From Asus implementing two screens in a laptop to Apple switching to its own chipsets in the new MacBook lineup, computers made unexpected waves in 2020. Other technology also disrupted how we will perform tasks in future. This is our pick of the crop from last year, which we expect to remain top-of-mind in 2021.
Best laptop: MacBook Air (2020)
Apple has been getting stellar reviews across the board for its new M1 chip MacBooks (R20,000), which replace Intel processors with Apple’s ARM-based chips. In many cases, Intel app emulation with the new M1 chips beat Intel-native equivalents, making this a huge step forward in portable computing. As more M1-ready apps come out, users will benefit from ultra-high-speed video and graphic-intensive editing, in addition to a long battery life.
Best laptop innovation: Asus ZenBook Duo
The new Asus ZenBook Duo’s 2020 revision (R30,000) provides far more portability than before, making the dual screen experience more comfortable for those looking for a device in a 14” form factor. The main 14” Pantone-validated screen is ideal for graphic designers who need to keep their designs workable as they move, and the 12.6” touchscreen ScreenPad Plus that sits below the main screen keeps other apps out of the way. It is ideal for professionals who are used to the dual-screen desktop experience looking to transition to a portable form factor.
Gaming PC of the Year: Acer Predator Triton 500
The best bang for a gamer’s buck comes from Acer this year, with the Predator Triton 500 (R35,700), which features a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor with Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics. It will easily run any modern game one throws at it. The display is also Nvidia G-Sync ready, which eliminates screen tearing as well as minimising display stutter and input lag.
Best 2-in-1: MS Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (R22,000), which landed in South Africa last year, features a highly responsive 12.3” touchscreen with a pressure-sensitive Surface Pen to enable note taking and drawing. On the inside, it features a quad-core, 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor with up to 16GB of RAM, making it one of the most capable 2-in-1 laptops on the market. It also looks good, from an unboxing experience that rivals any of the cooler brands, and with colour combinations that add to the aesthetics of a working area.
Go to the next page to read about the best TV box, storage device, payment tech, smart home, security tech vehicle tech, productivity software, productivity app and facemasks.
TV Box: Chromecast with Google TV
The new Google streaming device, Chromecast with Google TV (R2,200), strips the app view to show users what they came to get from their TV: well, TV shows and movies. The Google TV interface shows content within the apps at the forefront in a central view, which reduces the need to find the app where one’s TV shows are hiding. This is also the first Chromecast to come with a remote, enabling the device to be used without another smart device.
Storage Device: Transcend External SSD
When it comes to external storage, solid state drives (SSDs) are becoming the go-to media. Transcend’s ESD350C 240GB portable SSD (R1,400) makes for a great companion for many reasons. It can be dropped without worrying about damaging internal components, and it is lightning-fast thanks to a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface. It also features a USB Type-C port, which makes it possible to transfer items from a smart device.
Payment tech: Yoco Neo
Yoco has democratised mobile card machine payments and made it accessible to small businesses. Its latest device, the Yoco Neo (R1,600), features built-in 3G technology, which makes the card machine work independently of a smartphone when accepting payments. One also does not have to worry about data, because the 3G connection is unlimited for transactions and is included in the cost of the machine. If that sounds unlikely, think of it as a payment device equivalent to the Amazon Kindle approach, which builds unlimited data into the purchase price.
Smart home: Xiaomi Robot Vacuum and Mop
Keeping one’s home clean just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop (R4,800). The smart device works with a camera and laser distance sensor to map out one’s home, then vacuums in its first phase, followed by mopping the floors with a cloth. With its built-in mapping tech, subsequent cleans happen much faster, because the robot vacuum knows exactly where to go.
Go to the next page to read about the best security tech vehicle tech, productivity software, productivity app and facemasks.
Security tech: Ring Video Doorbell 3
Amazon’s Ring security tech is transforming how people can keep an eye on their homes from afar. The Video Doorbell 3 (R4,000) combines three important security aspects into one device: one can see who’s at the door before answering; it monitors movement via infrared night-vision camera; and the door can be answered from anywhere via a smart device with a data connection. These aspects upgrade the traditional doorbell’s functionality while still maintaining the general look-and-feel of a non-smart doorbell.
Vehicle tech: Audi Q7 Dual Screen
Just when we thought one screen was enough, Audi’s new Q7 has refreshed its front panels with two screens in the front: one where the infotainment screen is typically placed, and another below it, where the climate/airflow control unit usually resides. This enables more info to be shown after climate control set up, expanding its feature set dramatically. It also has haptic feedback for those who like a button feel when adjusting controls. Best of all, it allows the lower screen to be used for writing in addresses, either via a virtual keyboard or with a finger or stylus (not included!). Farewell to messing with clumsy navigation input methods.
Productivity software: Zoho One
There is a new office name in town: Zoho One, which costs less than Microsoft Office and offers far more than Google Workspace. It has an alternative to almost any widely used productivity software, with the names of each application speaking for itself: Show (for presentations), Sheet, Writer, Mail, Books (a full-function accounting package), Campaigns (think Mailchimp), Survey (leaves SurveyMonkey standing), Cliq (remember Slack?), Meeting (catching up to Zoom), WorkDrive, CRM, and Projects, among 40 applications. In combination, it is an astonishing package at its price: all of Zoho One comes in at R450 per user per month for a small business.
Productivity App: Otter.ai
It is rare that one can claim an app changed your life, but Otter changed our working lives in 2020 as it became an indispensable virtual assistant. In the past, we preferred taking notes and avoided recording and transcribing interviews, as it was such a laborious process. In the process, many nuances were missed. Now every interview, virtual meeting and conference is recorded and transcribed, making for an invaluable, searchable archive. It isn’t 100% accurate, especially with South African accents, but correcting the 1-2% error rate is a small inconvenience compared to time saved and resource created. For $9.99, the Pro version allows up to 6000 minutes of recording a month, and unlimited storage.
Go to the next page to read about the best facemasks.
Facemasks
Not technically tech, but the tech built into some facemasks qualify them eminently in this category. Our hope is that this is the first and last time this category will need to feature in our annual choice. Setting aside medical masks, which we believe should still be allocated to medical professionals, we made selections in three categories:
Best fashion mask: Sophie Moda Ice-cooling 3D mask
The lightest mask we have yet used, also happens to be one of the most stylish: it fits snugly over the nose, sits comfortably on the face, thanks to adjustable earloops, and looks good compared to typical shapeless and even 3D masks. Microfibre materials also protect from passive smoking and waste gas. The masks start from R129 for a pack of 3 from Takealot.com
Best air filtering mask: AirPOP Light SE
The AirPOP Light SE draws on a legacy of air filtering and design to provide one of the safest face masks available over the counter. A cushioned nose seal makes it one of the few masks to eliminate eyewear fogging completely, while its 3D shape creates an air canopy that offers enhanced breathability. Ergonomic wings and adjustable ear loops round out a unique look and feel. The makers claim 99.3% particle filtration, 99.9% bacterial filtration and fluid resistance. The mask goes for R199 for 1 or R599 for pack of 4 from iStore.co.za
Best sports mask: UA Sportsmask
Many runners still refuse to wear masks, arguing that they are “too uncomfortable”, when they really mean they are too entitled. The UA Sportsmask from Under Armour helps eliminate the excuse, with the first dedicated Covid-19 sportsmask brought into South Africa. It is both snug and spacious, standing off the face while sealing the upper edges with a mouldable nose-bridge. This means that one has more breathing space inside the mask, so that airflow to the eyes – and therefore fogging – is reduced. And it is both comfortable and stylish. The sports mask costs R499 from underarmour.co.za.
- Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee. Bryan Turner is senior writer on Gadget.co.za. Follow him on @BryanTurnerZA