What gizmos and gadgets do I need to take on my next trip? This question is usually answered while packing an extra bag full of electronics that never get turned on and collect nothing more than scratches from the other devices. Thankfully, the following list has been researched and compiled to help you determine the most useful gadgets to buy and bring with you on your next trip. No ShamWows or Flowbees included:
1. Trackstick II![]() Trackstick II is a GPS Receiver the size of a memory stick used for tracking weeks of your every step. Take it on vacation to keep a satellite album of your travels, record your explorations, track where your vehicle has been, or carry it whenever you go out to get a better sense of your everyday life. Traveled locations can be shown via a red line that is traced on satellite photos and 3D terrain using the latest mapping technologies from Google Earth. The Trackstick II continuously records its exact route, stop times, speed, direction, and other valuable information, all of which can be quickly downloaded and viewed on your computer. No monthly fees are required and Trackstick Manager, an advanced tracking and geo-photo tagging piece of software, is provided free to download. |
2. Canon PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera![]() If you need a durable camera for your adventures and trips, look no further. The PowerShot D10 is waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104 degrees (F), and shockproof up to four feet. Its 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints. Also, Canon’s powerful, state of the art imaging technologies (DIGIC 4 Image Processor; evolved Face Detection Technology plus Face Detection Self-timer) are built-in, making this camera the best choice for capturing memories during your travels. |
3. Apple’s iPhone 3G![]() The iPhone 3G is really three devices in one – a revolutionary phone (Quad-band smartphone that will work in almost any country), a widescreen iPod, and an Internet device with email and a desktop-class web browser. With fast 3G wireless technology, GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and over 35,000 apps available, the iPhone 3G puts more features at your fingertips than any phone out there. If you need to use Verizon Wireless and can’t handle the touch screen keyboard, check out RIM’s BlackBerry 8830 World Edition. |
4. SteriPEN Traveler Handheld Water Purifier![]() SteriPEN is perfect for people traveling to “at risk” water countries, and for peace of mind in water emergencies anywhere. The purifier employs ultraviolet light (UV) to destroy the DNA of microbe like bacteria, viruses and protozoa (like Giardia and Cryptosporidium), making them unable to reproduce and cause illness. It purifies a 16oz. Glass of water in just 48 seconds and has no aftertaste after being purified. It also has an easy one button operation – no pumping, chemicals, or test strips. |
5. ASUS Eee PC 1000HE![]() The compact form factor and rich feature set make this notebook the number one choice to take with you on trips. The ultra-bright 10″ screen is combined with built-in 802.11n, Bluetooth V2.0, 160GB HD, preloaded XP and an Intel Atom 280 Processor. It allows for a long battery lifespan of up to 9.5 hours and weighs just over 3.2 pounds. |
6. Franklin 12-language Speaking Global Translator![]() Translates to and from 12 languages (Chinese, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Turkish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish). It’s large screen is ideal for viewing both translations simultaneously and the European phonetic spell correction lets you enter words as they sound. The device allows you to hear over 115000 and 12000 phrases pronounced in recorded human speech, and includes over 450000 words and 12000 phrases in the languages provided. |
7. Tripshell International All-in-One Travel Plug Adapter![]() This universal travel adapter covers outlets in over 150 countries including US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and UK. The built-in surge protection protects your electrical appliances from frequent spikes/surges in foreign electricity supply. It eliminates the need to carry multiple adapters and allows you to charge your laptop, PDA, and cell phone internationally. |
8. Denon In-Ear Hybrid Headphone![]() These headphones (AH-C452K) are drastically underrated and provide the best quality/price ratio of any set of headphones out there. The clear and crisp mids and highs, coupled with the clean and strong bass produce a better overall sound than the Shure, Bose, and Sennheiser counterparts. Make sure you use them for 24-36 hours to “break them in”. |
9. Garmin nüvi 500![]() This GPS (3.5″ display) serves up turn-by-turn navigation in a rugged, waterproof exterior. It fits easily in a purse, backpack, or jacket pocket, making it perfect for travel. It provides driving, walking, bicycling and boating modes, which customize your nüvi specifically for your method of travel. It supports Geocahing.com GPX files and comes preloaded with the highly detailed City Navigator North America NT maps for the lower 48 states, with maps for many countries worldwide available for purchase on the Garmin website. |
10. Third Generation WiFi Detector![]() Great for quickly finding Wi-Fi without having to boot your laptop. Finds wireless networks up to 200 feet away, and provides specific information about each network when multiple networks are present. The back light LCD screen shows signal strength, network ID (SSID), encryption status, and channel. |
11. Power Monkey eXplorer![]() Charge this device anywhere there is sunshine. It stores up to 96 hours of reserve power for all of your favorite devices. USB connectors are included for iPods and accessories, MP3players, PDAs, smart mobile phones, digital cameras,games consoles, BlackBerrys, Bluetooth headsets and many more digital devices. If you need extra power to charge something like a laptop, look at the Powergorilla and Solargorilla. |
12. Dicapac![]() Provides cases for the majority of mainstream devices (digital cameras, phones, mp3 players, etc.), which make them 100% waterproof (up to 18m deep), snow-proof, dirt-proof and the perfect investment for year-round protection. The UV, water repellent, and scratch resistant coating allows for quality pictures. A transparent and flexible case design supports easy camera control and zoom functions. |
Tags: Gadgets