Summer tech upgrade: Must-have on-the-go gadgets
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Summer is the perfect time to upgrade or add to your tech arsenal, and this year brings an exciting array of gadgets and devices that promise to enhance your digital lifestyle. From powerful gaming handhelds to innovative audio devices that offer convenience, the tech market is brimming with options to suit every need. Whether lounging by the pool with your favourite tunes or ensuring your devices stay charged during a weekend getaway, these must-have tech items keep you connected and entertained.
Enjoying free and sustainable power, the Zuny solar panel lets you easily charge your phone, tablet, or power bank wherever you are. With a consistent power output of 15W even on partly cloudy days, this 40W panel ensures you can charge to your heart's content.
Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A connections, this solar panel offers the versatility to charge two devices simultaneously or recharge my power station via the DC output port. To maximise its power output, the Zuny features a handy built-in stand, allowing the panel to be positioned at the perfect angle to best capture the sun's energy.
The Trust Magno quickly and easily charges your iPhone 12 (or higher) and MagSafe-compatible phone cases. With a 5,000 mAh capacity, this power bank offers up to 17 extra hours of smartphone use. Its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go, fitting perfectly into any pocket, bag, or even nicely under your iPhone.When both your power bank and phone are running low, the Magno's pass-through charging feature allows you to charge them simultaneously – so convenient!
The Cuktech 10 power bank has a small colour display and a 100W and 10000mAh capacity. This sleek device can meet all your charging needs, from charging laptops, phones and gaming consoles.
The Cuktech 10 offers impressive versatility, including the power to charge devices like laptops at 100W, although there's not enough capacity to fully charge a standard laptop. It also supports up to 27W for iPhones and 45W for Samsung Galaxy devices. It’s perfect for gamers, charging a Nintendo Switch 1.3 times and providing fast charging for devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go. Its 90W MAX self-charging ensures quick readiness, achieving 55% capacity in just 15 minutes.
A vibrant TFT colour screen provides real-time updates, while fast charging for Xiaomi devices and a compact design make it highly portable. The package includes a 6A 240W C-to-C cable, instruction manual, and 18-month service.
The Cyber FlickLock Case from ESR features the new proprietary FlickLock safety lock, which ensures your AirPods always stay secure. Seven strong magnets provide 1480 g of magnetic strength and dual-layer shock absorption thanks to TPU + PC materials and Air Guard corners so you can trust them for drop-proof protection.
The automatic magnetic opening mechanism makes single-hand access effortless. You can slide and pop open the lid easily. It’s durable, too, withstanding over 20,000 uses.
The advanced MagSafe compatibility offers efficient wireless charging with built-in magnets, supporting the Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods charging modules. Designed for your on-the-go summer lifestyle, the Cyber FlickLock Case includes a handy clip for easy attachment, keeping AirPods secure and accessible. The easy-press button at the back simplifies pairing, and the accessory kit with a cleaning brush ensures my AirPods stay clean.
If, like me, you're sick of dropping your AirPods case with the buds flying everywhere, then the Cyber FlickLock case is a must-have.
The ESR Waterproof Pouch for iPhone uses an inflatable design that lets you take touchscreen photos up to three meters underwater. With precision cutouts and transparent TPU material, my photos always appear clear and vibrant, thanks to the 92% light transmission rate.
I love the peace of mind this pouch gives me. Its fully enclosed design, secure locking mechanism, and waterproof silicone seal ring provide 360° protection. It is certified by SGS to meet the IPX8 waterproof standard and can withstand depths of up to 30 meters. The buoyant foam design keeps it afloat, so I never have to worry about losing it in the water.
The adjustable strap makes it easy to carry, and the fluorescent lock is a nice touch for finding it in low light. There's even a slot for holding two cards or some cash.
The ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Charger is the ultimate travel toolkit for charging your Apple device while on the go. Its foldable design and included travel case let you take the power of MagSafe wherever you go.
It offers 15W fast charging for iPhone, Apple-certified 5W fast charging for Apple Watch, and 5W charging for AirPods. It also includes a small, lightweight USB-C portable watch charger, perfect for tangle-free magnetic wireless charging on the go. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to pack, and its all-in-one charging capability ensures I stay powered up without any hassle while travelling.
The Tribit StormBox 2 can become your go-to device for outdoor fun. Despite its compact size and lightweight design (weighing only 580g), the StormBox 2 is a powerhouse. It provides up to 24 hours of playtime at 60% volume, and its robust design, combined with an IPX7 waterproof rating, makes it perfect for pool parties, beach outings, or hikes. It fully recharges in about four hours and features Bluetooth 5.3 to prevent signal loss.
The Tribit app enhances the listening experience by allowing you to customise sound settings, including bass, treble, and various presets like Audiobook, Classic, Jazz, Rock, and XBass. You can even create a custom EQ curve.
For an even bigger sound, you can pair two StormBox 2 speakers or combine them with other models, such as the StormBox Flow or XSound Plus 2. Party mode boosts the volume for any gathering, making the StormBox 2 perfect for summer parties and adventures.
The Steam Deck is my go-to portable gaming device, but the updated OLED version is even better. The upgraded OLED display delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, taking my gaming experience to the next level, whether lounging on the beach or chilling at a campsite.
Under the hood, the Steam Deck OLED has powerful mobile hardware capable of running most of your existing library, and you have thousands of games at your fingertips with Steam. This means endless entertainment options, whether you’re in the mood for an intense shooter, a relaxing puzzle game, or anything in between.
Despite its powerful capabilities, the Steam Deck OLED remains lightweight and portable.
The Mixx StreamQ C4 boasts 40 hours of battery life, so never worry about running out of juice. A quick 15-minute charge gives an extra 8 hours, perfect for when you’re in a hurry or want extended listening.
The ANC blocks out external noises, ideal for noisy flights or when I need to concentrate fully. The transparent mode allows important sounds, like traffic, to ensure safety.
With play, pause, skip tracks, and volume control right at my fingertips, I don’t need to scramble for my phone.
Fully compatible with Google and Siri Assistant, you can control the headphones with simple voice commands.
Comfortable ear pads block out external noise and are adjustable for a snug fit. The foldable design makes them easy to pack in my bag or suitcase.
Asus just released the ROG Ally X, which comes with double the battery and many other minor improvements. Still, the original Ally offers almost identical performance, besides the dramatically improved battery life of the newer Ally X.
Equipped with a Ryzen Z1 processor and Radeon graphics, it runs the latest AAA titles smoothly, providing a console-like experience in a handheld device. The 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures crisp visuals and fluid gameplay, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Its ergonomic design and responsive controls make long gaming sessions enjoyable, and its lightweight build means I can carry it anywhere without hassle.
The ROG Ally is compatible with Windows 11 and allows you to access a wide range of PC games from platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and the Epic Games Store.
The ROG Ally now offers excellent value for money, but if money is no object, get the ROG Ally X.