STACK #228 October 2023

OUT & ABOUT

TECH FEATURE

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TECH TO GO

Spring has well and truly sprung, school holidays are here, and it’s time to get out and about! Whether it’s embarking on a road trip, camping, heading to the park or beach for a picnic, or simply walking the dog, you can enhance the experience with portable tech. Words Scott Hocking

OUTDOOR TECH BUYING CHECKLIST

T his month we target the essential tech you need when getting out and about, why you shouldn’t leave home without it, and some creative ways to use it. Choosing the ideal companion devices is as simple as matching them to the type of outdoor activities and excursions you have in mind. Hit fitness goals and keep tabs on your health with a smartwatch. Capture the moment and create great content to share with the right camera, or get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning terrain you’re traversing with a drone. Hold a pop-up party or enjoy music on the move with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Take a leisurely ride on an electric scooter. And how about a portable projector for movie nights under the stars? The variety of outdoor tech available has you well and truly covered for every occasion.

battery well before you reach your destination. Tech such as portable speakers, smartwatches and cameras can often have a longer battery life than other devices, and some watches can also handily tap solar power to keep them going for longer. Packing a fully charged portable power bank

Make sure it’s tough enough We all know that the elements can be the nemesis of electronics, but the good news is that outdoor tech is durable by design and can withstand splashes, rain, sand and accidental

will ease battery anxiety, and you can also get more battery mileage by enabling a device’s power saving mode (if it has one) and decreasing a display’s brightness level.

drops or knocks. A device’s IPX (water) or IP (water and dust) rating will let you know just how well protected it is – the higher the number, the more durability.

Feel the weight You don’t want to be lugging a hefty speaker around or struggling to get an electric scooter onto the train, and fortunately, you don’t have to. Outdoor tech is a lightweight traveller but it does pay to size it up for comfort and portability first, especially if you’re packing a bag full of devices for a lengthy trip.

Look for hours of power When you’re out and about, boarding a long flight, hitting the road for an epic trip, or setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, you want a battery that will stay the distance. A device’s specs will give you a good indication of how many hours of battery life you’ll get from a full charge,

but ultimately it all depends on how much and how often you’re using the device – a back-seat streaming binge during a long road trip is likely to drain the

Accessorise Once you’ve sorted what’s coming with you, add these handy devices to your portable tech inventory for convenience and peace of mind.

Invest in a Bluetooth tracking tag to easily locate misplaced keys, bags and luggage, or clip one to a pet’s collar.

Connect a Bluetooth transmitter to the audio jack on a plane to enjoy the inflight entertainment through your wireless headphones.

Use a compact pop-up desk with keyboard, touchpad and laptop stand to conveniently work on your blog/vlog from anywhere.

Get more creative with

photography/ videos and keep shots stable by attaching your phone or camera to a gimbal.

40 OCTOBER 2023

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