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Travel made a comeback of sorts in 2022 and 2023 looks promising. Whether you’re a road warrior doing day business trips or a ‘bleisure’ traveller, slinky laptops and ‘do it all’ tabs are back in the mix as travellers seek flexible devices that can flit from work to play mode. These devices make the perfect travel companions with their featherlight form, robust battery life and immersive screens:
1. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8+
Probably the Android tab to beat and the most practical option among new Samsung’s 2022 trio of flagship Android Tabs. This one’s not the proverbial middle child but the perfect blend of practicality and a large screen. The highlight is the vibrant 12.4-inch (2800 x 1752 pixels) Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. We approve of the slim profile (just 5.7mm thin) despite a dependable 10090 mAh battery under the hood. At its heart is one of 2022’s preferred processors - the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, that teams up with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Samsung’s proprietary DeX solution gives it laptop-style functionality. (Rs 66,999 onwards)
2. Apple iPad Pro
The big story in the 2022 iPad Pro is Apple’s new M2 chip that features an 8-core CPU — up to 15 percent faster than M1 — with advancements in both performance and efficiency cores. The chip also boats of a 10-core GPU, delivering up to 35 percent faster graphics performance for the most demanding workflows. Whether you’re a gamer or a video editor or a content creator, the new iPad can measure up. Apple has added a new user experience – hover, that allows you to get more of the second gen Apple Pencil. With new pro cameras, a four-speaker audio system and full external display support, this one’s also an entertainment powerhouse. (Rs 81,900 onwards)
3. Xiaomi’s Pad 5
This one can a sub-Rs 30K Android tab level up and play the productivity game? Xiaomi is pitching the Pad 5 as its work + play tab machine with its immersive 10.95-inch (1600 x 2560 pixels / 275 PPI) WQHD+ display that features a 120Hz refresh rate. You get excellent visibility even when you’re working under direct sunlight in an outdoor café thanks to a peak brightness of 500 nits. It weighs just over 500 gm and is under 7mm thin, making it incredibly portable. Xiaomi’s MIUI for Pad has been specifically designed for tablets with split screens and floating windows. (Rs 26,999 onwards)
4. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen)
Lenovo’s premium tab is designed to slip into your slimmest portfolio bags; it weighs just 480 gm and is ultra-slim. The 11.2-inch OLED display (2560 x 1536 pixels / 15:9 aspect ratio) that peaks at 600 nits is one of the best on any tab at this price point. It features a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10+ for an immersive video experience. It’s propelled by an octa-core MediaTek Kompanio 1300T chipset that delivers 120 per cent performance improvement over the previous generation. This processor is complemented with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Other highlights include a four-way speaker from JBL and up to 14 hours of battery life. (Rs 39,999 onwards)
5. MacBook Air M2
Rremember the time when Steve Jobs pulled out the first MacBook Air out of an office envelope back in 2008? The 2022 Air is probably the biggest rejig of the MacBook Air since that massive moment. The Air delivers up to 18 hours of battery life despite a slim form (just 11.3 mm). We dig the new symmetrical form factor and the cool new shade – Midnight. But more than the design the big story is what lies under the hood. The new Air is powered by the new M2 chip and also features a vibrant 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. (Rs 1,19,900 onwards)
6. Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro
One of the best ultrabooks that we tested this year. It’s also among the lightest out there – just 11.2 mm thin and a heft under 900 gm. Don’t let the slinky form fool you, an all-metal build makes it a sturdy laptop. At its heart is the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processor that keeps it ultra-smooth whether you’re gaming or multi-tasking. It’s a great binge watch screen – a 13.3-inch AMOLED display (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a 60Hz refresh rate. You can use the bundled 65W Type-C charger to power other devices or use your Android smartphone charger for this device; you don’t have lug an extra charger when you travel (Rs 96,990 onwards)
7. Microsoft Surface 9 Pro
Microsoft has just refreshed its Surface line with the ultra-light Surface 9 Pro that weighs under 900 gm. Microsoft calls this the tablet that can replace your laptop, a Surface device where work meets fun. The 9 Pro is powered by an Intel 12th Gen Evo Processor that also optimises battery life – Microsoft pegs this at 15.5 hours, more than you’ll need on a short business trip. You get 2 USB-C ports that allow you to add accessories or connect with high-power displays. You can stay connected with 5G support when you’re on the go. (Rs 1,05,999 onwards)
8. ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED
We’ve had our eyes on this device since it first showed up at CES 2022. ASUS has pitched this as the world’s first 17-inch foldable laptop with a versatile form factor. It’s one of the most flexible devices out there, it can morph from tablet to a book or a laptop with a fully functional keyboard. It’s the massive 17.3-inch display (2560 x 1920 pixels) that is the showstopper. It’s guaranteed to grab attention whether you’re catching a movie on a flight or making a point at the boardroom. (Rs 3,29,900)
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