By Isabel Eva Bohrer on July 23, 2012 in
Whether you're traveling abroad for a week, or spending the weekend at the beach, there are plenty of handy gadgets available to make your life easier. We've rounded up a selection of gizmos that keep you powered, protect your devices and even let you watch TV on the road.
16 GB Wristband USB Flash Drive ($17)
If you need to carry around electronic files, why not wear them on your wrist? Yes, this is a bracelet made out of an actual USB Flash Drive. Made of silicon, the wristband is flexible and carries up to 16 GB of data. It supports USB 2.0 and is compatible with USB 1.1, making it a practical device for you to take on the go. Now you won't have to worry about forgetting your flash drive or losing it on the road. It's also available in black.
Powermat Portable Mat with Powercube (starting at $38)
If you are tired of searching for electrical outlets in hotel rooms, this is the gadget to get. This portable mat can charge up to four devices at once, three wirelessly, and one via USB. The Powermat Portable Mat folds up so that you can take it on the go, and even includes a carry case with a magnetic lock so that you can keep it safe at all times. Once charging is complete, the mat automatically switches off, saving energy and battery life. It comes with eight interchangeable tips (Mini and Micro USB, Apple, Samsung, LG, Nintendo DS Lite and DSi, and Sony PSP).
Related: See our review of the Powermat 2X, which accommodates two gadgets at a time.
150 Country Travel Power Converter ($25)
Regardless of where you are planning to travel this summer, chances are that this gadget can convert electricity once you get there. This power converter fits in the palm of your hand, and adapts power for more than 150 countries, including destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Central America, and Australia. You can hop from destination to destination, and use your own hair dryer, charge up your laptop and more.
Eye Fi Connect X2 memory card ($40)
Just like any other SDHC memory card, the Eye Fi stores photos and video and works with most cameras. However, instead of having to subsequently connect your camera card to a computer, this card can upload your photos via Wi-Fi. This way, you can upload photos not only onto a computer, you can also specify a photo sharing site to upload to. Once the images have been transferred, they are deleted and you can use the card again at your leisure. For $80, the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 will upload but directly onto a tablet or smartphone.
Elgato EyeTV Hybrid ($150) and Elgato EyeTV app (iPhone, iPad; $4.99)
Miss your TV while traveling? The EyeTV Hybrid USB stick lets you watch and record live TV on your computer, and even sync is with your Apple devices via iTunes. Want live TV on the road? Download the EyeTV iPhone app, which lets you stream live TV on the go. All you need is a cable or antenna connection at home and an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad on the road.
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