1. SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 9
It’s been six years since Samsung launched its first Galaxy Note large-format phone—originally dismissed by many for its unwieldy size. Yet the Note has become Samsung’s flagship, and even Apple has followed suit by offering two sizes of its iPhone. The recently released Galaxy Note is in its ninth iteration, with 5.8" and 6.2" versions. It’s now more powerful than a computer and is the fastest smartphone ever (43% faster than the iPhone 8, according to Ookla’s speed tests). It has more than a terabyte of memory and storage options, and a larger 4,000mAh battery with wireless charging. The stylus is now Bluetooth-enabled, another first for smartphones. There are six different ways to unlock the Note 9—from a PIN, pattern swipe, or longer password to biometrics using a fingerprint scan, facial recognition, or an iris scan. The camera has a Live Translation function to get real-time translations for numerous languages, and you can take a selfie and convert your image to a cartoony AR Emoji in 18 different expressive modes for your texts or emails. Wired magazine calls the camera the best part of the phone. www.samsung.com
2. APPLE MACBOOK PRO 2018
The 2018 upgrade of the MacBook Pro features a faster core processor, longer battery life, and an improved keyboard. It keeps the Touch Bar, Touch ID, and the slim profile of the aluminum unibody case. The keyboard is now quieter due to a new layer of silicone under the keys. There are two models, and both have new Intel eighth-generation Core processors—the 13" version has quad-core i5 and i7 chips with Turbo Boost speeds to 4.5GHz, and the 15" model has six-core i7 and i9 processors reaching speeds up to 4.8GHz. These are the fastest and most powerful MacBook Pros yet, and the memory options are also increased. You can add up to 32GB of memory and SSD storage capacities up to 2TB on the 13" model and up to 4TB on the 15" model. www.apple.com
3. LOGITECH MULTI-DEVICE KEYBOARD
One of the Good Design award winners for Logitech last year, the K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is a full-size Bluetooth keyboard that works with your computer, smartphone, and tablet, whether Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. The PerfectStroke key system provides silent typing on a keyboard with a numbers pad, favorite shortcut keys, and quick switching between devices. Special hotkeys include home, search, back, app-switch, and contextual menu. The battery life is 24 months from two pre-installed AAA batteries with auto-sleep, an on/off button, and a battery status light. The integrated rubber base/cradle holds phones and tablets at a comfortable reading angle and can accommodate tablets up to the 12.9" iPad Pro in landscape mode. www.logitech.com
4. SHERPA POWER BANK
The Goal Zero Sherpa 40 Power Bank is a portable charger for phones, tablets, and other portable devices like POV cameras. The Sherpa weighs 13.4 oz. and measures 7.5" × 4.2" × 0.45". It will give multiple recharges on most phones and up to one full recharge on most tablets. There are two USB ports sharing 4.8A for output, and using the two, you can recharge two devices at once. Average time for a full recharge on a phone is approximately two hours. Just plug in your device, push the battery indicator, and the Sherpa will automatically shut off when the device is charged. A charged Sherpa will hold its charge for at least three months. www.goalzero.com
September 2018
