TOOLS FOR THE ROAD

LIGHT AND TASTY – THIS ISSUE, MANDALA SEEKS GADGETS ESPECIALLY MADE FOR THOSE ON THE MOVE

NIKON D40X
US$700 (Rp. 6.4 million)

Waiting for an entry-level digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera at a fair price? Consider the D40X. At 1.2lb, this is among the lightest on the market, yet with 10-megapixels of muscle (on par with Canon’s EOS 400D). A large LCD monitor, controls even sworn Canon fans admit are intuitive, and a full range of ISO settings will please real photographers. Others will enjoy doing away with flash in low light. A downside? It’s not compatible with all Nikon mount lenses. But you’ll forgive that once you try out the help button, for advice on improving your shot. Now that’s smart.

MACBOOK AIR
US$1,799 (Rp. 16.5 million) (1.6 GHz), US$3,098 (Rp. 28.4 million) (1.8 GHz)

Weighing in at just 1.5kg, the Macbook Air will find its market instantly. Many will overlook its relative expense compared to a similar PC. After all, this machine is thin enough to fit inside an envelope. Essentially, Mac has taken off features it felt were surplus – with the ethos that less is indeed more.

SAMSUNG DVD-F1080 UPCONVERSION DVD PLAYER
US$100 (Rp. 915,983)

Samsung has honed the DVD player down to a size that will fit in your travel case. Black and shiny with touch-sensitive controls, this model also upscales your DVDs to 720p, 1080i or 1080p to play nicely on your HD television.