Keep your travels neat during and after

Update: There is an app for it, and its free. I came across the article below about an app that lets you record and snap photos of receipts to create monthly/annual reports. This app is available for multiple smartphone operating systems, quick to input and import receipts and such into accounting software. And its free.

App of the Week: Track Your Expenses – For Free

This week's cool gadget is Portable Scanner.

This gadget I have come across on several occasions. Mostly in really good advertisements that got my attention. Ok, maybe they were not that great, but I did notice them as someone who is into gadgets and read through and then read up a bit more about it on the site.
The first one of this type I came across was NeatReceipts. I really like what it promised. All of the receipts that I have all over the desk and then "neatly" put a way in a filing case would instead be scanned onto my computer and then I can organize them whatever way I want in digital format. Moreover, since these are now digitized they can be inputted into accounting software or simple data sheet. That is awesome, as that would make it much easier to see what we have spent on and create tracking for the various little purchases. You can also scan business cards and such to keep digital copy of and create pdf files and contact lists.
NeatReceipts is USB-powered, slick at only 14 inches width x 4 inches height and weighs 1.6 pounds, comparable with both PC and Mac, which makes it great for traveling since it fits easily into laptop bag or a backpack.
That is all great, though the thing that kept me away from this gadget is the price. NeatReceipts goes for around 200 dollars. While its a nice tool to have to organize receipts and such, my current filing system works and it cost me about $5, the price of the plastic filing folder.
The other portable scanner I came across was CopyCat Portable Scanner. By dragging your hand across a piece of paper you able to digitize a document into picture file on the Micro SD card in the scanner. It can scan photos, magazines, typed documents, and more. Text processing software also enables you to edit any words scanned. This one is a bit less, but still a pricey gadget.

What do you think? Would this be a good travel gadget purchase or should be left in the office?

Why good to have on a trip:
- easily scan receipts, instead of having a pile somewhere in the bag
- able to create data sheets, reports, and other documents
- easy tracking of small and large purchases
- light and compact
- easily connects to any computer

Did You Know?: IRS accepts digital versions of receipts, bills or other tax deduction documents.
Publication 552 - "Electronic records. All requirements that apply to hard copy books and records also apply to electronic storage systems that maintain tax books and records. When you replace hard copy books and records, you must maintain the electronic storage systems for as long as they are material to the administration of tax law."

Travel Gadgets: Gear for Getting Ready

Travel resolutions for the New Year

And just in case you are wondering about the first travel gadgets depicted in the slideshow, I know I was, here is the description for the product:

"Scalex Map Wheel -Easily calculate distances between two points on a globe or map with the Scalex MapWheel digital measuring device. Simply enter the scale that matches your map and roll the MapWheel along the route you wish to measure to instantly display the distance in miles, kilometers, or nautical miles. Perfect for use by boaters, RV users, campers, map enthusiasts, or any travelers. Also great for when you are traveling on the road and wish to calculate the shortest route on your road map. The map wheel is also a great classroom educational tool to assist in the teaching of scale and distance on maps."

Top 10 Travel Gadgets and Tools

By Matt Ahl on ezinearticles.com

1. Smartphone. If you don't already own one you can get an iPhone, Blackberry or HTC. A smart phone lets you access travel tools such as emails, maps, GPS, compass, check the Internet for hotel reviews etc.

2. Digital Camera. You can't go on a holiday without a camera. A digital camera is probably the most essential travel tool so make sure you have a good one ready for the Kodak moments.

3. Video Camera. Another essential travel gadget and requires no further introduction. Nowadays most smartphones and digital cameras come with high quality video cameras.

4. USB memory stick. Lets you access and store documents and photos.

5. Universal power plug adaptor. Is an essential tool as it provides mating compatibility for most countries in the world.

6. Portable DVD player. Lets you watch movies and TV shows on the go and is a great companion when being stuck on an airplane for hours and hours.

7. Tablet computer. This is a hybrid between a smartphone and a laptop computer. The iPad and the Amazon Kindle are the most popular ones. This gadget lets you read ebooks and news, watch movies, go online etc.

8. MP3 player. The iPod is essential for killing time while traveling on buses, trains, and airplanes.

9. Portable laptop. 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.

10. Gaming console. Nintendo DS or PSP are the most popular ones. This is another great travel gadget for killing time while travelling.