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Showing posts with label tech gadgets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tech gadgets. Show all posts

Jan 2, 2012

Top Gadgets of 1980s

Top Gadgets from the 80's

Only one of these would be good for traveling and that is the Sony Walkman. The original jogging tech companion.



Do you remember any of these? If you do, which ones did you have?
I played the Nintendo for a short while, and also really wanted and later got a Walkman (by Aiwa, do you remember them? :)
Let us know below

Oct 7, 2011

How to Pack Accessories for Travel

Pack like a pro: accessorize



Gadgets in this video that are part of my travel arsenal:
-Combination lock by Samsonite - had on our checked bag on the way back from Cali trip
-Hefty travel bags
-Travel size toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and other personal products. Great for space saving and more room in suitcases on the way back as these would be disposed off by then.
-Canon PowerShot SX120IS

Sep 9, 2011

10 Cool Gadgets Girls Love via GlamChic

10 Cool Gadgets Girls Love:

..Sometimes gadget gifts go over well, and sometimes they don’t, but the trick is—especially when tracking down something special for those hard-to-shop for gals—to get something that’s as stylish as it is useful. (Indeed, that should be your shopping M.O. for just about everything.)..

Rest of article on Glam.com

Sep 8, 2011

Top 5 ways to keep you and your gadgets safe while traveling

I am not going to discuss the storm as there are many posts and tweets about it already. What I will do is tell you about some of great and interesting gadgets that will keep you safe as well as your gadgets while in route.

  One such great gadget is a GPS. It is a great tool while on a road trip as it shows you step by step directions of where to go and knows where you are located in the wilderness of our country. We have been using ours extensively on short and long trips. Recently, we have been musing how we have traveled before without it. On our first trips with my wife, we were using a paper map and it was not easy. During the longest road trip we have taken at that time, my wife let me know that she was not sure how to read the map. We were on the highway at that time by the way, speeding along to somewhere. 

 The GPS could also be used while walking to find your way around town or forrest, as well as while biking and boating. Though while in a boat it would be a great idea to put it in a water proof pouch.

How to Use Your Car GPS in Pedestrian Mode

Keep your gadgets dry and secure:
As we all know water is a top enemy for anything electronic. I know first hand, since I thought that my phone could go swimming in the pool with me. But it was not so. There are many different cases and skins available to protect your electronic gadgets from getting ruined by water. The LifeProof case for iPhone 4 is one such case. It has a super thin and light profile that barely increases the size of your phone, has two parts with a back plate that clips onto the front with a ridge all the way around and secures via a clamp on the bottom edge. It prevents dust, water, and other stuff from getting inside.

Waterproof cases: Amazon collection and REI matrix of waterproof cases

Hold on to your gadgets securely
Handstand iPad case - The Handstand case fits snugly around your iPad -- so far, nothing overly different from other cases on the market. Where the Handstand excels is a neat rotating hand grip on the back of the case. Simply slip your hand through the elastic strap, and you can hold your iPad with just one hand and rotate it in any angle you want. The rotating rear also doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad on a flat surface and angle it up a couple of degrees for watching movies. The whole construction feels very solid, and even when you shake your arms around, your iPad won't budge. - Gadling.com

Keep an eye on your homestead while traveling:
Logitech Alert HD home monitoring system provides peace of mind for you while away with apps for IPhone, IPad, and Android that lets you easily access cameras located at home with secure remote access.

Keep things secure and with you while touring:
Venturesafe 200 bag - a small daypack with a lot of security measures. First of, the shoulder strap is slash-proof and snatch-proof. A thief can’t quickly cut through it with a knife because there is wire mesh inside. The same wire mesh goes through the whole bag as well, so the old trick of slashing the bottom of a pack and taking what’s inside won’t work either. The extra-strong zippers tuck into little pockets so they are hard to reach. This bag has essential compartments for several gadgets, keys, and headphones. Find out more on Pacsafe.com

Keep your laptops secure:
When traveling on business and otherwise with a laptop, you would want it to be where you left it when you come back. Be it in the hotel room or lounge or library. Sooner or later you will get up and leave you laptop alone. You might need to get up to get a napkin, or when nature calls and you need to leave your computer behind to go to the bathroom. Laptop locks attach to your laptop computer equipped with a lock slot. Simply loop the lock around a desk or chair, then insert the lock into your notebook's lock slot and set the combination or lock it with a key. It is a best practice to lock it to something that is bolted down.


12 essential Android security apps
  • McAfee WaveSecure (free)
  • mSecure – Password Manager
  • AppScan Beta (free)
  • Antivirus Free
  • Titanium Backup PRO Key
  • eyeD Biometric Password Manager - iris scanning
  • Kryptos - encryption to scramble smartphone calls
  • MobileMe Find My iPhone - pinpoints your lost
    phone's location online and do a remote data wipe
  • Security Apps That Can Help Recover a Stolen Laptop
  • GadgetTrak - a cross-platform tracking app
  • Hidden - a Mac-specific tracking app
  • Prey - a cross-platform tracking app
  • LoJack for Laptops
  • Laptop Cop
  • Did You Know?:
    Secure Your Stuff: Top Hack-able Passwords (Infographic)





    Aug 23, 2011

    Travel With the Newest Travel Gadgets

    Avoid Travel Chaos With the Newest Travel Gadgets
    By Tate Fontaine

    Everyone loves gadgets but none more so than geeks, and geeks know that there is a gadget out there that will solve every problem life throws their way. Nothing can throw up more problems than travelling. Gadgets are the perfect solution to travel chaos in whatever guise that takes. So take a leaf out of the geek play book and grab yourself a travel geek gadget or two. Here are some ideas to help prepare you for your next adventure.

    Always have some form of entertainment with you. Everyone loves to take good book with them on holiday but the problem is that you are limited by the size of your suitcase. Ebook readers are becoming more and more popular because you can carry with you an entire library for the size of just one paperback. Portable gaming consoles can be essential for long cross country car journeys either for you or for the kids in the back of the car. Portable games consoles have come a long way since the the original 8-bit Nintendo Game Boy came out in 1989. Handheld video game devices now have quite advanced graphics.

    Power is another consideration. The problem with travelling is that your not always within arms reach of a power outlet to charge all your gadgets. Now with the price of photovoltaic solar cells at an all time low solar charges are now very reasonably priced. So now you can always charge your gadgets; even if your at the beach.

    Safety is another important factor to consider while travelling and gadgets can help you with that too. GPS tracking devices are highly recommended if not essential for climbers and off piste skiers. With the simple press of a button your exact GPS location will be broadcast to the emergency services. These are not just another geek gadget but serious bits of kit that could save your life.

    Just because you are away from home does not mean that you can not stay secure. There are some really ingenious gadgets out there to keep your data secure. When travelling it is not always possible to carry around your laptop so you will have to rely on public computers to get work done. You can now carry all your personal data with you wherever you go on a highly secure USB flash drive. Some USB Flash drives now have encryption that the CIA or NSA would envy. Identity theft is on the rise a simple geek gadget like this makes it really easy to stay secure when away from home.

    In this article several topics have been covered; Entertainment, power, safety, and security. These are a few different areas that gadgets can really help you when travelling. No specific gadgets have been mentioned as new gadgets come out all the time.

    If you are going travelling have a look at the travel gadgets over at Geek Gadget.

    Tate Fontaine is a blogger and technology enthusiast. Currently working for a large gadget focused magazine in the US. [http://www.geekgadget.net/]Geek Gadget [http://www.geekgadget.net/Geek_Gadget/17-gadgets-every-geek-needs-this-summer]Newest Travel Gadgets

    Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Avoid-Travel-Chaos-With-the-Newest-Travel-Gadgets&id=3997488] Avoid Travel Chaos With the Newest Travel Gadgets


    Aug 9, 2011

    Road trip to PA with gadgets on board

      Recently, we took a trip to Pennsylvania. We visited Lancaster County and the Amish, and Philadelphia. Neither of us have ever been to Lancaster. I was in Philadelphia once for a few hours and my wife visited Philadelphia when she was very young. When telling folks that we took a mini vacation in PA, the reaction was almost unanimous: "Not exactly the place I would think of when going on a fun getaway." Though it was interesting.
      While Lancaster can be totally a tourist trap, there are ways to plan around that at least some of the times. We did visit the Amish house and farm, with a tour that was very interesting and we found out a lot of information about the lifestyle that have not known previously. We also enjoyed quite a bit of the farm grown food that was available everywhere including homemade ice cream. I would highly recommend sampling some.
      While on our long weekend getaway, we of course had some gadgets along with us. We do not travel anywhere without our point-and-shoot Canon Powershot SX120 and we also had the DSLR for the scenic shots (some pictures below). Since this was a road trip, we had the Garmin Nuvi in the car showing us the way. 
    Other gadgets we packed for our trip were Belkin Mini Surge Protector, which I only recently acquired (Plug in and protect those gadgets), rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries charger, rechargeable lithium battery for DSLR, and media phones. My wife also brought along her Kindle, she does not go anywhere without it.
      The Mini Surge Protector came in very handy in our hotel room in Philadelphia that had only a couple of outlets that were easily accessible. We were able to plug in all of our chargers as well as phones which have the USB connector cable into the Surge Protector and have all the devices ready for the next day of all-day touring the city.  
      Moreover, my wife, avid photographer, told me during the trip how much she liked having rechargeable batteries with us. These batteries are not as susceptible to heat or cold as regular alkaline batteries, hence they have more juice and last longer. She was able to take over 200 shots before they needed to be replaced.
     Overall, it was a fun and educational trip. We saw and learned about the staples of American history as well as glimpses of life many years ago. Had some great cheese steaks, rang bells, and climbed the famous stairs.

    Here are some of photos from the trip: http://traveltechgadgets.blogspot.com/p/photo-album.html
    Photos by Svetik Photography

    Jul 18, 2011

    Plug in and protect those gadgets

    With all these USB devices mentioned in "USB everywhere and anywhere," you need somewhere to plug them in. There is of course the computer or the laptop, though as discussed in the previous post, there are a lot more gadgets these days that utilize USB connectivity. Hotel rooms and airport terminals never seem to have enough power outlets to charge all of the devices.

    Outlets of the future might look like this - in-wall USB Charger, but until then there are gadgets that make it easy to charge your USB device. One such adapter that I recently acquired is the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. It transforms one wall outlet into three outlets just by plug it in. Not only that but it swindles in place so you can adjust to whatever way the outlet is facing to make room for any other devices to plug in. It also has 2 USB chargers built it so that you can easily charge your mobile gadgets without having to drag additional adapters.

    Furthermore, as the name implies, this device also acts as a surge protector, protecting the electronics in your computer from surges in power. As you might already know, a surge in power can be pretty bad especially for a laptop.  It is filled with voltage-sensitive components that a power surge could damage very easily. At the least, this damage will shorten the life of your computer, and it could very easily wipe out all of your saved data or destroy your system. This little device has over 900 joules of surge protection. And it also comes with $75,000 connected equipment warranty. It is definitely coming along with me on the next business trip, even if I have only a couple of gadgets to plug in I would still rather the convenience and peace of mind of the mini surge protector.


    Why good to have on a trip:
    - 3 out of 1 outlets
    - 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking position
    - provides surge protection through all outlets
    - USB outlets for easy plug in and charging
    - compact and lightweight
    - Nice hotel room companion for plugging in the laptop, cell phone, iPod, and iPhone when you only have one  outlet

    Jul 7, 2011

    USB anywhere and everywhere

    USB - Universal Serial Bus, a connection technology for attaching peripheral devices to a computer, providing fast data exchange. These used to be simple and mostly tied to PCs with limited data storage. Not any more.
    USBs are part of many different devices and technologies, though they still serve the same purpose, storing data and connecting peripherals. Most computers come with two or more USB ports. It is very unusual to see anything less. Those are USB connectors, that come in many different types (Types of USB Connectors). These days USB has moved on to many other devices. It is part of new TVs, handheld devices, some phones, tablets, memory storage devices and much more.
    USB flash drives are small and portable. They come in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and even colors. One example is the Transcend Jetflash Rugged USB flash drive. It comes in variety of colors, but most importantly it comes within a rubber casing that can survive shocks, splashes, dust, and drops from several feet. Making it a great storage gadget to take on a trip. It is available with 16 GB of memory to store a ton of travel photos, videos, and more.
    All the gadgets with the USB connection built-in also need to be charged somewhere if the computer is not immediately available such as during traveling. And that is where devices such as the Traveler3USB, come in. With several USB charging ports, it allows travelers the ability to charge cell phone, MP3 Players and other portable devices easily and quickly. Though if traveling abroad don't forget to also take along a Travel Power Plug Adapter compatible with voltage in country where you are traveling.
    A green alternative to charging your devices on the go is the Lenmar Solar Powerport USB battery charger. As the name implies this portable charger can power any USB-compatible cell phone or media player from a 3-hour solar charge. Hopefully your travels will take you to places with at least that much of sunshine available to keep your gadgets juiced and ready for use.
    For more demanding gadgets such as tablets and netbooks, there is high-powered though still compact travel charger and battery back up. XeMilo from Revolve (revolveusa.com/index.php?p=1_55_xeMilo) has a 4,400 mAh built-in battery that can be powered from outlets or from the sun. Making it a powerful yet eco-friendly travel gadget.
    Another type of device utilizing USB storage is a voice recorder flash drive. One example is the Sony ICD-UX71 Digital Voice Recorder. This gadgets are small, easy to use since they come with simple functions. No software to install. No cables or batteries to worry about. Depending of amount of storage, can capture audio up to 40 hours. It also can be used to store MP3s and other media. Great to have on a business trip or an exploration.

    Update 07/08/11: Today stumbled across a new cool USB gadget, Ice Cube-inspired Topaz Desk USB Lamp. Check out more info about it here.

    USB Battery Chargercharge two AA Batteries in four to six hours while on a computer or plugged into wall outlet adapter. Just plug the power station into any USB Port and the LED light will blink while the batteries are charging and turn off when they are fully charged. The USB Battery Charger has a safety circuit that prevents overcharging.

    Some interesting USB flash drive designs:

    Mimobot x DC Comics Hal Jordan USB Drive Capacity: 2 GB

    Jul 2, 2011

    The secret is out ... Comfortable in-flight Travel supplies

    While flying to the business meeting that I mentioned in the previous post, I got reaffirmation just how uncomfy airplanes can be. It is especially more so these days with a lot less extras available on planes. There were no blankets on the seats, no giving out of headphones to listen to music and or videos. We did get a tiny bag of peanuts and pretzels.
    Awhile back I came across Magellan's site that has a large variety of travel supplies. It has clothing, accessories, gadgets, trial-size items, guides, and much more. The latest portion of the site that I found is the Get Comfortable En Route collection. It is an awesome gathering of things that would make a flight a lot more comfortable, clean, dry, and relaxing. As part of its listings this collection, of course, also has headphones. I have mentioned noise-canceling headphones in several of my entries (10 Travel Gadgets for the warm weather travel, Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?, How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work?) and just how much of a benefit they are for a relaxing and more enjoyable flight.
    Travel Pillow is a great idea to have along to not strain your neck or end up on someone's shoulder while relaxing or taking a nap. I have one and usually take it with me for a long flight, though I did forget it for this one.
    On the flight back home, the plane did not even have a built in video player in the back of the seat. So it was up to you to entertain yourself and hopefully you have some airplane travel gadgets. I had a laptop with me that provided something to do and get good use out of the time, however it did not last long as the battery was drained. So having a portable multimedia player is also a great idea to have. And once I upgrade my phone from a media phone to a smart phone when I am up for a renewal, I will have multimedia player with me anywhere I go. Can't wait. Though for now, it was a good book and some Sudoku puzzles the rest of the flight

    Other great collections:
    Ease Airport Security Checks
    Getaway Essentials
    Packing For Carry On


    Jul 1, 2011

    Make boring business trip and meeting more exciting

    This week I was on a business trip for a great big small company sales conference.

    While out and about one of the sales reps pleasantly surprised everyone when she turned on some music. It was surprising since the music was loud and for the most part clear, yet it was not coming from a boombox. It was from an iPhone that was connected, at least at that time, to a set of small rectangular speakers. Quite a few people were interested to find out what kind of speakers those are and how come she had them with her on a business trip. Her answer was very interesting and both cool regarding the gadget and insightful regarding its application.
    The speakers that she had along were Jawbone JAMBOX. The 12-ounce box can produce extreme high and low frequencies from a small dome speaker. The Jambox promises up to 10 hours of continuous play. She brings this little gadget, which is about 6x2x2 inches, to meetings with clients. That is such a great idea. What is a better way to lighten up a mood of another business meeting and break the ice than with some good music. Music revitalizes, divert, and entertains. The client coming into the room with one expectation, but a greeted with a much better one.
    This speakers can be connected either through Bluetooth or wires. Since the sales person already has her iPhone with her at all times, her music is also there waiting to be released. It makes a great accessory for a trip to lighten the mood and share the tunes.

    Comment below and let us know if you use any gadgets to entertain the clients or yourself that might be a bit of a different tune

    Why good to have on a trip:
    - compact size
    - great sound
    - easy connectivity, can be used with no wires
    - music lightens the mood and great to share

    Did You Know?:
    Music has the ability to strengthen or weaken emotions. It can calm, inspire or energize you. It transcends language, culture, gender and age. Music affects us whether we know it or not. Music can help you concentrate or distract.

    Jun 22, 2011

    New gadget by US Government and what you need to know about it

    In the last couple of years, State Department has started issuing E-Passports. Anyone applying or renewing their passport will now receive these technologically enhanced travel document.
    E-passport has a RFID chip on its front, you can see the comparison pictures below of previous version of the passport and new. It also has more colorful pages inside.
    I got one of those when I renewed my passport. It was brand spanking new with hard cover pretty pictures inside, though not of me, and the extra technology. It a cool feature that allows for easy and faster access to information and getting through passport check. However, with new technology there is also concern of digital information being a target for not so scrupulous folks. Here are some details of that the new features are and how the work for the new passports

    What is an Electronic Passport?
    An Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) embedded in the back cover. The chip stores:
    - The same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport;
    - A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry;
    - The unique chip identification number; and
    - A digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.


    The special features of an Electronic Passport are:
    - Securely stored biographical information and digital image that are identical to the information that is visually displayed in the passport;
    - Contactless chip technology that allows the information stored in an Electronic Passport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance; and
    - Digital signature technology that is used to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. This technology is commonly used in credit cards and other secure documents using integrated circuits or chips.

    How does the ePassport work?
    The chip in the ePassport is a proximity contactless chip that must be held within ten centimetres of a reader in order to be read. Moreover, the data on the chip cannot be accessed unless the machine-readable zone on page 2 has first been read, which means that the passport book must be open. It is therefore extremely unlikely that the data stored on the chip could be read without the knowledge of the passport holder.

    Border authorities equipped with ePassport readers will insert the traveller's ePassport into a scanner, which will read the machine-readable zone, thereby opening the chip so that it can be read as well. The machine also checks other security features, such as the country's signature. Border authorities who are not equipped with ePassport readers will continue to examine travellers' passports as they do now.

    Will the ePassport contain any kind of tracking device?
    No. The chip in the ePassport is passive, which means that it does not have a power source. It cannot transmit signals over long distances. An ePassport reader must be held within 10 centimetres of an open passport book before it can capture the information on the chip. The ONLY information that is on the chip is the information from page 2 of the passport. The chip does not transmit or record any other information.

    Why good to have on a trip:
    - Automated identity verification;
    - Faster immigration inspections; and
    - Greater border protection and security

    Did You Know?:
    Old version
    New Version






    Jun 4, 2011

    Top 10 travel gadgets for Dad on the go

    1.Portable laptop/tablet
    Laptops are getting smaller and lighter and if you can you should bring one along. With a laptop you can go online, read emails, check Facebook, watch movies, store photos and videos. They are convenient to have period. And now with the tablet it is even easier to take one on a trip.

    Laptop/tablet reviews:
    http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,9,00.asp
    http://www.consumersearch.com/laptops/compare
    http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,2358246,00.asp


    2. i/Android Phone
    Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)A smart phone lets you access travel tools such as emails, maps, GPS, compass, check the Internet for hotel and restaurant reviews etc.
    The iPhone/Pad/Pod is essential for killing time while traveling on buses, trains, and airplanes. With amount of apps available these days for these and Android phones you can keep everyone entertained for ours, find useful information, and simply find and listen to music while on a trip.


    3. Travel related Apps
    (NOTE: Language packs must be purchased from within the app)
    Wi-Fi Finder - Instantly find Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are online or offline(free)
    FlightTracker - Live Flight Status Tracker
    Currency Converter- up-to-date exchange rate information for over 100 currencies and countries(free)
    Spanish Phrasebook630 spoken phrases
    Google TranslateTranslate words and phrases between more than 50 languages
    TripIt - Travel organizer (free)
    GasBaggas price finding applications (free)
    Shazamquickest and easiest way to discover more about music, identify the track, buy it, check out the videos, get the lyric
    Gowallasocial travel guide and passport on your phone (free)
    Truphonetransforms your 2nd or 3rd generation iPod Touch into a phone (free, though rate charges apply)


    4.Noise-Cancelling Headphones
    Music just makes the day go faster and helps you immerse in your own world and your relaxation. Give your dad a music interlude with comfortable and stylish noise-cancelling headphones to provide him with some uninterrupted personal time.

    Noise-cancelling headphones give the ability to listen to what they want while avoiding outside interference and help reduce the risk of hearing impairment as well. These headphones also provide excellent music quality. With high sensitivity, excellent impedance and a wide frequency range. Frequent travelers consider noise-cancelling headphones a necessity rather than a luxury. This gadget would be something that is at the top of the list of things to take along on flight or ride. They can:
    - reduce the whoosh of airplanes' ac and engines
    - tune out snoring neighbors
    - drown out kid noise
    - just help you tune out

    Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?

    Cool Find of Today: How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work?

    Camelbak Better 0.75L Bottle, Tangerine5. Water bottle 
    Reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated during the trip, keeps the liquid cool, and can be used over and over instead of buying and carrying multiple water bottles. Hence these bottles save money, space and weight. And they also help save our planet.
    It is well known that to avoid waterborne creepy crawlies you should not drink tap water in places where you are not sure about its quality. Having a reusable water bottle with you instead, you can fill it up at a hotel or other sources of safe drinking water before heading out.
    Also bottled water available for purchase has a significant impact on the environments we visit. A better choice and also much cheaper would be to take a reusable water bottle. That combined with a water purifier would make travel more budget-friendly, healthier, as well as eco-friendly.


    Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD6. Compact Digital Camera
    A digital camera is probably the most essential travel tool so make sure you have one ready for your next trip.
    When going on longer trips or tours, that would be better taken in without a lot of bags to drag around, it is great to take along a point-and-shoot camera. As mentioned in post Rechargeable batteries charger - saves money saves planet, it is more convenient to have a digital camera as well as rechargeable batteries. Some small cameras nowadays can take great shots that are almost as good as some semi-pro ones. Get your dad ready for the trip and his stint as a photo journalists with a digital camera with a 10x (or there about) optical zoom to have some great resolution memories. It would also be great to have a little folding tripod like the one from Gorillapod with the digital camera. Gorillapod is a very bendy tripod. It goes just about anywhere with its flexible legs that can wrap around objects and let you take pictures without having to hold the camera. This way you can get a whole shot of the family without leaving dad behind the camera.

    7. GPS
    One of the most annoying things about going on vacation is getting lost. If you've never been to the area and aren't good at reading a map, then consider taking along a GPS. You'll be surprised at the number of options that you have for a GPS device. You'll find a number of pocket size, easy to use options in GPS, with more coming out every year. There's no excuse to get lost anymore!

    Belkin Conserve Valet F7C008q Energy-Saving USB Charging Station
    8. Charging pad/pod
    Most travelers are taking along a cell phone on their trips nowadays. A cell phone charger could certainly come in handy if your battery runs out and you aren't near your hotel, right? There are options for cell phone chargers that using hand crank technology, and an even smaller option that uses 1 AA battery to charge up your cell phone for a full 5 minutes of use. That should be long enough to call the hotel and get directions back to it or to call a taxi.
    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.
    Charging pad - lets you charge multiple electronics at once without having to plug all of them in an outlet. Only the charging pad gets plugged in and all other gadgets are placed on top of it. The devices are charged using inductive charging. It is a wireless charging method used for mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs

    Elgin Travel Alarm Clock With Digital Photo Frame, Black9. Digital Travel Clock & Photo Frame
    Foldable digital travel clocks are great to have as you can set them up ahead of time and would not need to figure out the ones provided in the hotel rooms each time you travel. Dad can tote these with him wherever he goes as they are light and some can be set for multiple time zones. Perfect solution for the dad who travels a lot.
    Moreover, the digital clocks with photo frames are great gift for dad or other frequent travelers so that they can always keep photos of their friends and family with them as the picture viewer comes built into the clock. Upload your favorite family photos and wake up to them every morning no matter where you are in the world


    Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Red10. Swiss Army knife
    Swiss Army knife - its a classic multi-tool. Everything you need and more within one device. The basic models include a blade, scissors, nail file with a screwdriver tip, tweezers, and a key ring. Now it also comes with tech gadgets such as USB, flashlight, digital clock and thermometer. Dad would be glad to have this gadget along (make sure it travels in checked-in luggage) on a trip as it can be very handy in numerous situations and make him feel like a regular Macgyver. Check out multiple versions on SwissArmy site http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/default.aspx?category=multitools&

    Did You Know?:
    With regular headphones you have to turn the volume up several decibels to drown out the noise around you. Even raising the music a few decibels can cause permanent significant damage to hearing.

    May 24, 2011

    Earn Cash for Gadgets With Trade-In Programs

    Here is a list of current trade-in programs:

    (via laptopmag.com)

    Amazon
    www.amazon.com/trade-in

    One of the latest to enter the tech trade-in fray, online retailer Amazon recently expanded its trade-in service to include gadgets such as tablets, phones, MP3 players, and cameras. Users looking to get rid of old gear will receive reimbursement in the form of store credit deposited directly into their Amazon accounts. The site sends you a box and a label to cover the cost of shipping.

    BuyBackWorld
    www.buybackworld.com

    BuyBackWorld covers the basics, letting you sell old gadgets or donate them for recycling if they’re not worth anything. When you visit the site you’re greeted by a video avatar, which offers the basic directions. This site looks the least professional in terms of the design, but it also offers a referral program where you can make $10 for every $100 worth of electronics that one of your friends sells.

    BuyMyTronics
    www.buymytronics.com

    This site will accept cell phones, smartphones, digital cameras, MP3 players, eReaders, game consoles, GPS devices, and all Apple products. BuyMyTronics promises to wipe all personal data before the devices are recycled. The service covers the cost of shipping and then pays you via check or PayPal. BuyMyTronics also offers a unique fundraising option; the site will send you a giant box that you could place, say, in the middle of an office space. People can then deposit their old gadgets in the donation box. When you’re done, you mail it in using the pre-paid shipping labels. You can then have the funds sent directly to your charity of choice, along with a 5-percent bump, courtesy of BuyMyTronics.

    Gazelle
    www.gazelle.com

    Thanks to an aggressive advertising campaign and excellent service, Gazelle is the most prominent company in this space; it handles the trade-in program for Walmart, where you can get store credit for your old gadgets. In addition to buying your gadgets (everything from laptops and eReaders to Blu-ray players and video games) for cash, Gazelle allows you to send them in for recycling. However, the service won’t pay for shipping if your device is worth less than $1.

    The site also has a charitable side. You can organize a gadget drive, where a group donates its old gadgets to Gazelle, with the proceeds from the sales going to a charity of your choosing. And if you’re in Boston, you can drop off the gadget directly at the Gazelle office.

    NextWorth
    www.nextworth.com

    Helpfully, NextWorth offers in-store drop-off. You can take your used cell phones, cameras, game consoles, DVDs, and other gear into one of 850 more than Target stores nationwide, and exchange them on the spot for either a gift card or store credit. If you’re in range of a Target, it’s hard to beat that level of convenience.

    YouRenew
    www.yourenew.com

    YouRenew offers the basics in the cash-for-gadgets space, and its claim to fame is that it’s the “easiest, fastest, and greenest way to turn your old electronic devices into cash.” If your gadget isn’t worth anything, or if you don’t want any money, you can simply turn it in and recycle it. For every device YouRenew takes in, the company lets you choose between a donation to Carbonfund.org (one metric ton of carbon offset per 20 recycled devices) or Americanforests.org (one planted tree for every four YouRenew customers who choose this option). YouRenew also offsets all its carbon emissions through CO2stats.com.

    Did You Know?:
    Some of the recycled gadgets get refurbished and donated to schools, armed forces, or 3rd world countries. Additional info on recycling your no longer needed gadgets: Recycling Old Gadgets

    Apr 19, 2011

    Top 25 GIfts Under $50

    http://www.laptopmag.com/review/roundups/top-25-under-50.aspx - a list from Laptopmag of cool gadgets for travel and other gift ideas

    Our favorites:

    Bedol Water Clock
    For the jaded gadget geek who thinks he's seen everything, this 6.5-inch clock runs on H20. It converts ions from ordinary tap water into electrical power that'll keep the hands spinning for three months or more before a refill is needed.
    Why good to have on a trip:
    - no batteries.
    - water available in most countries, even if not clean or drinkable

    Belkin Conserve Valet
    Kill four volt-sucking chargers at once with this four-device USB smart-charging station. Once all your gadgets are fully juiced, the Valet shuts down so no power is drained needlessly. To eliminate spaghetti cables, the cords wrap around the unit itself.
    Why good to have on a trip:
    - less wires and less plugs
    - keeps your gadgets powered up all at the same time

    Energizer Energi To Go SP1000
    All you need is light--artificial or solar--to keep this portable charger full and, therefore, any cell phone or MP3 player powered. The 1000-mAh lithium polymer battery can be solar-filled up to 500 times, and two free TipFit connectors a year from Energizer.
    Why good to have on a trip:
    - light is available, especially when traveling to warm sunny destination
    - keeps all the gadgets charged

    Naftali Easy2Pick Wireless Luggage Finder System
    For all those with lookalike black luggage, this wireless tag system alerts forgetful loved ones via a blinking red LED on the keychain when their bag is within 90 feet - on the carousel someplace. It also works in reverse: Use the luggage tag to help locate lost keys.
    Why good to have on a trip:
    - no straining neck to look for luggage on carousel
    - no picking up strangers luggage just because it looks like yours
    - find luggage and/or keys

    ThinkGeek Guitar Shirt
    Seriously, it's a T-shirt with a playable guitar on it. Connect a shirt to a belt-clipped amp/speaker (four AAA), or jack into to a real amp. The guitar neck detaches like Velcro for washing. There are also drum and keyboard shirts coming to complete your T-shirt family band.
    Why good to have on a trip:
    - its fun and could be cool

    Apr 11, 2011

    10 Travel Gadgets for the warm weather travel

    10. Digital Luggage Scale - an essential gadget for today's traveler. Take the guesswork out of packing and avoid paying extra fees by finding out luggage weight before check-in.

    9. Charging pad - lets you charge multiple electronics at once without having to plug all of them in an outlet. Only the charging pad gets plugged in and all other gadgets are placed on top of it. The devices are charged using inductive charging. It is a wireless charging method used for mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs.

    8. Joby Gorilla pod - Gorillapod is a very bendy tripod composed of more than two dozen plastic “leg joints” that once connected to your camera’s tripod mount hole can be twisted around and secured to virtually any surface

    7. Noise canceling headphones - Music just makes the day go faster and helps you immerse in your own world and your relaxation.
    more here:
    Gadget that would be considered a must have by frequent travelers
    Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?

    6. Swiss Army knife - its a classic multi-tool. Everything you need and more within one device. Now it also comes with tech gadgets such as USB, flashlight, digital clock and thermometer. (Traveller Lite)

    5. Reusable water bottle - keeps you hydrated during the trip, keeps the liquid cool, and can be used over and over instead buying and carrying multiple water bottle. Hence these bottles save money space and weight. And they also help save our planet.
    How to take care of reusable water bottle
    Review of the Best BPA-Free Water Bottles
    Green travel: how to ditch the plastic water bottle

    4. 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)

    3. Digital Camera - an essential gadget on any trip. A good camera will give you great resolution shots and memories

    2. E-reader - These gadgets hold multiple books and magazines within one small light package. No more dragging multiple heavy books on a trip. They also come with wi-fi and a web browser included.

    1. Smartphone - Built in gps, cameras, emailing and texting, Apps with maps, directions, games, reviews and recommendations. Needless to say these phones make a great companion on any trip.

    Did You Know?:
    Travel Tip: Avoiding International Roaming Charges

    Mar 29, 2011

    Gadget that would be considered a must have by frequent travelers

    This morning I came across a review on Gadling.com that talks about active noise canceling headphones and that this gadget would be something that is at the top of the list of things to take along on flight by most frequent fliers. As I have been raving about headphones as a great feature to have on a trip or otherwise, I think this would be an interesting read as they go in depth on how this headphones actually work to cancel out the outside noise

    "Review: Denon AH-NC800 active noise canceling headphones"

    Why good to have on trip:
    - reduce the whoosh of airplanes' air-conditioning systems
    - tune out snoring neighbors
    - tune out kid noise
    - just tune out
    - no need to crank up the volume, leads to reduced ear fatigue

    SeatGuru also has a pretty good review of headphones for traveling: Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review


    Mar 24, 2011

    For when you have 10 or more devices charging at once ... charging pad

    Latest News: the newest entry into the charging pad market is Qi by Energizer. With no magnets to line up or secret spot to find, you don't have to be precise about how or where you set your phone down on the two large areas on the charging station. The drawback, at least for now is that the phones have to have a correct Qi-enabled sleeve

    While checking in on my twitter feeds earlier today, I noticed a post, below, by @geekbabe, who I have been following for awhile and has some great posts.
    - "Ok I have 10 devices charging, seriously 10, all with cords, there isn't a spare outlet anywhere"
    What came to mind as soon as I read it was "charging pad." It is a relatively new cool gadget that lets you charge multiple electronics at once without having to plug all of them in an outlet. Only the charging pad gets plugged in and all other gadgets are placed on top of it. The devices are charged using inductive charging. It is a wireless charging method used for mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs. Once the contact points come in contact with the conductive surface of the charging pad, a small current moves through the coils of the charging pad, creating a small magnetic field which is gathered by the contact points of the adapter and converted into energy. The energy gathered is transferred to the device's battery as efficiently as if the device were connected to a wall socket with its regular wired adapter.
    This method has already been utilized successfully in several household items such as electric toothbrushes and waterproof vibrating razors. It is in early stages of being used for charging phones and such but is showing promise in de-cluttering the desktops surfaces. These are also great for traveling as a lot of them fold up or roll up to fit into small space and keep your gadgets charging one space for easier pack up.

    Here is what others are saying about the charging mats:
    CNET - Powermat Review:
    "Though we reviewed the Powermat Home and Office Mat, the Portable Mat serves the same purpose but with a compact, foldable design. We updated this review on April 2, 2010, to reflect further testing.
    If you had told us five years ago that innovation was coming in cell phone chargers, we wouldn't have believed you. Our response would have been, "What's the point?" We're perfectly happy with the wall charger that came in the box."

    PC Mag - Duracell MyGrid Review:
    "Pros - Can charge up to four devices at once. Long list of compatible devices. Little extra weight on phone.
    Cons - Expensive. Finicky connections.
    Bottom Line - The Duracell MyGrid Charging Pad is a convenient way to charge all your gadgets without a mess of wires, but it can be frustratingly finicky."



    UPDATE: 

    I have been looking more into these. And after reading quite a few reviews, articles, and see video demonstrations  I think that while that is a great gadget and just tossing the phone on a charging pad seems like a dream come true, it still has quite of bit of development to undergo. Charging pads have very useful features and great potential for making it easier to charge multiple gadgets, clean up desktop, and decrease amount of wires.  Though it is still has quite a way to go before it becomes something that anyone would use. Currently, with the multitude of adapters needed and the time and effort of setting these up, I think that a few of the earlier adopters would consider buying these and using them.
    Here are some reviews of various charging pads for you to decide:

    What do you think, are these ready for mainstream or need more development?

    Travel Gadgets