Top Picks: Hand Luggage, Gadgets and Data Deals
Tech Things #34
I didn’t think I would review carry-on luggage, but I’ve just published my second one, after multiple requests since posting the bag on Instagram from Samsonite South Africa. If you’re a frequent flier, business traveller or prefer not to carry a laptop on your shoulders/backpack, the Samsonite Neopod is right up your alley.
I’m impressed with its size, more than anything. It has dimensions of 55x40x23cm, which is compatible with 27 international airlines. It also expands to a 27cm depth taking it from 43L to 50L in capacity. It’s the largest carry-on I’ve come across. Read more in my review on Recharged to see if this bag is for you.
I’m excited to announce a new columnist on Recharged, Yenziwe Ngwenya’s new Creators Corner to help content creators with tools, trends, things to avoid, etc. Check out Yenzi’s first post here.
📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends
I recently upgraded my phone and had to move an eSIM from one phone to another. It sounded daunting but Melon Mobile made it painless, which took an hour, after hours. Plus I share my experience with other networks, which you can read about here. There’s a bunch of articles on Recharged about eSIMs if you’re looking to get started, plus how to port to any network.
🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?
It is rather unfortunate that Ford South Africa will no longer be bringing the all-electric Mustang Mach-E to South Africa, a car I was excited to get behind the wheel of. Ford SA exclusively tells Recharged the reason is “due to ongoing low demand for premium EV passenger vehicles in the market”. Full statement here. If you’re not ready to commit, check out this piece on the 3 cheapest and most expensive hybrids in SA via News24.
🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out
I’ve been busy these last few days, penning a bunch of reviews of gadgets I’ve been playing with of late. The first is the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L, which is suited to those who have a smart home or use the Mi Home ecosystem. The other is the Apple Watch Series 10, which I purchased with my Discovery Miles; and lastly the new Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer for Android and iOS now with augmented reality effects.
📲 App-solutely Essential
If you’re an FNB customer and use the Pick n Pay asap! food delivery app, good news. A new partnership means customers will earn up to 30% back in eBucks, depending on account type and level, while in-store purchases, including Pick n Pay Clothing will earn you up to 20% back in eBucks. Different account types can earn grocery vouchers, a 99c a loaf of bread per week, and up to R150 back in eBucks. All the details here.
🔐 Byte Back: Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats
According to Check Point software's Global Threat Index for October 2024, South Africa is ranked 63rd globally, which is a lower position compared to other African countries but we still face significant cyber threats. The report cites "FakeUpdates" as the most prevalent malware strains affecting organisations across the country, which targets the finance/banking and government/military sectors particularly.
🛒 Steals and Tech Deals of the Week
Everyone loves a good data deal. Vodacom’s Black Friday deals for SIM only is what caught my eye. There’s a 400GB offer, with 200GB anytime data and 200GB night owl data (so realistically 200GB) to use while you’re awake for R349pm x24 months. If you consider that Vodacom’s 1.2GB of prepaid data costs R89 (as per my FNB app), it’s a steal if you have a dongle, (kids) tablet, elderly parent, or a dual or eSIM phone for a second line. After the success of last year’s post, I will be publishing Black Friday tech deals soon on Recharged.
Reads you may want to catch up on:
Till next time,
Nafisa