Business Traveller Africa takes a look at some of the latest products on the market, in particular, those that might catch the eye of the discerning business traveller, with this month’s section focusing on style, affordability and desirability.
SAMSUNG SERIES 9 NOTEBOOK
Main Features
What catches the eye almost immediately is just how thin, sleek, stylish and sexy this notebook is, to go with its lightweight portability, which already makes it appealing to the regular traveller. Another interesting feature is the backlit keyboard and the ‘hidden’ USB ports, which are located on the underside of the two sides. Further to that, for a machine in this range, it has excellent performance output.
Performance
The system has a 4GB memory with the added feature of a multi-memory slot for the option of adding memory. Most laptops in this class do not offer this feature. Though it does not offer a modem – not many laptops do these days – there are two USB ports perfectly equipped to handle something like a 3G card. Better still is the simple wireless connectivity. The multimedia features are interesting, boasting a 1.3 MP HD web-cam, which has a more than adequate focus and resolution. What is really appealing is the 6-cell battery – it doesn’t weigh much and offers almost six hours of usability before needing to be recharged. It operates on high performance technology like Windows 7 and also includes an Intel® CoreTM i7/i5 processor and a solid state drive and genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, which puts it at the higher-end range of notebook offerings.
Look
The Samsung Series 9 is exceptionally stylish, with an aerodynamic design that contributes to its thin, lightweight features. Due to the fact that it is made from Duralumin, which is the same material used to make aircrafts, it is twice as strong as aluminium, and therefore incredibly durable, especially if it is transported often. It also boasts an outstandingly, high-quality 13.3-inch screen.
USP
What makes this machine so appealing is simple. It performs impressively, is light, offers easy portability and has an exceptionally stylish design. With a market-leading 400 nit brightness and 16 million colours, it is 100% brighter than conventional displays. It also has a longer than average battery life and offers the option of extra memory, which many in its range do not.
Price
R13,999-R14,999
LEICA V-LUX 2 CAMERA
Main Features
The zoom capability (24x) is what stands out with this camera and it covers almost all photographic situations. That’s due to its focal lengths, so travel and wildlife photographers, especially, will be pleased with what it has to offer. The focal length stretches from the equivalent of 25 to 600mm in the 35mm format. As a result, you can get great close-up shots over long distances. The V-Lux 2 is also able to film high-definition 1080i video and has a 3-inch fold-out LCD display with 1.4 megapixel resolution. The display can be twisted in almost any direction, offering shots from different angles. Another highlight is its high-speed burst shooting capability – bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP, make it one of the world’s fastest consecutive-shooting cameras.
Look
It doesn’t have the classic Leica look of two-tone black and metallic design. Instead, it resembles other more conventional designs and is basically simple and stylish. It is, though, still compact, easy to grip and relatively light, and all of its controls are clearly laid out and simple to use.
USP
The high performance lens and zoom capability, as well as its HD video option, along with the fact that the Leica V-Lux 2 will be appealing to both experienced and beginner photographers, as a result of the combination of its user-friendliness and high-end applications.
Price
R8,499
LEICA SILVERLINE OPTICAL RANGE
Main Features
Fitting into the premium range of optical instruments, these tools are versatile enough in style to suit outings at concerts and the opera, field sports, equestrian events, motorsport, sail regattas, or simply a city tour or country hike. The collection is made up of the Leica Silverline 8×20 Mono, Leica Silverline 8×20 and 10×25, and the larger binocular models, the Leica Silverline 8×42 and the Leica Silverline 10×42. Technical specifications of the new range are based on existing Leica Sport Optics products, which are known for their sharpness and exceptional viewing qualities.
Look
Pleasing about this range is their robust design and stunning anodized silver and black leather styling. They are also easily compactible, making for good travel companions.
USP
The superior optical performance with exceptional clarity, sharpness and zoom functions, which goes hand-in-hand with the stylish presentation of all the Leica Silverline products.
Price
R16,499 (Leica Silverline 10×42)