Gadgets that make travel a little easier
From roadside emergency beacons to cameras or devices that improve your snapshots, some gadgets are worthy road companions. Here are some that stood out last month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
GADGET
OnStar “Blue Button” rearview mirror, which offers navigation, emergency assistance and automatic crash response.
Available for non-GM and older GM vehicles in spring 2011. OnStar service is activated when a customer subscribes. OnStar mirror is certified for 99% of the top 20 selling non-GM vehicles since 2001 (including many Hondas, Fords, Dodges, Chryslers and Toyotas)
FEATURES
Stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency and roadside services, hands-free calling with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation (for $9.99 a month)
PRICE
$300 plus installation. Service plans will start at $18.95 a month or $200 a year
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.onstar.com, for non-GM and older GM vehicles in spring
GADGET
Etón TurboDyne Road Torq, a self-powered emergency beacon and roadside spotlight
FEATURES
Crank-powered LED spotlight on a folding tripod with a flashing beacon
PRICE
About $40
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.etoncorp.com, second quarter 2011
GADGET
Wilson Electronics MobilePro Cellular Signal Booster, a cellular and data reception booster
FEATURES
Powered by a vehicle cigarette lighter, AC outlet or USB port. Requires no installation
PRICE
$200
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.wilsonelectronics.com, now
GADGET
Canon PowerShot A3300 IS digital camera
FEATURES
32 predefined shooting situations, such as portrait, action and low light. Also 720p high-def video
PRICE
$180
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.usa.canon.com, early March
GADGET
Eye-Fi Explore X2 Wireless Memory Card, a camera Wi-Fi memory card
FEATURES
8GB memory card wirelessly uploads photos and videos to a computer or a photo-sharing site (such as Facebook) whenever the card is in Wi-Fi range. Compatible with PCs and Macs.
PRICE
$100
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.eye.fi, now
GADGET
Pocket Xshot, a telescoping camera extender similar to a monopod
FEATURES
Extends your reach up to 301/2 inches; works with all point-and-shoot digital cameras weighing less than 11/4 pounds
PRICE
$25
INFO, AVAILABILITY
GADGET
Speakal Cool iPig, an iPhone/iPod dock and sound system
FEATURES
Sensors adjust volume or change tunes with a wave of the hand
COST
$150 (intro price)
INFO, AVAILABILITY
GADGET
Griffin Technology Woogie, a speaker and stuffed animal
FEATURES
Speaker with a protective pouch for iPhone and iPod Touch
PRICE
$20
Info, availability
https://www.griffintechnology.com, now
GADGET
Philips ChargeOn Battery Pack Kit, backup battery
FEATURES
Doubles battery capacity of many devices; includes charger, base, USB and wall charger
PRICE
$80
INFO, AVAILABILITY
https://www.usaphilips.com, now
GADGET
Breffo Spiderpodium gadget holder
FEATURES
Podium, holster and grip has eight flexible, spider-like arms to stand gadgets up or suspend them from an airplane or car seat back
PRICE
$20
Info, availability
GADGET
Loksak aLoksak, waterproof gadget protector
FEATURES
Various size plastic bags protect an array of electronic gadgets and valuables
PRICE
$6.49-$17.98 (for two or three sacks, depending on size)
INFO, AVAILABILITY
GADGET
Dexim iBlueK Bluetooth keyboard, protective leather case and keyboard for iPad
FEATURES
Almost full-size magnetic Bluetooth keyboard with as much as 90 hours of typing time
PRICE
$99
INFO, AVAILABILITY
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