TECH SPECIAL ..................MONSOON GEAR!

MONSOON GEAR!





In the last couple of years, some manufacturers have launched electronic devices that are not only splash resistant, but can also survive a swim in the pool.

A bunch of waterproof devices that are made for the rains

SPLASH-PROOF PHONES 

 

To be called waterproof, electronics have to obtain an IPM (Ingress Protection Marking) rating that indicates the degree of protection against dust and water. This rating is denoted by two numerals (higher is better), where the first digit indicates the level of protection against dust particles, while the second digit indicates how resistant the device is to water.

Now, the SXtreo WP61 (`22,496), with a rating of IP68, is easily one of the most rugged smartphones available in the Indian market. Housed in a solid rubber casing, it can even survive drops from a height of up to 4ft/1.2m.

Then, there's the WickedLeak Wammy Neo (`11,990) with an IP67 rating. This octa-core handset can survive submersion in water, thanks to AquaProtect ­ a liquid repellent coating that's applied to the inside and outside of the device.

The Motorola Moto E (`6,999), Moto G (`12,499) and Moto X (`23,999) also boast of a similar `nano' coating that's said to protect against water splashes.
But since these devices do not carry an IP rating, we wouldn't recommend that you take these phones swimming. Still, they would possibly survive the monsoon better than most others.

In the higher price bracket, there's the Samsung Galaxy S5 (`51,000) with an IP67 rating and the Sony Xperia Z (`30,990), Xperia Z1 Compact (`36,990), Xperia Z1 (`41,990) and Xperia Z2 (`49,990) handsets, with IP58 ratings.

All these premium smartphones are certified to survive a dunk in a swimming pool, up to a depth of one metre for half an hour. 

ALL-WEATHER CAMERAS

Unlike waterproof smartphones that have recently started making an appearance, rugged cameras that can be used in all weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, have been around for quite a while. At absolute budget pricing, there's the Nikon Coolpix S32 (`6,950) ­ a basic shooter that's freezeproof (-10°C), shockproof (5ft/1.5m), and waterproof (33ft/10m), and an ideal first camera for kids.

In higher price brackets, there's the Pentax WG10 (` 13,800), the Nikon Coolpix AW110 (`16,950), the Coolpix AW120 (`17,950), and the Olympus Stylus TG-2 (`20,300).

Like the S32, all of these are freezeproof (-10°C), shockproof (up to 6.5ft/2m), and waterproof (up to depths of 60ft/18m, depending on model). In fact, most of these snappers are capable of recording Full HD videos; come with built-in GPS to tag your adventure photos; the AW120 is even equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. 

SWEAT-PROOF EARPHONES

 Just because it's raining, doesn't mean youshouldn't be listening to music. Sennheiser has a bunch of water-resistant earphones ­ the PX685i, PMX685i, OCX685i (all costing `5,990), the CX685 (`5,490) and the MX685(`3,790) that can also be rinsed under a tap after a sweaty workout.

Alternatively, take a look at the Audio Technica ATH-CKP200 (`1,799), the Philips SHQ3000 Earhook (`1,999) and Klipsch Image S4i Rugged (`6,337).

And if you want to go all the way, there's the Sony NWZ-W273 Walkman (`6,490) MP3 player with 4GB storage that you can even use while swimming. 

SHOCK-PROOF STORAGE 

Losing data to hardware failure can be quite heartbreaking, which is why it makes sense to invest in waterproof hard drives and pen drives. Adata's Dashdrive Durable HD710 (500GB/`5,880) sports a rubberized exterior which is both shockproof and waterproof. This external hard disk is rated IPX7, meaning you can leave it submerged in up to six inches of water for a half hour and it'll still work.

Then, there's the ioSafe Rugged Portable (1TB/`21,000) that's been certified to be waterproof for up to 10 feet for 3 days. Additionally, its ChemSafe technology protects data during periods of immersion in diesel fuel, oils, hydraulic fluids and aircraft fuels in up to 12-feet depth for one hour.

In pen drives, there's the Corsair Flash Survivor (16GB/`2,400) that's housed in anodized aircraft-grade aluminium, and water proof up to 200m through the use of a rubberized seal.

The Corsair Flash Voyag er GT (64GB /`6,300), Adata S107 (32GB/`1,900) and the Transcend JetFlash 810 (8GB/`765) are all housed in water proof rubberized casings. 

HOW TO SAVE YOUR WET SMARTPHONE

 Handset warranties do not cover water damage. To find out if the phone is water damaged, check your battery and the battery receptacle. Manufacturers place tiny stickers that are usually white, but change to pink or red on contact with moisture inside the phones. 1 First, switch off the handset immediately. Then, quickly place it on some paper towels or soft cloth. Remove the battery, the SIM, memory card and gently dry those.
Essentially, remove all add-on accessories ­ including headphones ­ that cover ports and slots to expose them to air. 2 Wipe your device thoroughly with a soft cloth. If possible, use a small vacuum cleaner to draw the water out of the phone.
Be careful not to hold the vacuum too close to the device. Do NOT use a hair dryer. 3 Place your handset in a dry plastic bag or an air-tight container with a desiccant such as silica gel (often found with new shoes and electronics).
You can also purchase 5gm sachets online and from electronic stores.
Keep a stash handy this monsoon.
Alternatively, bury the phone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice overnight. Rice draws out the moisture. 4 Wait for at least 24 hours or longer. Check that your device ­ ports, compartments and crevices are clean and look dry. Power up the device. If your phone does not boot, remove the battery and head to your nearest service centre.

Savio D'Souza