Tech and Auto

Akash Sablok

Logitech C930e Webcam

I believe by now, we are all somewhat weary of the emails that provide details of our next online meeting. We are Zoomed out . . . The sad reality is that for the near future at least, some meetings will only be taking place in front of a camera and screen. I have mentioned here before how important it is to sit in front of the best monitor you can afford, and now it’s just as important to utilize the best camera you can, to show the best of yourself to the rest of the world. Logitech has been making computer accessories for as long as I can remember. Their high-definition webcams have been a standard since they were introduced; Logitech HD Webcam C930e is a great choice for business—and casual—users. While things have quieted down on the consumer webcam front, with most people using the perfectly adequate webcams that are built into their laptops, tablets, and smartphones to Skype and VOiP, the C930e is specifically designed for business use. The moment you start using a high-end Logitech webcam, what you’re paying for becomes obvious. Low-light and backlight, for example from a winder, are handled with ease on this unit. The 90-degree field of view and 1080p resolution means you will not have to sit still and dead-centre like a mannequin, you will be able to move around. That is helpful when you review a file with your online contact and you need to reference different documents in paper or electronic format. The 4x digital zoom means you can take control of what people see during calls and is perfect when the camera is used in a Boardroom setting. A nice touch is there is a privacy shutter that can be attached when you’re not using the webcam, to give you additional privacy and protection. Almost all apps are supported and the Logi Tune allows for “tuning” the webcam for Google Meet, Teams, and Zoom. The business focus isn’t just superficial, however, with excellent audio quality and noise cancellation technology that picked up our voices even in a noisy office. The two omnidirectional mics also mean you’re not screaming to be heard. Installation is a breeze—plug it in on a PC or Mac and it will set itself up. The stand it comes with is easy to attach and adjust to almost any monitor or laptop, so you can quickly ensure you get the best view possible. www.logitech.com | www.staples.ca MSRP $169.99

2022 BMW 330e Sedan

With recent extreme weather events occurring here in Southern BC, the debate in our household of what is better—fossil-fuel cars or electric cars—has, well, heated up. As BC implemented limits on fueling, 30L at a time, many electric vehicle owners simply grew their smiles, and smirks. I see you and kindly remind you that the electric outlet you use to charge your vehicle at night could suddenly become a decoration piece if the power goes out. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the perfect vehicle for someone who wants a little EV goodness but isn’t ready to make the fully electric commitment—the best of both worlds. The BMW 330e is that and more, as it’s a perfect-sized small sedan, not too small where your stuff and other humans can’t fit in, and not too large that parking becomes a 20-minute task to be feared. The 3-Series also features some autonomous driving aids that help at lower speeds in town, such as the reversing assistant. It can even drive the car for you, reversing back the way you came should you, say, get blocked in an underground car park. The rear-drive version plug-in-hybrid variant has a combined estimate of 8.3L/100km (34 mpg) and an all-electric range of 37 km. Combined with gas, the total range is 486 km. The all-wheel drive versions drop the range by 5 km. The paired 2.0-litre turbo-4 cylinder with a battery and electric motor provides a combined output of 288 horsepower, with power hitting just the rear wheels or all four wheels (xDrive) via an 8-speed automatic. For some reason, steering paddle shifters are a $2000 option on that BMW. Paddle shifters or not, the electric and gas engine can help you reach 100 km/h from a standstill in about 5.6 seconds. The 3-Series is plenty practical for hauling either passengers or cargo. In the trunk, you’ll find 481 litres of space, and the rear seats fold down to accommodate larger items. The plug-in-hybrid 330e has a slightly smaller cargo area due to the battery, measuring in at 368 litres. The rear seats are spacious enough for a small family. The high-voltage battery provides 12kWh of power and charges in just under 3 hours on a 240v connection. A standard 120v plug will take 6 to 7 hours. Once charged, the driver has plenty of driving modes to choose from, ranging from super-efficient (yawn) to performanceabove-all (yay!). Electric mode is for pure EV driving and is only available when there’s a charge in the battery. Eco Pro maximizes efficiency, while Hybrid blends gasoline and electric power for the easiest everyday driving. Sport puts everything on full attack and will allow the 330e to sprint like a lion in hunt mode. This is not your grandfather’s electric golf cart. More goodness for the driver, and the passengers on the inside, you can plug-in and utilize/charge almost every known portable device as this BMW has wireless device charging and USB-A port/12volt outlets and USB-C ports galore. Plug in those coolers for keeping the pop cool! Spend a little more and your car will include a detailed head-up display, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging.

Your eyes will enjoy the 10.3” iDrive 7 infotainment system screen in the centre console. The system is more powerful than ever before, with tons of menus and sub-menus. Yes, I wasted a lot of time going through each and every feature; in reality most owners will only use 20-to-30 per cent of them. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard—thank you, BMW.

BMW’s Gesture Control gives driver or passenger command input with hand gestures. My patience lasted about 2 minutes with it and I am sure the person in the car beside me enjoyed my hand-in-the-air-waving antics. Keeping everyone and everything safe, this 330e comes with standard driver-assistance technology, providing only forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. BMW has improved outward visibility with this 3-Series as side and rear views are less obstructed than before. The debate of electric vs. gas will continue, but I truly believe that PHEV’s are the best of both currently. And with the luxury and convenience of the 330e, it’s a winning combination. www.bmw.ca MSRP Rear-Wheel Drive: $44,950 xDrive: $57,889.26 s Notary Public Akash Sablok practises with his father Tarlok in Vancouver. Akash is a Life Member of the Board of Directors and served as President of The Society pf Notaries from 2013 to 2015 and Chair of The Notary Foundation from 2015 to 2017. When he’s not assisting clients with their notarial needs, he spends time with family and plays with tech and cars.

WELCOME ABOARD!

MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS:

• JOIN A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS • COURSES & WEBINARS TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION IN THE INDUSTRY • NETWORK WITH LEADING INDUSTRY EXPERTS

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! LEARN MORE AT: www.cmbabc.ca | 604.408.9989