-55mmlens ofitsown,butalso comeswitha 70-300mmfor thoselongshots. R15 700 / outdoorphoto. co.za

CAMERA CRAZY Whether for an aperture amateur or a veritable shutterbug, one thing’s certain: they never have enough gear. Make sure they always get that perfect shot

Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminium Tripod Agoodcamera needsasuitable tripod.This Manfrottotripod isbuiltmainlyfor DSLRsbutworks withanydevice upto3kgs.It’sa stablemount,and won’tbreakthe bank.Buytwo, justincase. R2 000 / ormsdirect.co.za

DJI Action 2 This little number doesn’t come with wings like DJI’s drones, but it will take your action to the next level by filming at a super-wide FOV in 4K at 120FPS. Snap the OLED touchscreen on to get editing power at your fingertips and extend the cam’s battery life to 160 minutes. R10 600 / mydrone.co.za

Zeiss Cleaning Kit

Instax Mini 40

Takecareofyour equipmentandit’ll takecareofyou, thesayinggoes. Grabthisfull cleaningkitto keepyour photographygear spick-and-span nomatterhow manyfingerprints yougetonit.And youwillgetyour fingerprintsonit R720 / outdoorphoto. co.za

Fledgling photographers andpicturepros alikeappreciatea goodpolaroidto celebratetheir goodtimes.This classic-looking numberbyFujifilm won’tcompete witha26.2MP mirrorless,but nothingsays “instantmemory” likeapolaroid. R1 400 / takealot.com

Apexel Mobile Lens There’sno denyingthat smartphone cameraarrays havecomea longway,but sometimesthey justneedalittle extraoomph. ThissetbyApexel hasarangeof lensestoadda littlespicetoall yourboringold phonesnaps. R700 / takealot.com

SanDisk USB-C to SD reader TheSDportis gettingharderto findonmodern computersand laptops,which canbeabitofa problemwhen you’retryingto moveimagesover withoutWi-Fi. Thistoolsolves thatproblem foryou. R700 / takealot.com

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We squeeze

We’re pleased

Top-down view uses cameras placed around the vehicle and is perfect for helping

Side view is your eye around the sides – this’ll help if you’re traversing a tight canyon or narrow path.

Don’t sneeze

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 You’ve probably seen this one in pages (like Stuff) and on billboards, all while saving up every cent to buy one. The Land Rover Defender 90 is the ‘baby Defender’ and features two doors and a lack of a few high-end features. You can have them back, if you’re willing to pay for the extras to be installed. The stock version is packed with driverassist tech and allows for a stellar off-roading experience. If you’ve got the means, spoil yourself. from R1,36 mil / landrover.co.za 94

There’s also laneassist, shown in the windscreen HUD as two green lines – the cams have to clearly see the lines, though.

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Stanley Classic French Press Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean you must forget the luxuries of home. When in the bundus, bring along a snazzy French press flask capable of making the dopest coffee in the bush. Just combine some hot water (in your container), some ground beans and you’re set for another hiking trail. from R870 / yuppiechef.co.za

Trailboss 500w Inverter

Primus Lite Cooking System

Rogue 22l Canvas Ice Cooler

If you’re not roughing it proper, a small car inverter is perfect to keep the vitals charged. Electronic vitals, that is. Pop this one into a 12V car charging port and it’ll output 230V. Charge up a laptop, smartwatch or smartphone. from R1 400 / outdoorwarehouse .co.za

Cooking for two, minus a kitchen? This small gadget makes it so easy that you’ll forget luxuries exist. Complete with a 1-litre cooking pot, the Primus Lite sits atop a gas canister and cooks whatever’s on the menu. Hopefully it’s not bugs. from R1 300 / yuppiechef.co.za

Keep things cool properly. This’ll contain up to 22 cans of beer, or actual food and water if you’re going somewhere more remote. It’s waterproof and sun-proof to a degree, while being insulated and easy to carry. R2 700 / outdoor warehouse.co.za

Fujinon Techno-Stabi 12x28 Compact Binoculars Keen on birdwatching? These will elevate your game. Their compact size, relatively low weight and ease of use can’t be understated. They’ll keep your eyes on target without putting any extra strain on your shoulders. from R11 200 / fujifilm.eu

OUTSIDERS Being outside your house is slightly more frowned upon now than it was in 2019. If you know one of these daredevils, make sure they’re well-equipped

Garmin Instinct Solar Make sure your wrist-tech never dies with the Garmin Instinct Solar. It recharges using the sun, and features GPS, health monitoring, satellite connectivity and route mapping. Never get lost, while keeping fit and staying in motion. R5 500 / garmin.com/en-za

Under Armour Sportsmask

Sonos Roam For the first time, you can have true Sonos sound on the move. How has it taken this long? Your tent will be the life of the bushveld with this item. Connect via WiFi or Bluetooth – the Roam is perfect for when you’re off the grid. R3 500 / planetworld.co.za

If you’re among humans, be considerate of them. The UA mask is designed for longer wear thanks to its breathability and comfort. Works best when you’re moving a lot and the elements are against you. Also works at Woolies. R500 / underarmour.co.za

DJI Air 2S You’re outside, so a drone is a must. In this case, opt for DJI’s Air 2S with its 20MP camera sensor for 5.4K video at up to 30fps. Or 4K at 60fps. Either way, this thing only weighs 600g, so it’s perfect for camping. So you can keep watch for poachers? Sure, let’s go with that. R18 000 / takealot.com

Luminaid Solar Lantern & Powerbank Popup lights are small and light, in more ways than one. No outlets in the badlands? No problems, since this one makes its own power using the sun. It’ll also give your phone a boost while lighting up your campsite. R800 / yuppiechef.co.za

Zippo Arc Insert Have a spare Zippo case? Upgrade it with an arc lighter insert. This’ll give you better fire-power when out exploring the African wilds. It’s also rechargeable, so there are no leaky refills clogging up your backpack. Unless that’s your thing. R580 / zippo.co.za

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STUFF PROMOTION

Neo, the smart kids watch featuring Disney: Why this colourful smartwatch should be on every parent’s radar

tough decision facing many modern parents is at what age they should introduce their children to technology. After all, many gadgets are becoming as commonplace in schools as they are in offices, and no one wants their child left behind. Every parent wants to introduce their child to tech in a responsible and measured way. It also doesn’t hurt if the gateway to tech they use is something parents can monitor, ensuring they’re aware of their child’s movements at any given time. EVERY STEP OF THE ADVENTURE The Neo kids smartwatch, part of the Designed & Connected by Vodacom range, is a fantastic gadget that’ll give kids a sense of independence while giving their parents peace of mind, through intuitive design. Out of the box, the smartwatch looks the part. Aimed at children aged between 6 and 9 years, Neo comes in two eye-catching colours (Mint Green and Ocean Blue) and is waterproof for up to 1.5m submerged for 30 mins. It also comes with an ergonomic strap that adjusts to fit every wrist, even offering the option to tilt the watch face so the user doesn’t have to strain their head to look at it. BUDDIES AND FEATURES Fire it up, and users have a series of ‘buddies’ to choose from – iconic characters from Disney. © Disney/Pixar. © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2021 MARVEL© – which not only gives their smartwatch a cool theme, but the characters themselves leap into action whenever the user checks their device. At present users have a choice between Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Iron Man, Buzz Lightyear,

Darth Vader, Micky Mouse, Rapunzel, Black Panther, Woody and The Child from The Mandalorian TV series (or as we all call him, Baby Yoda. More are on the way, and will be available at no extra charge via device firmware downloads. Besides opening the watch’s user interface with a flourish, Neo’s ‘buddy’ also offers the user encouragement as they go about their activities. Neo boasts a camera for kids to snap shots while out and about. It allows them to communicate with a smartphone using chats, calls and emojis. It has an activity tracker recording the number of steps they take and unlocking new challenges as current ones are completed. It has a calculator and up-to-date information about the weather. On top of that, it houses a calendar into which both the child wearing it and the parent monitoring it can enter events and activities. PARENT FRIENDLY Remote access and monitoring – available through the Vodafone Smart App – are also a highlight for parents. This is a fun and funky device for kids on the move and there are tons of features to keep tykes occupied. But for parents who may have concerns about the technology their kids use, or the way it is used, Neo is ideal. Through the Vodafone Smart App, parents can organise their kids’ schedules via the calendar app, but they can do so much more. For a start, they can locate Neo’s whereabouts on a map via their smartphone, ensuring they always know where their child is while wearing it. Parents can look through the pictures that their child has taken while on their adventures and check their activity progress. They can

curate up to 9 trusted contacts, which are the only people with whom the Neo primary owner can share access to content or calls or chats with. Parents can also manage their child’s screen time through its Quiet Mode. And, another winner for parents, Neo cannot be used to browse the internet. STAYING CONNECTED Connectivity between parents and their kids is a key aspect of Neo. It provides parents with a window into their children’s activities, as well as letting them know precisely where they are at all times. This is in no small part due to the built-in SIM of the device, which lets parents and kids stay in touch even when they are apart. Neo’s SIM connects to Vodacom/ Vodafone’s trusted global network, which means Neo can connect with smartphones over very long distances. There’s also no need to top up with airtime or data as Neo’s monthly subscription fee is all inclusive. Neo brings peace of mind and fun together for parents and kids alike, while sprinkling a healthy amount of Disney magic into the mix. It works to keep kids active and interested in exploring their environments while at the same time offering parents reassurance that this technology is both reliable and handy for keeping tabs on their children’s activity. The fact that it offers encouragement of its young users, courtesy of Darth Vader, is just icing.

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Suspension disbelief

Both the front and rear wheels have working suspension which you

Secretary of interior

LEGO TECHNIC FERRARI 488 GTE Combine a love of engineering and motorsport in one gift with this Technics Ferrari 488 GTE. It’ll take some time to assemble its 1 677 pieces into a race-spec Ferrari but the included features, consisting of a moving V8 engine, working suspension and doors, and a functional steering wheel, will make the journey a worthwhile one. R3 590 / greatyellowbrick.co.za 98

The opening doors are only good for one thing – peering inside at the hugely detailed interior you’ve assembled.

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Arrow Leather Apron

Gas Can Hip Flask It should go without saying that this gift shouldn’t be used prior to operating a moving vehicle but it’s just the thing to keep on a desk next to a whisky tumbler. Once the smell of exhaust has been showered out, it’ll be time to pour out fuel of a different kind. Or keep it in the car, filled with nartjie Energade. R415 / reliablestore.co.za

Ifyou’renot wearingacanvasand-leatherapron whileworkingon yourwheels,then you’replainlynot spendingenough timeunderthe sump-plug.This one’s tough enoughthatyou canfillitspockets withsocketsand spanners. R990 / yuppiechef.com

Bell Race Star DLX

Jaguar Experience

Atrackdayisn’ta trackdayunless youhaveabrain bucketprotecting yourmelon.Bell’s RaceStarisfor theenthusiast, features3k carbonfiber,an advancedliner, andenough safetyfeatures tokeepyour skulluncracked inacrash. R11 800 / fc-moto.de

Can’taffordan actualJaguar?You probablycan affordtospenda halforfulldayin oneattheJaguar LandRover Experiencein Johannesburg. Dynamicor defensivedriving areonoffer,both arewellworth experiencingin theflesh. from R2 700 / jaguar.co.za

Leatherman Wave+ You’llonlystripanenginewithoneof theseifyou’reverypersistent,butit’s alwayshandytohaveapocketable multitoolonhand.Leatherman’s contenderherehaseighteenoptions, includingtwopliersandtwowirecutters –justthethingforroadsidejerryrigs. R2 500 / outdoorwarehouse.co.za

GEARHEAD You know the type – always talking about tyre pressures, fuel efficiency and what speed they took the last sector at. Here are twelve gifts for the motorsport mad

Franzis Ford Mustang V8 Engine

Makita Impact Wrench

There’s somethingdeeply sexyaboutaV8 engine.Splurgeon atransparent desktopversion oftheoriginal MustangV8,that assemblesits200 bitswithoutglue andplaysa recordingofthe realdealwhenyou fiddlewithitafter. R5 500 / gpmodels.co.za

FeellikeanF1 mechanichotswappingslicksin thepitwiththis powerfulwireless impactwrench that’lltwistnuts offinseconds. Feelevenmorelike you’retakingpart inmotorsports whenyourealise thebatteryand chargercostextra. from R8 700 / builders.co.za

Garmin Catalyst Want your beloved to be the most serious contender at the track day? Stash a Garmin Catalyst inside their ride, so they can show off crisp lap times and race lines, shave seconds thanks to an on-board coach, and have numbers to back the brag at the end of the event. R20 000 / garmin.com

BMW 8011 Chronograph Withlooksripped straightfroma Germansedan’s dashboard,this stainless-steel wristwearwill cheerfullyadorn thearmofyour speed-loving recipient.Itdoesn’t domuchbeyond tellthetimewhile lookingexpensive, butthat’sfine R6 600 / watchrepublic. co.za

Anker Roav Youneedn’tcome aliveatthewhiff ofgasolinetopack oneofthese handylittle gadgetsinaboot. Ifyou’restillusing astartermotor (andmostofus are),occasionally you’recaughtbya flatbattery.This compactjump starterwillhelp getyourcarto thegaragefora replacement. R1 600 / takealot.com

Ram X-Grip Phone Mount Ramcreates mountingdevices foreverything frombikesto helicopters,butfor tech-obsessed speed-freaks,the X-Griphandles modern-day smartphones. Justpicka connectionfrom adhesive,suction cup,orsomething morepermanent andyou’reset. R1 640 / rammount.co.za

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Everything you want, anything you need Perfect for any task, h th ’ ki

Svelte bu

This printe sturdy,but is enough to fit anywhere workshop,n the m

CREALITY ENDER-3 V2 3D PRINTER No surprises here. The quintessential tool for any DIY tech nut has got to be a 3D printer, and Creality makes some fantastic consumer-level models. The Ender-3 is quick, slick, stable, and user-friendly. Thanks to its V-glide rail pulley system, it prints more quietly and effectively, extending working time before it starts needing some TLC. An absolute must for creators that won’t completely drain your savings. R5 000 / buildvolume.co.za 100

Modular modeler

Thanks to its modular design and integrated structure, the Ender-3 is easy to put together and maintain, even for novices.

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SketchUp Pro Any good crafter knows that before you even start laying down a good foundation, you need to have a plan, and there’s no better DIY planning tool than SketchUp Pro. This seasoned software has all the tools you could possibly need for sketching out your 3D blueprints, whether you’re printing some armour or building a bench. R5 300 per year / irender.co.za

Bosch Blase GLM 20

Flux Beamo Laser Cutter

MYNT3D 3D Printing Pen

Tape-measures, usefulastheyare, canbeamassive pain.Bosch,the DeaconofDIY, understands.The BlazeGLMisa user-friendly lasermeasure thattakesinstant andaccurate measurementsup to20mwithout theusualtapemeasurehassle. R600 / builders.co.za

Thedaysoflaser cuttersonly belongingtothe industrialsector areover.TheFlux Beamoisan affordabledesktop lasercutterfor hobbyists.Fitting inanyworkspace, it’sperfectfor one-of-a-kind craftprojects. Plus,lasersare kindacool. from R23 100 / maxlaser.co.za

3Dprintingpens leavealittlemore roomforhuman errorthan machines,butwe thinkthey’reaton offun.The MYNT3Disgreat forkids,hobbyists andartistswho wanttotaketheir drawingsintothe thirddimension, usingplasticas theirmedium. R1 000 / amazon.com

iFixit Electronic Toolkit 2.1 DIYisn’talwaysaboutbuilding.It’soften aboutrepairingandmaintaining.ThisiFixit toolkitcontainseverythingyouneedfor keepingallyourelectronicsinworking order,includingaJimmy,aSpudgeand everyscrewdriverbityoucouldthinkof. R680 / takealot.com

DIY DIEHARD Do they need help putting up that new shelf? Or are they a particularly prop-heavy cosplay? Whatever the next project, they’ll need the right tools for the job

Beurer KS 34 Digital Tabletop Scale

Bosch 360 Laser Level Spiritlevelsarean absolutemustfor anyconstruction project,but bubblesaren’t alwaysthat reliable.This Boschlaserlevel mightnothelpyou experiencetrue level,butit’llget youdamned close.And,again, anythingusing lasersiscool. R2 800 / builders.co.za

Cricut Explore Air 2 While cutting up hunks of wood for DIY might be better left in human hands, why not leave the smaller tasks to the machines? The Explore Air 2 effortlessly and precisely cuts weaker materials, from paper to poster board, into any design you need. R5 000 / incredible.co.za

Measuretwice, cutonce,sothe sayinggoes.Or weightwiceinthis instance,though withasuper accuratedigital scalebyyourside wereckonyou’ll onlyneedto weighonce.Can alsobeusedto measureyour cakeingredients. R790 / clicks.co.za

Livescribe Symphony Smartpen ThisLivescribe penfunctionsjust likeanyotherbut hastheadded glamourofstoring digitalcopiesof yournotesand drawingsinthe cloud,withbuilt-in transcription functionality,so thatyoucanstore andsearch throughthem. R2 600 / takealot.com

Bosch Truvo Stud Finder Whenyou’re hammering shelvesorframes intowalls,thevery lastplaceyou wanttoputanail isintoastud. Unfortunately,we don’thavex-ray vision,butthe Truvoisagreat substitutefor Superman’seyes, ifhecouldonlysee throughwood. R1 000 / takealot.com

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Anyscrafter knowsprojects, particularly wood-based ones,canleavea lotofmessbehind. Acleanworkshop isaveryhappy workshop,so treatitrightwith thishigh-tech hooverfromthe Dysonwizards. R10 000 / incredible.co.za

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Listen here

You’re also able to download and listen to audiobooks if you connect a set of Bluetooth headphones.

KINDLE PAPERWHITE (2018) If you are, or you know, someone that likes to read in the bath or around the pool, you probably know that water and books don’t get along well. You don’t need to worry about that with the 10th gen Kindle Paperwhite. It’s a light-weight tablet-looking thing that is waterproof up to 2m for 30 mins and comes with 8GB or 32GB of space to store ebooks. from R3 000 / circuitcity.co.za 102

Would you look at that

The Paperwhite comes in a pleasant plum, a silky sage, or a tranquil twilight blue colour. Or black, if you’re boring.

Quite spacious

Available with 8GB or 32GB, the 8GB option should be more than enough seeing as the average ebook is only a couple hundred kilobytes.

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Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop

DStv Explora Ultra If all these new streaming services seem a little confusing and you’re struggling to keep track of what show is on which platform, why not stick to what you know? The DStv Explora Ultra is a familiar platform and it’s been updated with streaming services as well as support for 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos and built-in WiFi. R2 300 / dstv.co.za

The Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is useful for people who either aren’t able to clean for themselves or just couldn’t be bothered. You control it from a mobile app, but once setup is done, it’s just a case of staying out of its way. R5 200 / takealot.com

Google Nest Hub

Brother PT-P300BT

If you want all the perks of modern technology but don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of learning how to use it all, Google’s Nest Hub lets you issue voice commands without needing to navigate through tons of menu screens. It also tells jokes. R4 000 / takealot.com

The Brother PT-P300BT label printer is a great gift for any craft artist. You don’t need to learn complicated design software to make labels of any sort, just use the app on your smartphone, connect, view the preview and label away. R1 000 / takealot.com

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Keep losing things around the house or out and about? If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy device, tag that thing to know where it is at all times. Setup is seamless. Tag anything you might lose, like luggage, keys, or your pet. R500 / samsung.com/za

TECH IMPAIRED Are you from the time before being glued to a smartphone was considered normal? Here’s a list of tech products that make great gifts

Instax Mini Link If you would rather print pictures than labels on the fly, then this compact pocket printer also connects to your smartphone and the app allows you to create all sorts of designs and collages to share with friends. Like an Instax camera, but without the camera bit. R2 000 / superbalist.com

Romoss Zeus 40000mAh Power Bank

Big Button Phone Big, clearly numbered buttons, a dedicated flashlight button, a preprogrammable speed dial feature and an SOS button make this phone perfect for those folks that can’t be bothered with all the frills of smartphones or that aren’t able to use them. R1 700 / phoneforelderly.co.za

Load shedding got you down? Tired of running out of phone juice? This absolute unit of a power brick gets you around eight charges for a smartphone. You can even charge more than one device at once. Suck it, Eskom. R900 / takealot.com

Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L Did you ever think a virtual assistant would be able to cook for you? Seems like we’re nearly there. This air fryer pairs with your smartphone where you can control or monitor the prep of your healthy air-fried meal. It is healthy, right? Right? R2 100 / mia.africa.com

Fitbit Inspire 2 If you’re looking to get in shape and need some sort of monitoring device but don’t want a full-fat smartwatch, the Inspire 2 will track your steps, heart rate, calorie burn and sleep cycles. Battery should be good for at least a week, plus it swims. R1 800 / incredible.co.za

Asus Dual Band Wireless Adapter For some people, keeping up with the latest tech just isn’t worth the effort. They’re probably still running Windows 7 on their creamy white desktop PCs. If those people need to connect wirelessly, they need one of these. R380 / takealot.com

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It’s bricky Unlike modern mobile devices, the first iPod focused on one thing: music. But if you held down the centre button when in the About menu, you got a game: a Breakout clone calledBrick.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES 2001

Apple iPod ne thousand songs in your pocket. How quaint! What’s Spotify got, 70 million? Well, yes, but cast your mind back two decades and most people had huge CD collections that very much didn’t fit in their pockets. Even cars were sold with the ‘benefit’ of filling boots with chunky CD changers. Then MP3 arrived… but most players on the market were junk. Apple’s wasn’t. While rivals battled over specs – never mind the dreadful industrial design and abysmal interfaces – Apple played to its strengths: brilliant marketing, a great user experience and lickable design.

Hang on. Sure, it was shiny and white, but the iPod wasn’t that great a design. We beg to differ. Having ruined our thumbs by prodding tiny metal buttons to crawl through tracks one at a time on other players, the iPod’s scroll wheel – which accelerated the longer you span it – was a revelation. And so was the FireWire connection, which bucked the industry trend of hundreds of tracks syncing over USB 1.1 in roughly the time it takes the Cure to release a new album. Add the famous white earphones, subsequently the stars of many iPod advertising campaigns, and you’ve a stone-cold design classic.

Hang on: FireWire? Wasn’t that a weird Mac thing that no one talks about any more? Sort of. It was designed for rapid data transfer and was popular with video makers. But there are more important iPod things no one talks about now: the first one wasn’t compatible with Windows; initial customer reactions were mixed; and the iTunes Store didn’t arrive until 2003. Still, despite all that, the iPod’s strengths led to it dominating the market – a Walkman for the early 21st century, where you didn’t need to cart 50 tapes around in order to have fast access to 1000 songs, wherever you happened to be.

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Articles inside

Random access memories Apple iPod (2001

Tablets, streamers

Laptops

TVs

Budget smartphones

Games

Smartphones

Instant upgrades Sony ZV-E10

Tested MSI Summit E16 Flip Flip

Tested JBL Quantum 800

Long term test Amazon Echo Show 8

Group test Budget phones

Tested DJI OM 5

Mini meme Music apps

Vital stats Sonos Beam 2

Icon Land Rover Bond Edition

Tested Tecno Spark 7

Games

Tested Fitbit Charge 5

Stream

Wheels Porsche Mission R