Travel Gadgets

Siemens, has just reported that the company has developed superconducting motors that can be used to run ships with electricity. No doubt, that electric powered vehicles are eco- friendly with good efficiency but now the question arises how many batteries these sea monsters will demand as compared to electric powered vehicles to power them up via electricity. However, engineers are already using highly efficient superconducting electric motors to power large ships as a substitute to diesel but superconductors ability to operate at temperatures close to absolute zero, or about -273.15°C is still a big problem to make it happen. Now, Siemens has reported that they have overcome this barrier with the development of their new motor that uses high-temperature superconductors that work at -140°C. In addition, by using these motors in large case under the ship that many cruise ships uses these days, the surrounding seawater will work as a very efficient cooling system to disperse adequate heat for the motor to enable it to function at required temperature. Now, let us see how soon this new motor will help to overcome barrier that engineers are facing to power monstrous ships via electricity but we will definitely keep you posted. Via: Ohgizmo

Now this is something very much techno- savvy and rather quite innovating for all those snowboarders at the global front. This unique snowboarding jacket is not just a usual jacket, in spite of keeping you warm it also has GPS connectivity and that too through a watch. The display panel is mounted on the sleeve of the jacket which presents you with the speed, distance and time aswell. The fabric switching technology and flexible screens makes this marvel a complete out of the world gizmo. They bestow you with the highest level of satisfaction regarding the functionality. Seriously I consider it to be a must have gizmo for every snowboarder round the block. Via: Yankodesign

Ok so this one’s a new. A talking luggage ID. A high-tech solution for tagging your luggage while traveling. Yes, with this neat little gadget, you can replace the handwritten label attached to your traveling bag. ‘Lost & Found Sound Tag’ has the ability of recording a 20-second sound clip to pack in your name, address, phone number, hotel’s name and address, and all the other relevant mumbo-jumbo, which you think will ensure that your baggage reaches you if it goes missing. Shaped like a cross and colored bright yellow, it is noticeable enough; provided of course that your baggage handler has not already removed it. It is battery-operated, comes packaged with 3 batteries and is a manageable 2 1/4 x 3" in size. It has a red button which when pushed plays back the recorded message. My only worry is who would want to buy something for which an easier solution already exists i.e. good old handwritten tags? Interested parties can buy it here for $14.98. Via: Ubergizmo

With the launch of different types of electronic devices these days it’s very problematic to carry a bunch of chargers especially when you travel isolated places with no proper electricity supply. To tackle the problem now Solar Technologies UK has produced its new device called Freeloader that can offer you a low cost solution to your problems. The device is an advanced portable charging system that can power almost any hand held device anywhere without electricity. This charging device is equipped with 120mA premium quality crystalline solar cells to charge itself within 3 to 5 hours, no matter what kind of weather it is. Its free solar energy can power an iPod for 18 hours or a mobile phone for over 40 hours. It comes equipped with a series of adaptors and connectors that offer flexibility to solar charge anything from digital camera to a Sony PSP and its USB charging cable also enable users to power-up the Freeloader charger via PC. This lightweight metallic silver designed device is available from Maplin Electronics in their 117 stores in the UK and Ireland for only £29.99. Via: Treehugger

Fujitsu has just made public the unleashing of its Eclipse AVN2210P, a GPS navigation device. This device is must-have equipment for the people who are new to a particular environment or who find it hard to remember road links and city road networks. It looks like a stylish piece of equipment when you place it on the dashboard of your automobile. It incorporates a hell lot of functionalities that will surely never let you loose your way. It displays a 3.5-inch TFT screen, a quite useful SD memory slot, built-in quality speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and a rechargeable battery. This GPS apparatus is surely here to make a difference in your lives. Price: $900 Via: Akihabaranews

Wikipedia Bicycle commuting is healthy, safe and cheap, the only emission is what the biker breathes out. But, it does have its problems. One is that bikes generally have a very awkward shape. If there is no bike rack or if you want to go somewhere with your bike, you’re have to drag a very burdensome package with you. Well! What if there was a bike you could fold and carry or that you could take on the subway. That sure would be nice. Image Credit: Foldabikes According to a review in Wired Magazine, one of the very best designs on the market is the Brompton M6L. It’s a British contraption that folds up to just 10 x 24 x 32-inches in less than half a minute and weighs only 25 pounds. An additional pair of tiny luggage wheels makes it easy to drag the contraption around when transporting it in its folded state. Traveling with a folding bike is not the most convenient way to travel but it sure can come in handy at times. Source: Gadling

All those who love outdoors might well know the food problems you’ve to face. Need not face them anymore! Next time you go out for camping, take the foldable oven with you. Researchers in Taiwan Textile Institute have developed a cloth that can take high temperatures (over 300 degrees) making it hot enough to roast chicken or bake cookies. Designed to be extremely portable, this foldable oven weighs only a few hundred grams and can be used while camping, in military kitchens as well as in outdoor catering. It has thin flexible conductive elements woven into the oven’s highly heat-resistant fabric. A prototype was demonstrated today at the Textile International Forum and Exhibition in Taipei. You’ll have to wait for some time to buy this portable and foldable oven as it will be on sale as early as next year. Source: Coolest-gadgets

When on a vacation, it becomes difficult to keep track of your expenditure. Sometimes, it leaves you in shock to see mammoth bills reaching your doorstep. It is not possible to jot down detail of every dollar spent when you are out of town for a business meeting, or on a vacation. You may also require emergency loans if you fall short of money on a business trip. Which is that one device that we seldom tend to leave at home? You guessed it right; I am talking about hand-held devices or mobile phones. Ever since Apple’s iPhone hit the stores, developer across the world have been working at a feverish pace to write applications that can help people manage their travel expenses on the go. Let us talk about some of these applications that can manage your expenses. Have you heard of the ‘TravelTracker’? It is an iPhone application that adds date and time for every flight you take. Thus, it helps you organize your travel expenses. The best thing about TravelTracker is that it also provides weather information. At times, it becomes difficult to recall addresses of hotels and restaurants. The ‘Maps’ application remembers all such addresses, and even gives you a satellite-view of the desired location. The GPS system saves you time and energy. iPhone also has a ‘Currency’ application that provides you the exchange rate for the US dollar in over 90 different currencies. Amazing, isn’t it? This application also allows you to keep track of your expenses in dollars. It becomes easier to communicate with people in a different country if you know their local dialect. How about an application that can translate English words and phrases to other languages? The ‘Lonely Planet Mobile Phrasebooks’ boasts of hundreds of thousands of translations, in addition to a multi-language slang dictionary. iPhone applications can get the load off your mind, so that you can focus on important work instead of managing your expenses manually. With a host of travel applications in your pocket, you would never need a travel guide, or a personal assistant.

Traveling with your pet can be fun but if you don’t take time to plan your trip with your furry buddy, it can turn into a stressful time for you and your pet. You will need some travel supplies for your pet to ensure that they stay calm and comfortable during your trip together. With a bit of planning and preparation you can have an enjoyable time and your pet will stay safe and happy. One of the first things to consider is how long a trip will you be taking? Is it just a short drive or an overnight stay? A short drive might need nothing more than your pet’s leash, a small bowl for water and some bottled water for him to drink. If you are planning a longer trip then you will need to pack some pet food supplies. A small bag of kibble, some pet treats, water, containers for your pet to eat and drink from and wet-naps to clean up with are essential items to have on hand. If your pet is small, you might want to take a pet bed for them to nap in during the trip. A blanket or rug may come in handy to protect your vehicle’s seats and make your pet comfortable. If you have a large pet, then be sure to provide a comfortable area for him to lie down in and rest. Do not try to transport a large pet in a small vehicle as neither one of you will be comfortable. Remember when you are travelling with your pet to keep him on the leash whenever you stop. Be sure he has his collar and tags on him at all times. It is a good idea to have an ID tag with his name, your name and your cell phone number on it, in case you get separated. Your pet will need to stop periodically and be walked to take care of his business and stretch his legs. With these tips and supplies you can look forward to a safe and enjoyable trip with your best buddy by your side.

If you are traveling, going on cruises, flying or driving, there’s a chance you will need special, waterproof protection for sophisticated electronic devices like cameras, laptops, mobile phones and binoculars. You may also need cases for memory cards, SD cards and other kinds of microchips. You want to carry a number of these, especially to places where you will not find them easily. In such cases, consider a Pelican Micro case. These indestructible cases are manufactured by Pelican. There are a number of uses for the cases, according to which they are named. There are Protector cases, Storm and Hardigg cases, as well as other products, besides the Micro case. All of them are high end, useful products for the hard traveler. The Pelican Micro case has a very tough, indestructible polycarbonate body. It is made water tight with rubber linings across the outer shell. It also has other special features, for example, the lid, when closed, creates a tongue and groove fit that has a rubber liner that can absorb shocks in extreme travel conditions. So, a Pelican Micro case comes in handy when you are traveling in airlines that tend to take less care of your baggage than usual. If you are traveling in South east Asia or South America, make sure you carry your memory cards in one of these Micro cases. If you plan on doing any water sports – like jumping out of a flying airplane- you should use these cases. Whatever else gets drenched in the dive, your memory cards sure will be intact.