Bored on the plane? Have a little downtime before that next business meeting? Or maybe you need some tech gadgets for that next vacation? Whatever the case, these top ten gadgets will help you keep headache-free (and entertained) while traveling and might even save you some money.
1. Kindle
This little gadget is a must-have for any bookworm or gadget geek. The Kindle is a digital book reader first and foremost, which is perfect for those long and boring plane rides but the Kindle can also browse the Internet and cause less eye strain compared to a tablet.
2. Airport Express
At $199, the Airport Express is the solution for saving money while using hotel Wi-Fi (and replacing that annoying Ethernet cable). Airport Express is a “hotspot” for Wi-Fi, allowing for laptops to get on the Internet and saving you some money in the long run. This gadget is best for frequent travelers.
3. Philips Universal USB Charger
Charge anything, anywhere. This Philips charger will really come in handy during those moments when you forgot to pack the right charger. Instead of running out and buying another one to add to the pile of chargers at home, just keep the Philips charger in your carry-on and travel frustration free.
4. Mobile Keychain Charger
Similar to the above Philips charger, except this one is even more travel friendly and costs only $19.99 over at ThinkGeek. This charger fits on a keychain and is said to be the perfect “emergency charger for cellphones and other devices.”
5. Kindle Fire
The new kid on the block, the Kindle Fire is Amazon’s highly popular tablet which can browse books, magazines, and the Internet. For someone who might not want to read a lot during their travels and just surf the Web for a bit, the Kindle Fire can get the job done faster than the original Kindle since it doesn’t use digital ink.
6. iPad (3G)
Or, if the Kindle Fire isn’t your thing, there is always the iPad–1st or 2nd generation will be just fine, so long as it is the 3G version and not just solely Wi-Fi. While the Wi-Fi only iPad will work around open Wi-Fi, the 3G version can go anywhere and isn’t tethered to a Wi-Fi connection.
7. iPod Touch
Maybe the iPad is bit out of your price range. But don’t worry, the iPod Touch is a great stand-in! Especially for people who want to try and keep packing at a minimum, this little gadget fits right into a pocket. On top of being a music player, the iPod Touch can also browse books, go on the Internet, and really help with that Angry Birds addiction.
8. iPhone 4S
With Siri, the iPhone 4S is one of the best companions for frequent travelers. Siri can help with local weather, looking for the best restaurants, and even help you find parking spots. The iPhone 4S also has a better camera than the iPhone 4, making it a great little camera during vacation and the photos can be automatically uploaded online.
9. Galaxy Nexus
Perhaps an Apple device isn’t your thing, the Galaxy Nexus can help with that. This Android phone comes with Face Unlock, which can unlock the screen by a smile or other facial recognition–which is nice during those moments where a free hand isn’t available to unlock the screen. The Nexus also has video and photo capabilities which compete with the iPhone.
10. OtterBox Waterproof Case
One of the worst things that can happen while traveling is accidentally getting that smartphone wet or completely submerged in water. Whether it is in the airport toilet or while out boating on a nice vacation, having to replace an expensive phone afterwards is never fun. OtterBox sells waterproof cases which will keep all sorts of mobile devices nice and dry.