Great Travel Gadgets
1. Canon PowerShot S90 Finally, a professional grade digital camera in a compact travel frame. The Canon PowerShot S90 is a high-end point and shoot camera with all the functionality you would expect from a digital SLR (single lens reflex). The camera weighs just 6 oz., fits nicely in a pocket or daypack and performs well in all light conditions. Additional features include a wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom, Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, and RAW & JPG shooting modes. A must have for the serious photographer in need of a compact point-and-shoot to take on the road. Buy on Amazon: Canon PowerShot S90IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD
2. HP Mini 311. This net-book - a tiny fully functioning laptop computer designed to keep you connected while traveling - won’t weigh you down and will fit just about anywhere. It is Ideal for internet use and can handle all the standard productivity apps (Microsoft Office), video playback and light gaming. The 311 weighs just 3.22 lbs, includes an 11-6-Inch widescreen HD LED display, a 92% of full size keyboard, a built in webcam and a 5-in-1 digital card reader. Best of all the HP Mini 311 is not expensive so it shouldn’t ruin your trip if it is lost or stolen. A perfect device for staying connected informed and entertained on the go. Buy on Amazon: HP Mini 311-1000NR 11.6-Inch Black Netbook - Up to 6.25 Hours of Battery Life
3. Apple iPhone 3Gs There are a number of new world-roaming smart phones on the market this year but what makes the iPhone especially useful for traveling is it’s now famed App store. The iPhone App store contains an astonishing 85 thousand applications - compare that with the 10,000 apps available for Google’s Android. An App can be downloaded to get your iPhone to check available flight schedules, find cheap eats in London or read aloud Wikipedia descriptions of near-by attractions. They can get your iPhone to do just about anything. Add that to the built-in iPhone functionality - Wifi, GPS mapping, push email, multimedia messaging, 3 mega-pixel camera, video player and recorder, and of course a the full functionality of an iPod and you may just have the ultimate portable travel gadget. Buy at Apple: Apple - iPhone
4. Novatel MiFi 2372.Can’t find a WiFi hotspot? No problem – you are one. The Novatel MiFi is a device about the size of a cell phone that connects to a mobile carrier’s high speed data network and sends out a wireless signal to up to 5 users within a 30 foot range. Keep the Novatel MiFi in your backpack and you literally are a walking hotspot. The MiFi comes in three flavors depending on the network coverage available to you. Most notable is the soon to be released MiFi 2372 which will run on North America’s GSM networks – AT&T or T-Mobile. Much like a GSM cell phone, the SIM card will be removable allowing the MiFi to access any other GSM network and pay local rates instead of roaming charges. The MiFi 2200 is currently available from Verizon and Sprint but will not function outside the US. More information: Novatel MiFi 2372
5. Eye-Fi Pro The Eye-Fi pro is a 4 gigabyte SD card that instantly adds WiFi connectivity to your camera. Upload your pictures to your computer, photo sharing site or social network instantly via any WiFi connection. Just like your existing SD card the Eye-Fi Pro will store up to 2,000 photos or 90 minutes of video but unlike your existing card your photos will immediately appear online and on your laptop as you shoot. The card will upload from any open wireless network or you can pre-select up to 32 protected WiFi networks that your camera will be able access on-the-go. In addition the card can automatically access any of the 10,000 Wayport Wi-Fi hotspots around the US such as in airports, hotels or even Mc Donalds. Additional features include geo-tagging and compatibility with Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and more.Buy on Amazon: Eye-Fi Pro 4 GB Wi-Fi SDHC Flash Memory Card EYE-FI-4PC
6. Kindle Wireless Reading Device The Kindle is a book lovers dream. Imagine an entire book store in the palm of your hand including all the best sellers, this month’s magazines, and today’s newspaper. The Kindle is extremely thin – just over 1/3 of an inch and weighs less than a typical paperback. The paper like display won’t strain your eyes and reads like real paper without glare even in direct sunlight. With global 3G wireless connectivity you won’t need to hunt for a WiFi hotspot to download a book – just click a button and the book arrives in your device in less than 60 seconds. Other features include a simple web browser and text-to-speech functionality. The Kindle requires no wireless contract, no monthly fees and most books are priced at $9.99 or below. Buy on Amazon: Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6
7. Slingbox Pro-HD The best travel gadget you’ll want to leave at home. The Slingbox is a powerful device that allows you to access all your TV and DVR recordings from any high speed internet connection around the world. Connect the Slingbox to your cable box or DVR at home and instantly stream live programming and recordings over the internet – pause, rewind, fast forward and schedule recordings just like you would at home. Download the SlingPlayer mobile application to your iPhone or Blackberry and take control of your TV and DVR right from your phone. An amazing device and another way to stay connected while on the move. Buy on Amazon: Sling Media Slingbox PRO-HD SB300-100
8. Flip UltraHD Camcorder The Flip video is an easy to use, pocket size HD camcorder for capturing video on-the-fly. The video camera features a 3-second power-up, one-touch recording and capacity to record up to 120 minutes of vibrant HD video. The convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into PC or Mac and automatically launches pre-loaded FlipShare software making it easy to edit and share videos online. An affordable and fun way to capture and share travel videos. Buy on Amazon: Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)
9. Soundmatters foxL Pocket-Sized Loudspeaker Why keep your music to yourself? Created by a former NASA engineer, these pocket size speakers offer the high quality sound your music collection deserves. Connect to your iPod/mp3 player, laptop or any audio device and turn the palm of your hand into a state-of-the-art sound system. The included lithium battery doubles as a subwoofer and holds 5 hours of use on a single charge. Perfect for listening to your music in a hotel room, on the patio, in the office or just about anywhere else. Buy on Amazon: Soundmatters foxL Pocket-Sized Audiophile Loudspeaker System (Black)
10. Brunton Freedom Portable Power Device Brunton is the world’s leader in portable power and their new Freedom portable power device is their most compact device yet. When charged, the Freedom provides enough power to charge or recharge your iPod, Smartphone, digital camera and more. The Fredom can be charged by connecting it to the car with the included DC adaptor, a laptop via USB or most importantly via solar power with the attached solar panels. Use the sun to charge the device and have unlimited power available for your electronic devices – a unique and sustainable solution for portable power. More information on Brunton.com: Brunton Freedom Portable Power Device