Switched on
These gadgets have the smarts to change the way you travel, writes Nic Healey.
HP Spectre x360
This beautifully designed convertible HP laptop (hp.com; from $2299) defies all expectations. It weighs just 1.3 kilograms and is 13.9 millimetres thick yet has the latest high-speed processors and even deep sound, thanks to four speakers tuned by the experts at Bang & Olufsen.
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II
Light and comfortable for long-haul trips, these new Bose noise-cancelling wireless headphones (bose.com.au; $500) are the first to integrate the Google Assistant. The simple touch of a button gives you access to the voice-activated companion for search functions and more.
Samsung Gear S3
The Gear S3 from Samsung (samsung.com; $599) looks and feels like a classic wristwatch but this is one smart timepiece. Samsung Pay enables you to tap the smartwatch to make contactless payments, while the long-lasting battery won’t leave you in the lurch.
Apple iPhone X
Apple’s latest smartphone (apple.com; from $1579) replaces the home button with facial recognition, making it easier to unlock your phone on the go while offering top biometric security. Both the front and back cameras are a delight for travellers looking to share their experiences in perfect colour.
Netgear Nighthawk M1
Netgear’s slick-looking Nighthawk M1 (netgear. com.au; $336) is first and foremost a 4G LTE modem offering gigabit download speeds in the right areas. But it also doubles as a travel router, turning a hotel ethernet connection into a wireless network that can be shared by multiple devices.
Sony HX90V
Sony has created the world’s smallest camera to feature a 30x optical zoom lens – no mean feat in a pocket-sized device. The rear LCD screen on the HX90V compact camera (sony.com.au; $599) tilts up for old-school selfies, while the retractable OLED viewfinder enables you to clearly frame your shot for sharper photos.
Kobo Aura One
Leave heavy books behind but pack a lifetime of reading on the Kobo Aura One e-reader (au.kobo books.com; $350). The larger screen is the size of a hardcover, the natural light function makes bedtime reading a dream and the waterproofing means you can read in the pool or bath.