Best Travel Gadgets for Spring 2014

Best Travel Gadgets for Spring 2014

Believe it of not, Spring is coming. With the weather that has been around this winter in the Northeast, most folks can't wait for warmer temperatures. Though winter keeps holding on, with below freezing temperatures still around in March.

Get yourself ready and look forward to Spring travel with these cool travel gadgets:

Water proof digital camera
We used to have the Panasonic Lumix (Travel Essentials of Nearcation, Two Year Wedding Anniversary - we were traveling and Fun in Dominican Sun). And while it was great for awhile and we took everywhere we traveled including water and land excursions, the viewfinder did not last as long as the rest of the camera. It kept getting water inside and foggy. Recently, we got the Olympus Stylus TG-830 iHS Digital Camera. It is as functional and durable as previous camera. It is light and takes great pictures in different settings. It is yet to stand the test of our travels, though that is coming up soon.

Rechargeable batteries
I wrote about the benefits of rechargeable batteries as well as about our favorite, Eneloop rechargeable batteries and charger, a few times. See here: Rechargeable batteries charger - saves money saves planet. And I stick to it. It is a great idea to take a long these type of batteries on long or short trip.

TP-LINK Wi-Fi Range Extender and Router
Travel size wireless router can be used in your hotel room to hook up to wired internet and enable WiFi in your room for all of your gadgets. While at a hotel, or home, that already has a WiFi connection, this device can also provide a boost to the signal so your connection is faster and stronger.
I got this one a couple months back and after initial set up it easy and quick to use to give a boost to the signal to rooms further away from the router. In our travels we have on several occasions encountered lodging facilities that advertised free WiFi to only later find out if works within a few feet of the main location. This device would be great in these situations to get the better connection in your room.

Noise-isolating Headphones
Very few, if any, people travel without some type of headphones these days. Especially, the younger generation. Check out Travel Gadgets at the Sochi Olympics 2014 for some examples. So a great pair of noise-canceling headphone can go a long way on a Spring getaway.
As of late, I have noticed on my commute a lot more ladies wearing over the ears type of headphones. I know there were plenty who wore these prior, but the frequency has definitively increased. I wonder if it because the headphones are not much lighter than they used to be, much more mainstream and accessible in terms of price and design, and are more functional. I remember when the in-ear ones gained popularity, they were marketed as headphone you do not have to wear on top of your head, though that does not seem as much of a negative anymore.
If you wear these and/or know of any other reasons for the change, please let us know

For a limited time, up to 70% off on select Headphones!

Powerbag Sling Bag with Battery
Traveling light is almost always a best option. It is especially true during Spring break when there are more folks stirring around. A great way to pack light is to get most of the stuff into your carry-on suitcase and have the rest in your personal bag. And these multi-functioning bags are essential on the plane and when touring. You can pack all of your gadgets, snacks, peripherals and other knickknacks into them. And you will have easy access to your goods while en route and keep them safe and secure, and even charged with a Powerbag Backpack type of travel bag.

Some Other Great Travel Gadgets as noted by our readers:

Kindle Fire HD 7" with HD Display and Wi-Fi


Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids


Belkin SurgePlus 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger & Surge Protector




Sound-off: What are you packing along for your Spring getaway? Let us know below


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It's Official - We have a new addition

It's Official - We have a new addition

Our little girl has arrived last month into the world. She, as her parents, is an Aquarius.

She is our bundle of joy and I cannot wait  to start traveling with her. I and my wife are already building out a list in out heads of fun destinations where we would like to go and show to her. The experience I am sure would be quite different, to see the places through child's wonder.

Though come to think of it, she did start on her world tripping already. While in her mom's belly, she went to upstate New York, Bermuda, and Delaware. So she is already a traveler, even before her passport arrives.

My wish is for her to see more of the world than both of her parents combined. I believe that there is no better education than experiencing different lands and cultures.

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New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets - March

New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets

Smartphones To Be Used As Room Keys
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/01/smartphones-to-be-used-as-room-keys-in-starwood-hotels-new-pilot-program
New Pilot Program at Starwood Hotels will test out using guests' smartphones as their room keys. As long as you have your smartphone, your room key will be with you as well. Great idea since most if not all travelers are tethered to their phones.

Motorola’s Google Smartwatch Prototype
http://www.ibtimes.com/google-watch-leaks-online-motorola-nexus-gem-smartwatch-prototype-photos-released-1557959
Scrapped after sale of Motorola in favor of LG Electronics and the developments between these two companies.

The world’s first wireless smart in-ear headphones

The Dash in-ear headphones have 4GB of storage which translates to about 1,000 songs. With so much music saved right into your headphones, you do not even need to take your phone along for a run. It also has an accelerometer to keep track of your steps and distance during a workout, heart and temperature monitors, and more. Dash headphones are Bluetooth comparitible and can connect with most wireless gadgets. It comes with an app that lets you track your workout, measure your vitals, and keep track of your goals. It is currently in funding stage on Kickstarter, and looks likely to go mainstream.

Automotive Tech
Next few years will see quite a bit of new technologies within vehicles. Peugeot have brought a new hybrid combination, teaming up hydraulics with a conventional gasoline engine, powering the car partially by air.
Driverless cars are being experimented with by several different manufacturers, from Audi to GM. With latest sensors, the cars would be able to tell their own location based on multitude of factors as they are en route. The other trend is for electronic city vehicles that are more nimble and require less space and fueling.
More prevalent technology and the one that is now being build into more new models is connected vehicle infrastructure. Your car becomes a hub for your connection to music, entertainment, phone, texts, and social media. With Siri and WiFi as part of the navigation, automobile is the mobile hot spot of the future.

Helmets as a Pop-Up

When not in use it looks like a bulky neck piece scarf. Hoving bicycle helmet is a newest travel gadget that helps protect you in case of an accident while on a ride. It is made out of "ultra-strong nylon fabric that won’t rip when scraped against the ground. Hövding protects nearly all of the head, while leaving the field of vision open."
Scarfs are more and more a fashion statement not just in winter, but throughout the year and for multitude of folks. Hovding pop-out helmet makes for a great accessory as they come in many different colors. See their official page for options www.hovding.com. The shell of the helmet can be interchanged so you can match it to your outfit.

Camera that will not let you get lost

A new concept camera design is targeting travelers as its main audience. In an unfamiliar city, while you can snap away all of the great sights and monuments that you will see, this camera also will help guide you to your next stop or to your hotel. Travelling Companion Panorama, as it is called currently, has a unique design that is a mix between a see-through tablet and a current camera.

First Commercial Jetpack Set to Arrive this Year
http://interestingengineering.com/first-commercial-jetpack-set-to-arrive-this-year

Some gadgets that are the opposite - will be fading as the cool new ones proliferate:

Blackberry Smartphone - the company and its hardware line are on life support. They are out sold by all other large players in the market. Even there newest software is not helping them stay afloat

Did you know that the Apple iPod is now over 12 years old! iPod classic is a thing of the past and in gadget history as well as hall of fame.

Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below

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Review - (my new) Glove.ly Touchscreen Gloves

Glove.ly Touchscreen Gloves

I first wrote about these gloves in the post Best Winter Gadgets to Keep Warm and Entertain. As soon as I discovered and checked them out, I ended up buying the Glove.ly Touchscreen Gloves. I rarely make a quick, 'on a whim', purchase decisions. But for this one I was glad I did as soon as I received them.
When I put them on, they felt very plush soft inside. They are quite light and do not feel like regular warm gloves that are on heavier side. And these gloves are warm. I usually have to look for gloves that keep my hands warm for quite some time, and these held up through the very cold weather we have been having. I even ended up cleaning my car from snow in them one of the times and, while they got quite wet, my hands stayed warm.

The gloves are also very flexible. Since they feel light, it is very easy to move your fingers naturally in them. My leather gloves with lining are tough to bend as most gloves that are thicker and warm.

In addition to all of that, Glove.ly gloves are also touchscreen friendly. Which means you do not need to take them off to use your smartphone. They have a fabric built-in that allows you to use your entire hand with your phone. Though as I found out, if you have a plastic screen protector on your phone, the gloves work, but not as well, it takes some more effort to swipe.
Other touchscreen gloves have different colored tips or other things on fingers to make them compatible. These gloves are solid black color (or other color you prefer). There's also no writing to show that these gloves are for smartphones, and no metal pads, cut-off fingers, or visible threading. Just a pair of great fabric gloves.

Glove.ly Touchscreen Gloves

Related posts:
Best Winter Gadgets to Keep Warm and Entertain
5 Essential Winter Travel Gadgets
Little stone t could ... clean up your trip
Travel Gadgets at the Sochi Olympics 2014

Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below

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Travel Gadgets at the Sochi Olympics 2014

Travel Gadgets at the Sochi Olympics 2014

Starter Gun

It starts of all of the races during the Winter as well as Summer Olympics. While it sounds simple enough, a gun shot that goes off to signal for athletes to get going, it is no longer a simple device. When a revolver went off in the past, the sound traveled to the ears of the closest runner a fraction of a second sooner than the others. That's just enough to make a difference between a winner and a runner-up. Now, this gun is electronic and is hooked up to the speakers next to each athlete. This way the sound reaches each competitor at exactly the same time.
There's also an ulterior reason for its look. In a post-September 11th world, a gun on its way to a major event is going to raise more than a few TSA eyebrows, even if it's a realistic-looking fake. Rather than deal with that, the e-gun can be transported while still maintaining the general look of a starting gun.

Shooting The Olympics: Inside The Camera Bag Of Getty Photographer

Tech Behind the Sochi Olympics (video from GeekBeat.tv)

Earphones and Music Playes

We see athletes sporting earbuds and getting pumped up with music before every race. And some, like the snowboarders, even wear them during their performance.


_{via Guyism.com}

Tablets

Athletes can use tablets to view videos and info on their competition, review recording of their training, chat with their family and friends, as well as just enjoy the entertainment. Spectators can follow the stats for their favorite Olympians and keep an eye on performances they might not be attending.

Smartphone
Between various apps and other features on the phones the spectators and athletes use their phones to listen to music, keep in touch, be social, view videos, and much more
Samsung Is Asking Olympians To Hide Their iPhones At The Opening Ceremony

Binoculars

There is a lot happening during the Olympic competition. Most of the action happens away from the grand stands. Even if you have great seats for an event, the performers might be moving away from you or not yet in view. You can get closer to the action or be the first to see them with a good pair of binoculars

14 Technologies That Are Changing the Olympics

Sound-off: What are your favorite gadgets to take to a sporting event?
Let us know below

Related posts:
5 Essential Winter Travel Gadgets
Travel Tips and Recommendations
New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets
Travel Gadgets Designed to Prevent Theft

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Review: Case Logic 13" & 15" Laptop Attaché

Case Logic 13" & 15" Laptop Attaché Review
https://www.caselogic.com/en-us/us/products/laptop-cases/laptop-cases/1315-macbook-pro13-14-laptop-attache-_-lha_-_114_-_black

This week I got to test drive the Laptop Attache from Case Logic. This case fits laptops between 13" and 15". My HP Pavilion 15" laptop fit into the case snugly.
The look of the case is futuristic, as someone who saw me carrying it said, 'looks sci-fi'. I definitely like the look. It feels nice too. The outside is made out of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Foam which is sturdy yet soft to touch. Though I did notice that it scuffs rather easily and is bendable when some pressure is applied. So I would not recommend putting the case with computer inside through too many dings.
Inside, the case has space for the laptop with a strap to hold it securely in place while traveling as well as additional storage compartment for mouse, cords, other peripherals and docs.

Attaché has built-in handles unlike similar type of cases and a padded shoulder strap for easy transport. It was comfortable to hold and carry on the shoulder. The shoulder strap latches are on either side of the zipper. While that is great for balance when carrying the case on your shoulder, it makes it for an awkward opening of the case once placed on the lap.
The case is thin and relatively compact which makes it good to carry on its own or it can be placed inside a large suitcase without the laptop getting squished.

Once a laptop is placed inside the case, it can remain there when in use as well. The case provides an even surface on your lap to get some work done while en route and keeps the computer off of you. Though take care to note where the fan in on your laptop as the case might block the exhaust area of the fan and trap in the heat. The case does have airflow channels at the bottom portion to prevent overheating for most laptops.
At just over 2 lb in weight, the case is a bit heavier than most of the same size (dimensions 3 x 16 x 13 inches).

Why good to have on a trip:
Security Strap
Padded Shoulder Strap
Padded Handle
Divider Panel and Accessory Pocket that can hold:
pens
documents
iPad
cable
accessories
tablet
business cards
calculator
and more

Case Logic Carrying Case (Attaché) for MacBook Pro




Disclaimer: I was sent Laptop Attaché by Case Logic to review and was compensated for my time to write this post. All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

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