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.

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

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Travel Gadgets for the Super Bowl

Gadgets and Such for the Big Game

Smartphone - There are multitude of ways that this gadget can be used for the big game. You can keep track of the latest news on the weather, roster, team news, and such. You can also watch the game on the phone while out and about or picking up some extra items for the game with NFL or similar app. It can also be used as a remote while watching the game on the big screen.

Tablet - You can also enjoy the game while moving from room to room or if are remote. Download the app and you can watch the game just about anywhere. The tablet can also be used to keep in touch with social network while enjoying the game and tweeting about the latest plays and commercials.

Kindle Fire HDX 7", Wi-Fi


Wireless speakers - Hear the game from anywhere in the house or pick up the phone without having to take your game off the screen. Hook up a Bluetooth compatible phone or other gadget, and the sound will come through loud clear through the speakers.

Turtle Shell 2.0 Rugged Water-Resistant Wireless Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speaker


Apps - When there is a Super Bowl party, there is likely to be some alcohol involved. And if you are drinking you should not be driving. There are apps for that. Such as intoxicheck, Breathaleyes, and DrinkTracker Breathalyzer. Theses apps can give you an estimated blood alcohol reading, keep track of your drinks, or test you to determine whether you are sober. While these are mostly for entertainment purposes, they could still be good indicators.
Super Bowl XLVIII official app

Wireless Clean Up Tool - At the end of the game, with some great celebrations, someone has to clean up. A wireless bagless vaccum makes it easier. It can be great for cleaning up indoors as well as cleaning inside of your car.

Black & Decker Cordless Hand Vac



Sound-off: What kind of gadgets did you have at your Super Bowl party? Let us know below

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No Texting and Driving

STOP Texting and Driving

Information on texting and driving facts from the DOT indicates cell phones – texting or talking
- were responsible for 1.6 million accidents a year, which resulted in half a million injuries and deaths.
- 330,000 injuries per year – Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study
- 11 teen deaths EVERY DAY – Ins. Institute for Hwy Safety Fatality Facts
- Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents

Per CDC website, 69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed. In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted. For drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21 percent of the distracted drivers were distracted by the use of cell phones

Did You Know?
Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times. (NHTSA)
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.
Texting and driving is as bad or worse than drinking and driving

For more texting and driving statistics see the Driving while Intexticated infographic below

Stop before it gets worse


Solutions & What is Being Done
- States have or are passing laws that envolve distracted driving using cell phones. For current laws, see state map on NHTSA site
- New Jersey and several other states have texting and driving as a primary offense with steep fines
- On October 27, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted a ban that prohibits commercial vehicle drivers from texting while driving.
- New technologies are being developed and hitting the market
a. Safe Driving Systems KEY2SAFEDRIVING

• technology that will not allow texting while driving
• easily installed within your vehicle, no tools required
• reroutes calls directly to voice mail and sends automated text message responses saying that the driver will respond when they have safely reached their destination

b. Five Apps that Help Prevent Texting While Driving
internet-safety.yoursphere.com/five-apps-that-help-prevent-texting-while-driving/

c. Cars To Disable Texting While Driving
businessinsider.com/cars-to-end-texting-while-driving-2013-6

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

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