Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
Gadgets for the edge of the world
Before I left for Mongolia, well-intentioned friends said the same thing: leave your tech behind, man! Live in the moment! Nah. I like posting to Instagram and watching old Top Gear episodes between transformative cross-cultural experiences. Here’s what t
A / ANKER POWER-PORT 4, POWERLINE+ CABLES, AND POWERCORE 20000 BATTERY In underdeveloped countries, every second with a working outlet is precious. That’s why welldressed adults will sit on filthy airport carpets to charge their devices. Get Anker stuff. Founded by Google alumni, this company quietly makes the best accessories you can buy. The Powerport will simultaneously charge four devices at the highest possible amperage and the cables are braided strong enough to pull a stuck donkey.
B / SONY HX90V (R6 700) With a smartphone camera, you shoot predictable, eye-level photos. With a camera camera, you consider framing, shutter speed – variables that result in shots that stand a chance of becoming, you know, photographs. The Sony’s small size, pop-up viewfinder, and huge 30x zoom let you get details without making subjects uncomfortable. Plus, you can send photos to your phone for backup and sharing. C / BOSE QC20 (R6 500) Bose’s patents on noise-cancellation technology make it the best in the category – so clean and loud you’ll hardlyy notice you’re re flying in a p planeane with no roof. You could spend more for the newer wireless QC35S, but the QC20S are e more compact and nd also work if the batteryattery dies. (Tip: Bring ng the extra earpieces, , as they’re easy to lose).ose). D / FUJIFILM INSTAX SHARE SP-2 -2 (R3 600) 00) “Give Give me your email, I’ll send you the picture!” Lot harder when there’s no Internet. So: there on the spot, slyly print one of your photos on glossy two-by-three-and-ahalf-inch paper and present it as a gift. Instant karma. Each photo will cost a few rand, but if it were twice as ass much mmuch it would still stills be worth worthh it.