New High-Tech Gadgets Make Travel More Comfortable

Credit: TV Week

Don’t forget to pack a few gadgets for a more enjoyable vacation

Enjoy some of the comforts of home while on vacation with these new devices

No matter where you go on your travels, whether you’re traipsing through the rainforest or lounging poolside at an all-inclusive resort, there is a gizmo out there for you. Here are a few relatively new gadgets and accessories that make for great travelling companions. 


To Charge Your Devices

First up are the Powermat Wireless Charging Mat and Powercube Universal Receiver. The mat is a wireless charging system that essentially allows you to drop and charge your electronics. The receiver sits on top of the mat and features eight receiver tips to charge any of your electronic devices all at once. It’s perfect if you’re strapped for time and need a full charge on everything at once, or if you have about a thousand different devices. You can get the mat and charger for about $100.


To Capture Special Moments

Of course, a camera is a must when you travel. I love the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 14.1 MP with HD video. You can really capture the moment at the beach or on the slopes. The camera’s rugged, compact body is waterproof up to 33 feet, as well as being shockproof, freeze-proof, and dust-, sand- and snow-proof. So you can feel free to take it outdoors and snap beautiful action shots anywhere you go. 


Another major bonus is that this very durable camera is essentially kid-proof. You don’t have to worry about it dropping out of unsteady little hands when they’re trying to take a picture. You can pick one of these up for about $300.


To Listen to Music

Portable speakers usually aren’t big enough to give you satisfying audio, but the Logitech Speaker Dock (S315i) Portable Speakers provide big sound in a super-slim, portable package. They run on either AC power or a built-in rechargeable battery and include a dock for iPods or iPhones. Selling for about $99, these speakers can also connect to other mobile devices. 


To Eliminate Background Noise

Finally, don’t forget noise-cancelling earbuds. Most noise-cancelling headphones are worn over the ears and tend to be big and bulky. Sennheiser CXC 300 Earbuds use bud tips available in small, medium and large sizes to allow for a personalized fit and to better eliminate background noise. 


More Travel Gadgets

The following items can always be used at home too, but they do make for terrific travel helpers, whether you need a really high-quality camera or a handy emergency charger for your next camping trip:


• Vivitek Qumi Projector


• GorillaMobile Ori Case-Stand


• Sony MHS-FS3 Bloggie 3D HD 
Camera


• Eton Raptor Solar Charger/Radio


• Polaroid GL30 Instant Digital 
Camera


• ION iTYPE Wireless Portable 
Keyboard

Watch Claire Newell on Global BC News: Final (Mon.), Early (Wed.), Morning & Noon (Thur.), Noon (Sat.). Or catch her Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. on Shore 104 FM.

Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.