Singapore Year-end Gift Guide 2016: the personal edition

Round out the year with a gift for yourself that helps you feel good, look good, work smart or enjoy yourself - sometimes all four at once. The latest in gadgets and appliances make use of technology to offer new experiences:

Breathe pristine air

Source: Philips. The series 2000.

The Philips Air Purifier series 2000 features three smart auto modes for the cleanest air possible – pollution, allergen, and bacteria & virus. The AC2887/30 model comes with a professional-grade AeraSense sensor that detects and adjusts rapidly to pollutants. The range can also measure PM2.5 levels in real time, with a colour ring and numerical displays that show whether the air you are breathing is healthy, irritating to sensitive groups, unhealthy, or very unhealthy.

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More productive haircare

To keep hair looking great, the Philips DryCare Essential Energy Efficient Hairdryer (BHD029) sports new PowerSmart airflow technology that blow-dries hair and smoothes frizzy ends with the power of a 2,100W dryer but with just 1,600W of energy use. For those who want to style curls, the Philips StyleCare Curler (BHB864) uses ceramic, tourmaline-infused barrels to protect against frizz. The Curler has a fast heat up time - it is ready to use in 60 seconds.

Source: Philips. The StyleCare BHB869.

For added protection without compromising on style, try the Philips StyleCare Sublime Ends Curler (BHB869) features SplitStop technology to protects fragile ends by optimising heat performance and minimising friction, while its keratin-enriched barrel will keep hair extra smooth and healthy.

Those looking for a closer shave can consider the new Philips Shaver Series 9000 Wet and Dry Electric Shaver (S9751), Philips’s most advanced shaver with a unique V-Track system.

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Make short work of dental maintenance

Source: Philips. The HX8331/03.

The S$199 Philips Sonicare AirFloss Ultra (HX8331) uses air and mouthwash to clean between teeth, offering up to 99.9% plaque removal for those who do not floss regularly. Its high performance nozzle utilises the power of air and micro-droplet technology to deliver a powerful spray that has been clinically proven to be as effective as flossing.

The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Electric Toothbrush (HX9172) has an AdaptiveClean brush head follows the contours of teeth and gums for better plaque removal and healthier gums. The FlexCare Platinum’s  InterCare brush head is clinically proven to remove seven times more plaque between teeth than a manual toothbrush while its patented sonic technology drives fluid between teeth for a gentle and more effective clean.

Interested?

• The Philips Air Purifier series 2000 ranges from S$599 to S$699. 
• The Philips StyleCare Curler BHB864/00 costs S$59. 
• The Philips StyleCare Sublime Ends Curler BHB869/00 is S$79.
• The Philips DryCare Essential Energy Efficient Hairdryer BHD029/03 is S$65. 
• The Philips Shaver Series 9000 Wet and Dry Electric Shaver with SmartClean System PLUS and Aquatec Wet & Dry (S9751/33) is S$599. 
• The Philips Sonicare HX9172/10 FlexCare Platinum electric toothbrush costs S$285. 

Philips products are available at leading electronics stores, major department stores and selected authorised dealers.

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Skin regimens go high tech

Source: Philips. The VisaPure Advanced.

For glowing skin, try the Philips range of skincare devices. Start by exfoliating with Philips VisaCare Microdermabrasion (SC6240) to boost blood circulation and remove dead skin cells, resulting in younger-looking skin in four to six weeks. Its Air Lift System helps to gently stimulate microcirculation while the exfoliating tip stimulates the cell renewal process.

Then, cleanse and do an at-home facial with the Philips VisaPure Advanced (SC5370), which has a three-step routine that keeps complexions radiant and revitalised. Its massage programme delivers 120 nano-vibrations per second while Customised DualMotion technology with Intelligent Head Recognition provides specific levels of rotation and vibration for different skincare benefits.

Finish off with the Philips VisaBoost Ultrasound facial moisturiser (SC2800), which has a Dual Action System that Philips says will enhance the overall absorption of skincare products for better maximum effect.

Interested?

The Philips VisaPure Advanced SC5370/10 costs USS$455 while the Philips VisaCare Microdermabrasion SC6240/01 is priced at S$489, and the Philips VisaBoost Ultrasound Facial Moisturizer SC2800/00 at S$269. The devices are available at selected Sephora stores including Ion Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, Serangoon NEX, Suntec City Mall and Vivo City.

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Make the best use of available storage

Transferring data between devices can still be inconvenient in the age of the cloud. SanDisk has made the task less onerous with a range of solutions for different needs.

Source: SanDisk. The Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0.

Transfer files quickly between PCs, Macs and next-generation devices with reversible USB Type-C connectors – in up to 128GB with the SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C and Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drives, both of which feature USB 3.1 and read speeds up to 150 MBps.

The pocket-sized iXpand Flash Drive is designed to help iOS users free up space, and is available in capacities up to 128GB. A USB 3.0 connector enables faster transfer speeds to Macs or PCs.

Source: SanDisk. The iXpand Flash Drive for iOS devices - iPads and iPhones.

For added convenience, save, store and share content from a mobile device wirelessly with the SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick. The stick comes in several capacities, to a maximum of 200GB, and can connect up to three devices at once. It is compatible with iOS, Android and Kindle devices.

Source: SanDisk. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick.

The handy SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 and Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 have integrated micro-USB and USB 3.0 connectors for moving content easily between OTG-enabled Android devices to PCs or Macs. The drives are available in capacities up to 128GB.

Source: SanDisk. The Ultra Dual Drive m3.0.

Need something larger? The SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD drive allows users to transfer files at up to 415 MBps, and is available at up to 480GB* in capacity. The drive has rubber bumpers and comes with a metal ring to allow clipping onto a bag.

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Smartphones with hardware mods

Fit for photography lovers, movie buffs and music-junkies looking for a battery-powerhouse, the Moto Z series from Motorola is full of possibilities. Instead of integrating everything within the phone chassis, the phones work with snap-in modules called Mods that add on new hardware capabilities.

Source: Lenovo/Motorola. The Moto Z.

At 5.2mm, with a body of military aircraft-grade aluminium and stainless steel, the Moto Z epitomises luxury style. Its 14cm (5.5”) Quad HD AMOLED display ensures content with fine detail, and its 13 MP back camera and 5 MP front camera work in any lighting condition.

Moto Z Play features Motorola's longest-lasting battery ever with TurboPower charging that allows up to seven hours of use with a 15-minute charge, a 16 MP camera and a 1080p Super AMOLED display.

Source: Lenovo/Motorola. The Moto Z Play.

The Moto Z and Moto Z Play work with an array of interchangeable snap-in modules called Mods that transform the phone into a projector, music player, battery powerhouse, or more.

Source: Lenovo/Motorola. A selection of snap-on Mods for the Moto Z and Moto Z Play families.

Interested?

The Moto Z and Moto Z Play cost S$899 and S$699 respectively. The Hasselblad True Zoom Camera Moto Mod is priced at S$459, while the JBL Soundboost Speaker Moto Mod costs S$139. The Insta-Share Projector Moto Mod costs S$399 and the Incipio offGRID Power Pack is S$139. Retail pricing of the Moto Z series as listed is valid at Lenovo-exclusive stores and partners. For festive promotions or bundle deals, visit Lenovo-exclusive stores and partners to find out more.

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Computing tailored towards your outlook in life

Dell has gifts categorised by persona, a design approach which has governed its latest laptop and desktop portfolio.

If you abide by the principles of Do Well. Live Well, and Dress Really Well the stylish and sophisticated XPS 13 may well be perfect for you. This ultra-slim laptop boasts a 13.3" virtually borderless InfinityEdge display, is just 1.28 kg and 915mm thick.

If being productive and organised is your priority, the Inspiron 15 5000 Series laptop has your name on it. The laptop is powered by the latest 7th Gen Intel core processors and AMD Radeon R7 M445 graphics.

For those who like to share pictures and information, the versatile Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-in-1 has an innovative 360-degree hinge, that allows users to switch easily between four different modes (tent, stand, laptop and tablet mode) as the occasion demands. A solid state drive (SSD) option provides longer battery life and better responsiveness.

Source: Dell. The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming Edition.

What about a laptop powerful enough for gaming, yet sedate enough for the young professional? With the Intel i5 and i7 Quad-Core processor options and thermal cooling fans, look to the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming Edition. The 15.6” UHD Truelife LED, backlit 4K display delivers crisp and vivid graphics while serious animation runs smoothly with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M GPU with 4GB GDDR5 memory.

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about the latest XPS and Inspiron refresh

• The Dell XPS 13 starts at S$1,899
• The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series laptop starts at S$749
• The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-in-1 starts at S$1,199
• The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming Edition starts at S$1,899

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Complete flexibility with an Avengers-themed tablet-keyboard combination

E-Huge Technology, in collaboration with Microsoft, recently launched a range of Avengers-themed Windows 10 devices in Singapore. The devices ship with Windows 10 Anniversary Update and come in three form factors, each of which is complemented by an included, specially-designed matching carrying sleeve or pouch.

Consider the most compact of the trio, the S$429 AVR10T – 10.1” Windows 10 2-in-1 convertible, inspired by Tony Stark/Iron Man's colour schemes and ornamentation. Complete with a glowing Arc Reactor on its lid, the AVR10T is touch-ready and snaps into a detachable keyboard for typing.

The AVR10T has a graphic of Iron Man at the bottom right of the keyboard.

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about the Avengers-themed device launch. The devices will be available on December 10.

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More detailed images

Source: Dell. The Dell UltraSharp U2717D InfinityEdge Monitor.

Photography buffs will warm to the Dell UltraSharp U2717D InfinityEdge Monitor. The display produces vivid colours and clear outlines, and can be swivelled and tilted to order.

Interested?

The  Dell UltraSharp U2717D InfinityEdge Monitor is S$899

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Get in on quality photography, videography

Source: Canon. The EOS 5D Mark IV.

Photography buffs have further reason to rejoice with these Canon products. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is perfect for budding movie makers. This latest addition to Canon’s best-selling full-frame line has new features such as the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, DPRAW, and 4K Movie Shooting capabilities.

A built-in GPS-system enables geotagging, which in combination with calibration of photo capture times, allows users to easily categorise videos and photos. The built-in Wi-Fi/NFC system also allows immediate sharing of photos with mobile devices.

Source: Canon. The PowerShot G7 X Mark II.

When space is a challenge, the lightweight prosumer Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II may be just what you need. This compact camera features Canon’s new DIGIC 7 image processor, which has a 1" CMOS sensor for better pictures. The touch-enabled, tilt-type LCD monitor can tilt 180 degrees upwards, and also 45 degrees downwards for enhanced viewability.

Interested?

There is an EOS promotion till 1 January 2017

• The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Body) costs S$5,199.
• The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Kit (EF 24 – 70 image stabilisation ultrasonic motor [IS USM]) costs S$6,249.
• The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Kit (EF 24 – 105 IS II USM) costs S$6,599.
• The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is S$799.

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Portable printing and projection smarts


For those on the go, portable devices can provide an added boost of productivity. Available in white, black and pink, the 860g Canon SELPHY CP1200 printer supports up to 54 prints of up to postcard size on a single battery charge. Requests for prints sent directly from smart devices via Wi-Fi and Airprint.

Presentations become a snap with the 111 x 111 x 17.2mm Canon RAYO i8 mini projector from Canon. Weighing 269g, the RAYO i8 projector streams presentations that are stored on smart devices and sent via wired or wireless networks, running continuously for two hours on a single charge. The tiny RAYO i8 can enlarge content to a 158” image on any surface while delivering continuous brightness at 100 lumens, and supports a screen resolution of 854 x 480 (WVGA) pixels.

Source: Canon. The RAYO i8 mini projector.

Interested?

• The Canon SELPHY CP1200 printer costs S$199. The black version was sold out at the time of writing.
• The Canon RAYO i8 mini projector is S$749.

Read the WorkSmart Asia Singapore Year-end Gift Guides for travel and food