STACK #188 June 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE H T ECH of 2020 INSIDE THE HOME STAYING CONNECTED

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Did You Know?

Widely accepted as the world’s first laptop, the Osborne 1 – released in 1981 – weighed 11kg, had a five-inch screen and cost US$1795 (US$5060 in today’s money).

QUALITY ON A BUDGET

What we love Communicating with friends and family has probably never been more important than in 2020, so it’s the front- and rear-facing Full HD cameras on the Surface Go 2 that get our recommendation for quality video calls and photo capabilities. T he necessity to work from home for much of Australia in 2020 meant that versatility and budget were top of the list requirements for consumers. And that’s exactly where the latest entry model 2-in-1 laptop Surface Go 2 fits. It’s light, extremely portable (great for escaping the kids when you’re trying to work to a deadline) and now comes with an improved 10.5-inch screen, an increase on the original. Ten hours of battery life will see most of us through the working day, and the cheaper price tag is no indication of performance either, with the Surface Go 2 capable of doing most of what the Surface Pro can. Add a keyboard for complete flexibility and the Surface Go 2 is the all-in-one solution for the trials and tribulations of 2020.

A CHROMEBOOK WITH GRUNT

Did You Know? The most expensive

laptop ever built was by a Ukrainian art studio called MJ, who in 2016 covered a notebook with 100s of black and white diamonds. The price? US$3.5 million.

W hile similar in design to laptops, Chromebooks are a very different beast in a number of ways. They run the Chrome OS, a simpler operating system that can sync apps and passwords with devices that utilise Chrome browsers. With a super-fast boot-up and snappy performance, they make an excellent cost-effective alternative to a laptop. The HP x360 12 is a complete package with more grunt under the hood. A 360° hinge converts the Chromebook to a touchscreen tablet offering the best of both worlds and the stylus (sold separately) adds fun and functionality. It also includes newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hardware, as well as a MicroSD card reader, wide-vision HD webcam, three USB ports, and respectable B&O dual speakers.

What we love The versatility is the standout here. Doubling as a keyboard and tablet without the expense of buying add-ons makes the HP x360 12 a suitable device for students and the workplace.

44 JUNE 2020

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