Tech gadgets that make travel easier
by Etan Horowitz, User's Guide
When my wife and I went on our honeymoon last year, some friends couldn't believe that we were posting pictures and updates to our Facebook and Twitter profiles while we were supposed to be relaxing.
But for us, and many other people, being able to access social-networking sites and the Internet is as important when we travel as remembering to pack our toothbrushes.
With that in mind, here are some gadgets, services and other tips that will help you make the most of technology when you travel.
Novatel Wireless MiFi
Lots of business travelers carry an "aircard" or cell-phone modem when they travel, which plugs into their computer's USB port to give them high-speed Internet access. But those devices typically only let you connect one device to the Internet at the time. Both Sprint and Verizon offer a better solution, the MiFi from Novatel Wireless, a credit-card-sized device that gives you a personal Wi-Fi hot spot wherever you go. Both versions let you connect up to five devices at once on a password protected Wi-Fi network. Both versions cost $100 (after rebates, discounts and contract agreements), and the rate plan for the Sprint version costs $60 a month, while rate plans for the Verizon version range from $40 to $60.
Power and Entertainment accessories
•If you have an iPod or other MP3 player, carrying an audio cable with 3.55mm plugs on each end (often called a "stereo audio" or "auxiliary audio" cable) will let you play your music through speakers in a hotel room or through many rental car stereos. Cost: about $10 to $15.
•Devices such as iPods, smartphones and Bluetooth headsets come with a charger that consists of two parts: a cable with a USB plug at one end that connects to the device, and a power adapter that connects to the USB plug. Save some room in your bag by bringing all of the cords, but only packing one of the power adapters, or buying a power strip that has USB power slots, such as the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger ($25/Belkin.com). If you'll be in a car, the Griffin PowerJolt Dual Universal ($15/Griffintechnology.com) lets you use the car's power outlet to charge two USB devices at once.
Netbooks
•Netbooks are the ultimate travel computer because they are lightweight and have a webcam, long-lasting batteries and a built-in digital memory card slot so you can load photos from a digital camera without using a cable. Popular models include the Acer Aspire One series, the ASUS Eee PC series and the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 series. A nice option is the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA ($378/ Amazon.com), a netbook with a sleek design, 10-inch screen and a battery the company says can last up to 10 hours.
TripIt
Keeping track of flight times, confirmation numbers, hotel addresses and phone numbers can be a hassle while you are traveling. So instead of rifling through a stack of printed-out e-mails to find out when your flight leaves, sign up for a free account at Tripit.com. Then, when you get a confirmation e-mail from an airline, hotel or rental car company, just forward the message to plans@tripit.com and the service will automatically create an itinerary based on your travel details. At TripIt .com, you can edit the details of your trip or share it with a friend. You can access a mobile version of the site from your phone by visiting m.tripit.com, or, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can download the free TripIt app from the App Store.
Offline access to Gmail, Google Docs
Just like you can access documents and e-mails stored on your computer when you have no Internet connection, you can also access documents and e-mail messages stored online by Google when you are offline. This will let you catch up on e-mail and get work done while you are on plane.
When you have an Internet connection, log in to your Gmail account and click on "Settings," then "Labs," and then click to enable offline access and follow the instructions. In Google Docs, click on "Offline" at the top of your account and follow the instructions. You'll have to install "Google Gears" on your computer.
You can compose e-mails, delete e-mails, edit documents and spreadsheets and perform other tasks. The next time your computer is connected to the Internet, the changes you made while offline will be synced with your online account.
Etan Horowitz can be reached at ehorowitz@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447. Read his technology blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/techblog.
Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel
Jan 28, 2010
Power-supply station on the go
This would especially be great when traveling and have your cell phone and a couple of cameras and a GPS with you. The Chargepod comes with 6 adapters to accomodate different types of connections as well. And you can tell that it is designed as a travel gadget since it is also compatible with all foreign 120/240 V adapter wall plugs. It is compatible with most phones, PDAs, MP3 players, GPS and portable gaming systems.
The cons for this unit are that it is not small, the dimensions are 12 x 5.5 x 3.2 inches. Though it is lightwedight at 1.2 pounds.
Original price for this gadget is listed as $99.95 on amazon.com. Though right now Callpod Chargepod Bundle Pack with 6 Adapters (Silver)
is on sale for $47.09 with free shipping.
Jan 26, 2010
Screwpop Multitool - small on the go 4 in 1
In my search for cool new travel gadgets I came across this little tool. It definitly picked my interest as it is at about 5 bucks. And one of the things I like is to find the coolest and useful travel gadget that also do not cost a lot. Hence the Travel gadgets under $50 store.
This 4-in-1 keychain tool features a Philips and flat head screwdriver, 1/4″ hex nut driver and a bottle opener. Keychain freindly and nice to hold. Which is important since you hold your keys everyday and would not want something that is not nice to hold :)
Screwpop 4-in-1 Tool Chrome Plated with Black Tool Bit
This 4-in-1 keychain tool features a Philips and flat head screwdriver, 1/4″ hex nut driver and a bottle opener. Keychain freindly and nice to hold. Which is important since you hold your keys everyday and would not want something that is not nice to hold :)
Screwpop 4-in-1 Tool Chrome Plated with Black Tool Bit
Jan 19, 2010
Scariest Scams of 2009
Today's post is not about travel tech gadgets, but I thought it was important for readers to see this list of some of the most popular scams that are around. Most of these you probably have heard about, though some might have not just yet.
Scariest Scams of 2009
Scariest Scams of 2009
Jan 18, 2010
Hand-Cranked Cell Phone Charger
Continuing with the theme of essential travel gear, I thought this little gadget would be a great idea for most of the travelers. These days almost no one goes anywhere without a cell phone or smartphone. Most of these devices do not have that great of a battery live especially the smartphones. It is rare for the battery to last more than 5 hours at best. If the phone is also used for navigation or game playing the battery live might be much much less. And that is where travel gadgets such as Dynamo Hand-Crank USB Cell Phone Emergency Charger come in. It is small 2.4 x 1.2 x 1.8 inches and its power source is readibly accessible since it is your hands. It allows you to generate sufficient power to recharge a cell phone battery via repeated turns of the handle connected to an internal alternator. It’s designed to work with most cell phones with a USB port. There is also electronic alternatives such as this Emergency Cell Phone Charger, that come with several adapters for various phone types. Though an USB-port would work for most of today's phone and especially smartphones.
Considering these cost under $30 bucks, you could toss one of these in a car and/or a backpack while traveling all over the country
Jan 12, 2010
Make love not landfill
As a follow up to yesterday post regarding usefull travel accessories to take along on a trip, here is a great review of several water bottles that can save you money and help save the planet: Review of the Best BPA-Free Water Bottles
More bpa-free water bottles
Update: Green travel: how to ditch the plastic water bottle
Did you know?:
Bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA, is an organic compound with two phenol functional groups. It is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, along with other applications. A 2010 report from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised further concerns regarding exposure of fetuses, infants and young children. In September 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. - via Wikipedia
More bpa-free water bottles
Update: Green travel: how to ditch the plastic water bottle
Did you know?:
Bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA, is an organic compound with two phenol functional groups. It is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, along with other applications. A 2010 report from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised further concerns regarding exposure of fetuses, infants and young children. In September 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. - via Wikipedia
Jan 11, 2010
Top travel accessories
A compiled list of travel accessories that are good to have anywhere you go:
One of the travel accessories is the travel bag. A good backpack can be usefull for a short overnight travel as well as for a longer journey. With a decent size backpack, you can travel light and avoid the hassle with baggage claims. Compared with shoulder bags or purses, backpacks are better for carrying all that travel gear and supplies because the weight of the pack is evenly distributed across your body and is supported by the strongest muscles in the body: the back and the abdominal muscles.
In additon, a belt bag is good to take along on a longer trip. It is good for carrying cash, credit cards, cellular phone, sunglasses and other items that you would want to keep close. Belt bags are handy for shopping, walking or jogging, sightseeing and more.
Travel map, of course, is an essential accessory for travel. Though nowadays a map would be replaced by a GPS device or a cell phone with navigation features. Even with all of the technology, it would still be a good idea to take a print out along on the trip and a good old compass.
Along the same lines it is also a good idea to pack a small light weight rechargable, if possible, flashlight. You never know if the part of the world you are traveling to all of a sudden has a power outage. Or maybe you just need to find your way around the room or camp ground without waking up everyone around you.
And this leads to another take-along that might be essential on a trip...tissue paper and a sanitizer. Don't get caught without one :)
A water bottle is not only a great accessory to have on a trip but it can also save money and protect your health and invigorate. Instead of purchasing multiple water bottles or drinking from street fountains, a waterbottle would provide clean drinking water that you can fill up from a water filter or at a rest stop. Drinking water is very important. It is even more so on trips when you spend a long time in between stops and walking. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water. Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite. This is important when staying in other countries where the food or the weather might be different and have effect on bodily functions. Moreover, being dehydrated can sap your energy and make you feel tired. It is recommended to drink 8 glasses 8 ounce each a day. I recently found a water bottle that actually keeps track of how much water you have been drinking. Sportline Hydracoach Water Bottles tracks your fluid consumption through the day and motivates you to stay properly hydrated. So drink up and drink a lot while traveling.
Last for this entry, but definitly not least, accessory to always have with you on a trip is any type of a first aid kit. Good items to include in the kit are:
•first-aid manual
•sterile gauze
•adhesive tape and bandages in several sizes
•antiseptic wipes
•antibiotic cream/solution (triple-antibiotic ointment)
•hydrocortisone cream (1%)
•acetaminophen and ibuprofen
•tweezers
•sharp scissors
•safety pins
•disposable instant cold packs
•calamine lotion
•alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
•plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
Jan 7, 2010
Spork - enough said...
..or so you would think. Unless it is a spork made out of titanium. The two most useful properties of the metal form are corrosion resistance and the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It is also one of the strongest metals. In other words it will not stain and it will feel light in your pack and in your hand. Which is a great thing for long overnight camping trips when you already have a whole lot of gear weighing you down.
And as it is for travel and made out of titanium, it makes it a gadget :)
You can get your own for around 10 bucks: Vargo Titanium Spork
Jan 6, 2010
Must Have Gadgets For Travel
An interesting article by Brian R Stephens on tech gadgets that are great to have around when traveling for reasons he mentions below. Though there are lot more and different gadgets I can think of that would make travel more fun, this is a pretty good list....
Any self respecting geek will not leave home without these 5 essential travel gadgets. Why, because no matter where you are in the world you want to have access to a way of having fun, second you want to stop stress in its tracks and third, most important of of all, you do not want to be bored!!!! So there are certain travel accessories you should not leave home without.
Number One - is your Notebook/Laptop computer, pretty much every major and most minor travel ports, be it airports, hotels, service stations etc., will have a wifi hot spot that will give you access to the Internet. Just imagine facing a 4 hour delay without your computer to let you surf the net, answer email or update your facebook page. Please don't tell me that you have no wireless connectivity on your PC because if that is true then you definitely need to get up to speed.
Number Two - is your cell or mobile phone, now this was a very close call to being number 1, because everyone knows these days that you can access the Internet with your Blackberry, Iphone or Nokia. But personally I like the convenience of a decent sized keyboard and monitor when I am accessing the Internet, hence the number 2 position. That said you also have the very necessary facility of being able to communicate with friends and family so maybe this is a joint or actual first place, I'll let you decide.
Number Three - MP3 player, you have just got to have access to your music, doesn't matter if you are on a plane, train, bus or in a car. There are times when you need to favorite tunes. Remember that stress thing I was talking about, pushing a few well known and uplifting tunes through your earpieces is going to block out the annoying little irks out there and make your world a nicer place to be.
Number Four - Your portable hand held gaming device, that could be a Nintendo or PSP. Whichever is your favorite because you don't want to find your self relying on those rubbish games on your cell phone to keep you entertained. No way, you want pucker seriously challenging games that really keep you entertained and the only way to do that is with your own dedicated gaming device.
Number Five - Your projection clock on a keyring. OK this is maybe a little bit of strange choice, but if you have ever been in a hotel room in a wildly different time zone you will understand why I have chosen this. You wake up in the middle of the night, you don't know where you are never mind what time it is, then you come around a bit and with the push of a button you can find out if the next travel stage is imminent or whether you are OK to catch a few more Z's, stress gone and without trying to work out how the clock in the hotel room is set as it seems to be the only one in the world with that particular method of setting the time and the alarm.
Any self respecting geek will not leave home without these 5 essential travel gadgets. Why, because no matter where you are in the world you want to have access to a way of having fun, second you want to stop stress in its tracks and third, most important of of all, you do not want to be bored!!!! So there are certain travel accessories you should not leave home without.
Get your must have gadgets here
There are loads of quality products at very affordable prices to be had right there only a click away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_R_Stephens
Any self respecting geek will not leave home without these 5 essential travel gadgets. Why, because no matter where you are in the world you want to have access to a way of having fun, second you want to stop stress in its tracks and third, most important of of all, you do not want to be bored!!!! So there are certain travel accessories you should not leave home without.
Number One - is your Notebook/Laptop computer, pretty much every major and most minor travel ports, be it airports, hotels, service stations etc., will have a wifi hot spot that will give you access to the Internet. Just imagine facing a 4 hour delay without your computer to let you surf the net, answer email or update your facebook page. Please don't tell me that you have no wireless connectivity on your PC because if that is true then you definitely need to get up to speed.
Number Two - is your cell or mobile phone, now this was a very close call to being number 1, because everyone knows these days that you can access the Internet with your Blackberry, Iphone or Nokia. But personally I like the convenience of a decent sized keyboard and monitor when I am accessing the Internet, hence the number 2 position. That said you also have the very necessary facility of being able to communicate with friends and family so maybe this is a joint or actual first place, I'll let you decide.
Number Three - MP3 player, you have just got to have access to your music, doesn't matter if you are on a plane, train, bus or in a car. There are times when you need to favorite tunes. Remember that stress thing I was talking about, pushing a few well known and uplifting tunes through your earpieces is going to block out the annoying little irks out there and make your world a nicer place to be.
Number Four - Your portable hand held gaming device, that could be a Nintendo or PSP. Whichever is your favorite because you don't want to find your self relying on those rubbish games on your cell phone to keep you entertained. No way, you want pucker seriously challenging games that really keep you entertained and the only way to do that is with your own dedicated gaming device.
Number Five - Your projection clock on a keyring. OK this is maybe a little bit of strange choice, but if you have ever been in a hotel room in a wildly different time zone you will understand why I have chosen this. You wake up in the middle of the night, you don't know where you are never mind what time it is, then you come around a bit and with the push of a button you can find out if the next travel stage is imminent or whether you are OK to catch a few more Z's, stress gone and without trying to work out how the clock in the hotel room is set as it seems to be the only one in the world with that particular method of setting the time and the alarm.
Any self respecting geek will not leave home without these 5 essential travel gadgets. Why, because no matter where you are in the world you want to have access to a way of having fun, second you want to stop stress in its tracks and third, most important of of all, you do not want to be bored!!!! So there are certain travel accessories you should not leave home without.
Get your must have gadgets here
There are loads of quality products at very affordable prices to be had right there only a click away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_R_Stephens
Trying out the Gorilla
