Travel gadgets are a world away from paper maps, translation books and multiple travel guides. Now there are GPS systems, money convertors and electronic translators that can fit into the palm of your hand. Here are five handy gadgets to take with you on holiday without incurring any excess baggage fees.
Playstation Portable (PSP)
The PSP is a nifty device which allows you play games, videos, music and photos and share them with friends. With a systems software update, the PSP even doubles as a communications device with Skype functionality able to be activated on the PSP Slime, Lite and PSP-3000 models. This enables you to make free calls to anyone else using the service when you’re in range of a Wireless Hotspot or call landlines and mobile phones at very competitive rates. Go to the Playstation website to find out more.
Samsung NC10 Mini Notebook
This mini notebook boasts a 10.2” screen and a keyboard that is equivalent to the size of 93% of a full QWERTY keyboard but only weighs 1.3kg with a 6 cell battery. This laptop offers a lot of computing power at a fraction of the weight, size and cost. It’s perfect for those who want to work on the go but don’t want to carry around a bulky, full size laptop. For more details on the notebook visit the Samsung website.
Apple iPhone
As well as being a multi-media device which allows you to make phone calls, check your emails and download music, the Apple iPhone allows you to download apps that add to the functionality of your phone. The Apple iPhone can act as a GPS system, help you find restaurants, give you walking directions, tell you the weather forecast or allow you to manage your money on the go. Read our article on the Five Essential (And Free) iPhone apps or visit the Apple website for more details.
Lingo XPlorer
This multi-language translator not only gives you the translation in the foreign language characters but also shows you to pronounce them phonetically and gives you the correct pronunciation at the touch of a button. Languages include French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese with 14 languages in total. This handy device has over 800,000 words and 46,200 useful travel phrases. It also has 8 travel games including Sudoko, a world time and local time clock, alarm, calendar and a currency conversion tool. Find out more at the Lingo website.
Victorinox Presentation Pro
The ultimate gift for any Macgyver travel types out there in the wilderness but still wanting all the tech comforts of home. The knife has a 32GB USB drive included on this mini Swiss Army knife can hold your files, music and video and has a laser pointer, biometric security and bluetooth PowerPoint controller as well as the traditional Swiss Knife functionality. If you’re travelling by plane, make sure that this is stored in your cabin luggage. To find out where you can purchase the Swiss Knife go to the Victorinox website.
When you buy a travel device, make sure you check whether you can download additional apps or system’s software updates that will give your device even greater functionality without having to purchase the latest model or pay for an expensive upgrade.