This is the tech I'm taking to New Zealand
I have a hobby of checking out the tech others use, which is evident from my YouTube recommendations. I am going on a one-week vacation to New Zealand and I thought it would be cool to document what I am taking with me.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: this time last year (November 2023), I was in New Zealand as well and at that time, I took my Pixel Fold (v1). All things considered, it worked out really well. I enjoyed having a bigger screen for viewing maps and also for taking pictures. We should not underestimate the significance of the bigger viewfinder. Battery life was disappointing and I am pretty optimistic this time around. Foldables are just too much fun not to have in one's life, especially when iPhones are the exact opposite: super boring 🥱
Pixel Watch 3 45mm: I got this earlier this week and I am loving it. It's so nice to have a round watch face. I also added an Australia and New Zealand eSim via QR code (can't do this on the Apple Watch) so I look forward to enjoying my morning run in Auckland only with my Pixel Watch 😊
Surface Pro: this is the first time in a decade where I am not taking my iPad. Instead, I am taking my 2 in 1 Surface Pro. This will be an excellent test. Let's see how well it goes. So far, I am very impressed by the Surface Pro. I have always wanted a two-in-one form factor. It's not the best tablet or laptop, but it performs well enough to replace both devices in many situations (but not all). I wish I had gotten the 5G version.
AirPods Pro (USB C): I have the SONOS Ace but with portability in mind, the AirPods have sufficient noise cancelling for my needs. Interesting, I find the noise cancelling better when paired with an iPhone. Pairing it with the Surface and my Pixel Fold works well enough. I am using Capod to get some of the exclusive Apple features on my Android device. How cool is open source software 🆒
Kindle Oasis 4G (10th Generation, 2019): these days, on the plane, I read more than I watch movies and tv shows. For reading, the Kindle experience is the one to beat, only to be bested by Kobo. This device needs an upgrade because the battery has degraded a lot. Maybe I should see if I can replace the battery (DIY style).
I am traveling without an Apple device for the first time in a while. The only exception is my AirPods Pro. I hope to have as much fun on this trip as I have on any other trip. The technology we use should not affect how well the trip goes. Also, all USB C setup is glorious 🙂
For posterity and comparison, the following is what I brought with me on my previous trip to New Zealand in May 2024:
iPhone 15 Pro Max: excellent phone and a fantastic camera. This phone has found a new home and my Dad is loving it.
iPad Pro 12.9 2018: for iPad related things, there is no comparison. It's only when you try to do more is when things get frustrating. I no longer have this iPad. After Apple replaced it with a refurbished version, I gave it to my Dad and he couldn't be happier.
AirPods Pro 2 (lightning): I still use it regularly when I am exercising. The USB C version was an impulse buy 😩
Fuji X100VI: OMG, such a good camera but no longer with me 😞... probably for the better, I am not that into photography
Insta360 x4: fun little device, but not for me. Thankfully I could return it to Amazon for a full refund. I do not have the motivation to edit videos to make it right. I fell into the hype of 360 videos. They are truly amazing but it requires editing etc to make the video useful, and I was not too much into it.
Looking back, it feels like quite a turnaround in my tech stack. This was years in the making because it took me a while to switch from apps and services that are only available on Apple platforms to platform agnostic alternatives.
Some of these are:
- Things to Todoist
- iCloud Drive to Dropbox
- Apple Notes to Notion