The newly released EX-G1, first in Casio’s new EXILIM® brand of digital cameras, is built to endure shock, water, dirt, and frigid temperatures, all wrapped up in a slender 0.78 inch package.

According to the press release, the company is determined to “create digital cameras suitable for top athletes and adventurers.”

The shell passed drop tests from seven feet during testing, can be used underwater for up to one hour, and will function in temperatures down to 14°F.

Full features include:

• Slim-line Design with Toughness Construction
• Shock resistant/waterproof construction and design
• BEST SHOT® functions befitting a waterproof, shock-resistant camera
• 12.1 effective megapixels
• 2.5-inch monitor with 230,400 dots of high resolution and a non-extending 3X zoom lens ranging from 38-114mm (35 mm film camera equivalent)
• Intelligent AF
• Advanced Dynamic Photo function
• Wide Screen Movies

With a slick look and tough skin, this camera is perfect for photographers who seek out more extreme shots.

Price: $299.99

Of course, there are websites that can make the ruling on whether or not you’re one of the beautiful people.

But for those times when you need a quick self-esteem boost (or burst) on the go, there is, unfortunately, an iPhone app for that.

Fit or Fugly, designed by Nashy, utilizes Fibonacci’s golden ratio to decide whether or not a face is attractive.

Simply load a photo of your face (or better yet, your date’s), move the anchor points to cover the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and chin, and hit submit.

According to Nashy, this app could be useful in any number of situations, like breaking the ice at a dinner party (sure to be as comfortable as that supper club scene in Borat) to supporting your rationale for ending a relationship (because “I just want to be friends” doesn’t make one feel fugly enough as it is).

And if you use it for the latter, please let us know how it went.

Photo Courtesy of Aerial7

From Aerial7 comes the Sound Disk Beanie; a line of snug, knit beanies with high-quality, ultra-slim headphones built right in.

Choose from a variety of colors and styles, including black, gray, brown, and combinations.

The headphone features include:

• Driver Diameter: 35mm
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Frequency Response: 20~20KHz
• Sensitivity (S.P.L.): 100±3dB (at 1KHz)
• Input Plug Diameter: 3.5mm iPhoneTM
• ADAPTERS
• 3.5mm iPhone™~3.5mm standard

The Sound Disk Beanie is compatible with most mp3 players and cell phones, including the Blackberry and the iPhone. For iPhone users, the beanies also come with a built-in microphone. With a price comparable to any quality headphones, the Sound Disk Beanie might make a great gift for anyone whose scalp never sees the light of a winter day.

Price: $59.99

Of course, you might also have to do a teeny bit of modifications on your car, too. Plus, trying this at home would be, well, stupid. But the guys at Waterloo Labs gave it a shot. Check it out:

According to BBC News, this new desktop, called SimplicITy, was created in a collaboration between Wessex Computers and television presenter Valerie Singleton, and uses a custombizable Linux operating system. SimplicITy has just six buttons which help users unfamiliar with tasks like checking email, chatting, and storing files.

This PC also comes with 17 video tutorials for additional help presented by Ms. Singleton herself, who claims to be shocked by the number of senior citizens without computers (6.4 million over 65 have never been online, according to a survey in August 2009 by the Office for National Statistics).

Some folks are excited about this effort to help the elderly, but others are sure to find it offensive. (And with an email system called “Eldy”, it’s not hard to see why).

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Office for the Development of Substitute Materials brings us the Vertical Bed, an ingenious contraption that fully collapses to fit into a briefcase.

The Vertical Bed provides total support for body weight when attached to subway ventilation grating. The components include noise-cancelling headphones, opaque sunglasses, and a free standing umbrella case. (An ideal feature for future versions might be some sort of alarm system to ward off pick-pockets.)

Want to see it in action? Check out this time lapse video of a man taking a 40 minute nap at Broadway and 33rd St. in New York.

Photo courtesy of Johan Larsson

Laptops may still be number one for most travel writers, but apps like these make it more doable to accomplish some pretty thorough work from your iPhone or Touch.

iPhone Apps for Writing and Editing

TextGuru

According to Brancipater Software, TextGuru is an “advanced, desktop class, multi-function text editor.” With this app, you can read and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint docs, as well as PDF files, in landscape and portrait mode. TextGuru features cut, copy, and paste, find and replace, autosave, a search funtion, web previews, and email capabilities.

Price: $4.99

Photo by motoyen

My Writing Nook

This free web app and $1.99 iPhone app use Google’s App Engine infrastructure to allow writers to write and edit documents anyplace with Internet access. The concept is pretty much like Google Docs: just sign in with your Google account and start writing.

Both apps allow you to email the document, or save to your computer as an RTF. They even include a dictionary/thesaurus feature. And with the iPhone app, you can type in landscape mode, putting your thumbs to good use.

While most people, myself included, don’t like typing much more than a text message on a phone, I’ve found this to be a really great way to sneak in a little bit of writing when I have a few minutes to spare. Those little sessions add up to a decent word count at the end of the day!

Web app: Free

iPhone app: $1.99

NumberKey

When I got my first ever laptop – a clunky Compaq – I remember buying an external numeric keypad because not having one drove me nuts.

Photo by Balmuda Design

But NumberKey by Balmuda Design turns your iPhone into a keypad! The app uses wi-fi to function as a numeric keypad for your laptop – no USB or other connections necessary, just set your iPhone next to your laptop and you’re ready to go!

Before using, you need to download NumberKey Connect. Pretty cool app, particularly for use with spreadsheets and budget docs.

Price: $1.99

iPhone Apps for Blogging

Those who blog regularly know that short and sweet posts are essential; hardly anyone writes an long essay every day for their blog. And usually the best ideas for those quick posts come while your out. These apps for bloggers help you get a post up while you’re out, including pictures.

Wordpress

For bloggers using Wordpress, this free app works great. You can enter several blogs to manage, then post, add pics, and manage all pages and comments right on your iPhone.

The Wordpress app allows you to enter all parts of a post, including tags and categories. There are two versions available, Wordpress and Wordpress 2. I tried the first, and it worked just fine. However, the second didn’t recognize my blog and crashed on me.

Judging from the reviews, a lot of folks who switched from the first to the second had this problem. However, I’d recommend giving it a try – they’re both free, and the second seems to have a lot of great updates if you can get it to work!

Price: Free

Photo by Titanas

BlogPress

This app works with several blog platforms, including WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal, TypePad, and Joomla. For the price, you get the ability to upload video from your YourTube account to your blog, uses a visual editor, and lets you send one post to multiple blogs, even on different platforms. A little higher price, but likely worthwhile.

Price: $2.99

iPhone Apps for Printing and Exporting Docs

Print n Share

This app is a great example of something that works exactly as promised. Within minutes of downloading Print n Share, I printed an email off of my iPhone onto a printer that my laptop wasn’t even connected to in the first place.

In order to work, you need to download WePrint helper software onto your computer, which is free. Once it’s installed, you can use Print n Share to print any files, emails, web pages, contacts, and images from your iPhone. I use this one frequently – it’s incredibly easy and super helpful.

Price: $6.99

Photo by philcampbell

Google Export

Another freebie that writers who use Google Docs have no reason not to download! Simply put, Google Export lets you browse and export your Google Docs as an email attachment. It’s free. It works. Not much else to say – if you’re a big Docs user, this is one to get!

Price: Free

iPhone apps for Notes and Research

iTalk Recorder

All writers know the rule; inspiration hits when you’ve got nothing to write with. Many learn to carry a little notebook around at all times, and Notes on the iPhone works well for jotting things down. But if it’s a big idea, sometimes those thumbs just don’t type fast enough!

iTalk Recorder is an easy-to-use voice recorder for vocal notes or interviews. Download the free iTalk Sync, and you can drag and drop them as AIFF files on your laptop. There are two versions available – try the Lite for free and see how it works for you!

Lite: Free

Premium: $1.99

Wikipanion

Yes, I know – Wikipedia doesn’t count as research. But I do use it, and often, and Wikipanion is a great way to navigate the site from my Touch. With the free version, you can bookmark (including individual sections), view history, and save images to your Photo library.

Price: Free

Know of any other iPhone apps freelance writers are missing out on? Share your favorites in the comments section!

Community Connection

It seems like I haven’t gone a day in the past month without someone talking, posting, or tweeting about Hulu, so it came as no surprise to hear that Apple is throwing their hat into the TV networks rink.

According to Peter Kafka, Apple has been pitching this offer to TV networks as part of the iTunes software (no Apple TV box this time).

So far no one has jumped on board, but with the popularity of Hulu and Netflix, it seems like it’s only a matter of time.

And yes, I’m definitely one of those proud junkies.

However, even I have to admit that this video, put together by the guys at MacLife, had me giggling at first with the wild applause bestowed upon the bubbly, candy-colored iBook.

But watching the evolution of that to the Air, which was ceremoniously pulled out of a manila envelope to oohs and aahs for its public introduction, is pretty cool.

As is the procession of the first bulky iPod to the iPod Touch, which I am lovingly cradling in my lap as I type.

With the rumors about the Tablet announcement in January spreading for months now, I’m wondering if Mr. Jobs has “one more thing” he’s not letting us in on just yet.

Move over retinal and fingerprint scanners, the latest in personal identification devices is this door knock detector, made from Arduino hardware, PVC pipes, and other bits and pieces programmer Steve Hoefer found in his tech lab.

Basically, the detector works by recording and counting time between a series of knocks and then unlocking your door. Simple enough, right?

According to Make:

Of course, this system is susceptible to a replay attack, because anyone can listen to the knock pattern and then know how to get in.

If you are planning to use something like this, I would recommend either incorporating a timestamp into the message, or using a series of one time knocks, in order to make it harder to break into. Actually, that might make it more secure than a regular lock.

So what do you think? “Cool” or “Weird”?

Feature photo by Extra Ketchup. Photo above by georgehotelling

Unlike newspapers and plastic bottles, there isn’t a green bin to hold your old cell phone or laptop out on the curb, waiting for a truck to carry them away. However, there are several quick and simple options for recycling or reusing electronics.

Choosing the right program for you depends on the type of gadget you have, its condition, and whether or not you want a financial bonus for your efforts at being green.

Get Cash for Used Gadgets

Unless your cell phone is completely trashed or from the forgotten time known as the 90’s, you might be able to score some cash for it. Of course, there’s always Ebay or Craigslist, but if you don’t want to go through the hassle of dealing with bids, there are a few other websites worth checking out.

Gazelle and BuyMyTronics are two great organizations that offer cash in exchange for electronics. Gazelle accepts a huge variety of toys, while BuyMyTronics focuses on iPhones and iPods, gaming consoles, and cell phones.

Just submit your gadget info on one of their sites to receive an instant price quote, ship it to the address, and you’ll receive a payment via PayPal (or a mailed check) within two days. It’s worth noting that, depending on the age and/or condition of your toy, you might receive a quote of $0.00.

Both Gazelle and BuyMyTronics will still accept and recycle the worthless gadget, and the warm fuzzies you get saving the world from brominated flame retardants will surely be worth more than a few dollars.

Take It Back

Many companies offer recycling programs for their products. Dell will recycle any of their products for free, and they’ll also recycle any computer at no additional cost with purchase of a new Dell.

Apple also offers free recycling with purchase of a new Mac, and offers a 10% discount on iPods when you bring an old one in to be recycled.

When you need to recycle, a quick check of the company’s website should be enough to see if they offer similar incentives.

Donate to Charity

Consider donating your gadget to charity if you feel like you’ve outgrown it. Someone else might find it useful. Be sure to wipe your hard drive before passing your computer (or any gadget) on to someone else.

Consider Recycling for Charities; an organization that accepts electronics through the mail, recycles them, and donates the profits to the charity of your choice. These donations are tax-deductible for you, making this option a win across the board.

If you have a PC or Mac still in good condition, the National Cristina Foundation might be able to use it in their program benefiting those with disabilities, students at risk, and the economically disadvantaged.

Donations may be submitted online, and are accepted at no cost outside of shipping.

Local Recycling Options

To find an electronic recycling business in your area, EcyclingCentral provides a handy map and detailed lists complete with addresses, phone numbers, and company websites.

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection agency’s website for more help on finding the most convenient recycling option in your area.

Community Connection

To learn more about e-waste, read Julie Schwietert’s article, The Problem with E-Waste and take in the visual mass of e-waste in photographer Chris Jordan’s photo essay – Intolerable Beauty: Chris Jordan Photographs American Mass Consumption.

The future is here…well, not yet. But Rolltop is a pretty sweet concept, functioning as a mini-notebook, a 13″ graphics tablet, and 17″ flat screen monitor, all rolled up and ready to go.

Recently stumbled across this cool video produced by Vodafone. 1,000 cellphones along with 2,000 text messages play Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture in an innovative (yet disturbingly time-wasting) production.

Intrigued? There’s apparently a followup video that shows us how Vodafone orchestrated (pun intended) the whole thing in an Auckland, New Zealand studio.

Photo by Samson

Tired of uploading videos to YouTube with great picture but terrible sound? Check out the Samson Q3 Handy Video Recorder.

This little camcorder packs two condenser mics which are directional, allowing you to “focus” on the sound you want – what Samson calls “audio zoom”.

The video’s not bad either at 640 x 480 resolution (30 frames per second), and the 2.4″ LCD screen (320 x 240 res) displays audio meters so you can monitor while you record.

The Zoom Q3 also includes a built-in USB cable to upload your videos, as well as HandyShare software to edit before you share on YouTube, Facebook, or Myspace.

While perfect for any concert, from marching band to metal, the camera is also a great option for photojournalists and bloggers who love including video interviews and podcasts on their sites.

Other features include:

• A 2GB SD card good for 1 hour of recording
• Up to 32GB SDHC cards for 16 hours
• AV cable and 2 AA batteries (also uses NiMH rechargeable batteries)
• Windows and Mac OS compatible
• Video format – MPEG-4 SP
• HandyShare software
• Tripod available (extra)

Admittedly, the video quality could be better. But with updates and new versions surely on the horizon, this gadget might be worth keeping an eye on.

Price: $249.00 | BUY

Photo courtesy of Laptops Arena

Here at Matador, we’ve reviewed many laptops, guided you through picking your perfect laptop, and showcased various lightweight alternatives.

For travel writers always on the go, Netbooks are more than sufficient for your writing and blogging needs. Throw in some photojournalism work which includes heavy photo editing and other graphics-related tasks, and you may be looking for something stronger.

At the end of this month, I’m leaving the 9-5 gig and transitioning into the role of fulltime freelance photojournalist. This meant assessing what I had in terms of technological support, upgrading any outdated kits, and investing in a new workhorse laptop to serve as a mobile home office.

Outlined below is a field guide to buying a new laptop including some essential questions you need to ask yourself.

What are others in your field using?

While the laptop someone else uses may not be the best option for you, there are a range of netbooks and laptops that fellow writers and photographers have been using for months and absolutely swear by.

I perused the Matador Network archives and also I hit up Google with a quick search phrase “Best Laptops for Photographers”. Because processing photographs and RAW files take up more memory than working with mostly text, I was looking for solutions specifically geared towards photojournalists.

By reading different reviews and opinions, I was able to boil down the list to the following brands: Apple, HP, Sony, and Lenovo.

What do you need in terms of features and functionality?

With the top four brands for photographers in hand, I began developing a list of minimum functionality. While Apple brands are extremely popular among creative types, it fell off the list because of years of experience with PC platforms.

This decision was based solely on my comfort level, thus bringing the list down to: HP, Sony, and Lenovo.

During my career, compiling code and connecting to large geospatial databases meant getting used to a certain level of processing speed, RAM and memory requirements.

So my rough list had only 3 important items on it:

• Speed – Nothing less than Intel Quad processors
• DVD Rewritable drive – Because even the best laptops don’t come with DVD drives and this requirement can inadvertently slip through the cracks
• USB ports galore – With two external hard drives, a Logitech headset, a mouse, USB printer and much more, I wanted to be able to connect my peripherals all at once.

By listing out features you absolutely need, this also limits the various models left for your review.

What extras would you like?

Once the base list was written down and finalized, I started thinking of nice features to have such as amped up graphics cards, extra hard drive space, and much more.

For months, investing in a Wacom drawing graphics tablet for maintaining my comic strip – Office Supplies – The Comic, was always on the back of my mind.

By this point, my choices were down to Sony and Lenovo having already filtered out HP based on graphics technology, other nice-to-have features, and the level of Adobe RGB color gamut support I needed.

Then I discovered the Lenovo Elite ThinkPad W700.

What made this particular model attractive was its built-in Wacom digitizing tablet which would support the comic strip. This meant not having to lug around an additional peripheral device.

I was instantly hooked.

Photo courtesy of Digital Photography Review

How much are you willing to pay?

It ultimately boils down to how much are you able to dole out on a pricey new system without pulling out all your savings. With the Lenovo ThinkPad W700 starting at $1,799 (basic features only), you can easily run upwards of $4,000-$5,000 for a complete configuration customized to suit your taste.

Ouch.

With a clear budget in mind (way less than $2,000), and finally having to dip into lean savings (double ouch), I was able to customize the ideal solution for my needs while keeping the overall purchase way less than $3,000.

The order has finally been placed and I’m currently keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that the Lenovo ThinkPad would truly be the perfect mobile office for this photojournalist.

Read more reviews of the Lenovo ThinkPad W700. Lenovo also offers an online outlet store where you can purchase refurbished laptops at half the price.

What laptop do you currently have and why did you choose it? Please share with us below

Specifications

It’s loaded with a 2.1GHz dual core processor, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and tops it all off with a dedicated graphics card (ATI Radeon HD 3200).

Gateway didn’t skimp out on the screen either – at a base price of $499.99, it sports a 15.6” LED LCD with a resolution of 1366×768, which is superior to the 1280×800 resolution other laptops in its price range and specifications class offer.

Performance

The laptop is a strong performer. General multitasking such as surfing the web, listening to music, and typing up an article didn’t produce a single hiccup. Though I was unable to test its gaming capabilities, its dedicated graphics card supports older generation games.

Battery life isn’t too shabby either. I was able to get about 2 ½ hours of battery life with the screen on full brightness and Windows running in “balanced” mode. Getting even more battery life by messing with power settings and lowering screen brightness is possible.

It has a sturdy and full keyboard (number pad included) that doesn’t sacrifice any of the other major keys. Also, for those who aren’t big fans of Windows Vista, there is no reason to worry. If you buy the laptop now, you’ll get a voucher for a free upgrade to Windows 7.

Bottom Line

Anyone in the market for a laptop should give this one a look. It’s without a doubt one of the best laptops you can get for the money, and you’ll be getting a computer that is solidly built and can cope with just about anything you throw at it.

Feature Photo by ohadweb.Photo Above by TheTruthAbout.

A bad situation is made worse when you’re in a foreign country, unsure of who to contact.

This is the situation CancelThatCard.com was designed for. The website has a simple design that allows frustrated travelers to quickly locate the right phone number to call in a credit card emergency.

On the front page, just choose whether the missing card is credit or debit. For credit cards, select the region where you’re currently located. The website will pull up a page with phone numbers listed by country for every major credit card or bank that you need to get in touch with. For debit, select the bank, and the phone numbers are listed by region.

CancelThatCard.com is a great web address to memorize for those situations you hope you’re never in.

Feature Photo by S Baker. Photo Above by respres

For travelers chronicling their journeys through words and pictures, amassing tons of data without a storage safety net to rely on is risky. There are several ways to keep your data safely tucked away in an online cubbyhole.

As you’re reviewing various options, here are some factors to consider:

Space – How much do you need?

Cost – Storing data shouldn’t mean shredding cash.

While there are sites designed specifically for hosting photos or videos, this piece covers what do you do with the rest of your data.

Photo by adria richard

E-mail

If your needs are basic, the simplest solution is to e-mail files to yourself. Most free e-mail accounts come with plenty of free storage if you just want to keep copies of critical documents.

A scan of your passport, birth certificate and other personal information can easily be organized in a folder and accessed whenever you need it.

Use it if your needs are minimal and you’re good at keeping your passwords secure (which is pretty important in any event).

Lose it if you need to store hundreds of files in a flexible, organized way.

Free File Storage

Several companies promote free file storage. Some may be around for decades, but do you really want to trust that?

File sharing sites like Megaupload and RapidShare offer great features but have speed and other restrictions for their free users. You should also be wary of any software a site asks you to install.

Fortunately, two giants in the data industry are diving into the storage business.

For a free service, Microsoft Skydrive has some great qualities. 25Gb of free storage, albeit with some limitations. While the file system is intuitive, you have to select files to upload one at a time.

No uploading of entire folders which is a deal breaker for most purposes. Another limitation is a max 50Mb file size, so uploading that HD movie of you sledding down the Spanish Steps on a piece of plywood ain’t gonna work.

The long-rumored Google storage service, Gdrive, is supposedly coming soon and may be worth the wait. As in most areas that Google has jumped into, expect them to be very competitive and probably push beyond the limits of Microsoft’s service.

Use it if you have several large files and don’t mind uploading them a few at a time

Lose it if you have huge files, like movie clips, or want to save hundreds of files at once

Full Back-ups and Syncing

If you want to be ready for catastrophic failure and keep your online storage sync’d with your computer, you need a back-up service. Most of these will automatically back-up all of your data whenever you’re connected, updating any files that are new or changed.

Some allow easy access to your files from any internet connected computer or your mobile device, some are useful only for a full restore if your computer dies or disappears.

For a full drive, the first sync could take days even with a fast connection, but you can pick and choose fewer files and folders to include.

While many of these companies offer “free” services, the free limit of 2Gb or less makes that unattractive. With a subscription, however, you have a great way to keep all your data safe in case of disaster.

Here are some of the more popular options:

• Mozy: Unlimited storage, automatic syncs. $54.45 per year
• Carbonite: It worked for Jabba the Hutt, why not you? Unlimited storage, automatic syncs, file access from any online computer; $54.95 per year
• Livedrive: In addition to data sync, it includes ftp support and individual file access, accessible from any connected mobile device. Approx. $65 per year for 100Gb
• Dropbox: Syncs your computer and allows easy access to individual files as well as easy file sharing with friends. Pricier at $120 per year for 50Gb

Use it if you want to have an online copy of everything to protect yourself

Lose it if you think spending a few bucks is too much for peace of mind or your spotty internet connection makes you weep at the thought of syncing your entire 160Gb drive

Your Web Host

If you already have a website with your own hosting account and are enough of a tech geek to set up private ftp access, it can be very cost effective to use an existing web host. One advantage here is that you’ll have your files nearby if you want to move one to your website for public download.

Use it If you’re already paying for a web host with plenty of room to spare

Lose it If programming anything beyond a microwave oven challenges you. You’ll be working without tech support in most cases.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/remote-data-storage-options-for-travelers/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-to-unleash-your-inner-james-bond/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-to-unleash-your-inner-james-bond/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:20:51 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2486 Introducing real-life gadgets that trounce some of 007’s most outrageous toys.

Photo by bionicteaching.

Some of the gadgets featured in Bond films have been laughed off as ridiculous in the past.
A laser watch? Invisible cars? Please…

But this list of real-life tech goodies tops some of 007’s most outrageous toys.

Avatar Digital Spy Camera

China Vasion gives us this handy gadget which is a cross between a telescope and a digital camera and features a 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 2MP monocular lens.

The amazing 40x digital zoom lets you capture distant shots and video in great detail.

Other specs include a mini-USB port, a built-in e-book reader, a standard media player, and 1GB of internal memory.

Price: $128.06 | View Site

Flameless USB Lighter

Designed by Nathan Gabriele, this lighter uses resistance coils to generate heat, lighting cigarettes without flames or fluid.

This technology is already used in car lighters.

On the other end of this lighter is a USB port which allows data transfer with internal flash memory. Useful for those situations where you need to download files secretly while your nemesis is searching for his cigars.

The Moshi Voice Activated Alarm Clock

Chucking your alarm clock across the room isn’t very suave. Why not command it to go into snooze mode instead?

The Moshi Alarm Clock responds to voice control to set both time and alarm, and is officially endorsed by the World Blind Union.

Your Moshi can tell you (literally, it has a voice too) the current temperature of the room, the date, and can change its lighting at your request.

The Moshi alarm will turn off at the sound of your voice, no matter how incoherent, meaning you don’t need to budge to stop the sound.

Price: $50 | View Site

LG Watch Phone

The LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone is one of the slickest new gadgets out there.

If the stereo Blue-tooth technology and camera for video conferences aren’t enough, the mp3 player, 3G HSDPA technology, voice recognition, and text to speech features make this an ultra-modern device worthy of 007.

Price: € 899 ($1,290) | View Site

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

Despite the amazing advances in touch screen technology, typing a lengthy email on a phone or PDA can be annoying.

Imagine pulling out your bluetooth enabled Blackberry and this handy little device barely bigger than a matchbook…and having a full size standard keyboard instantly displayed on the surface in front of you.

This tiny laser virtual keyboard projects a keyboard onto any flat surface, and even provides key click sounds to accompany your typing.

With a rechargeable battery for two hours of continuous typing and its futuristic look, the laser keyboard is sure to catch the eyes of your fellow cafe patrons.

Stash Card Secret Laptop Drawer

This isn’t exactly high-tech but it is pretty clever.

Wireless Garden presents a drawer designed to fit the PC card slot in your laptop perfectly, giving you a convenient place to hide keys, credit cards, stamps, cash, and incriminating photos.

Price: $9.95 | View Site

 

Memorize Written Data with the C Pen

The C Pen looks like a fat digital highlighter, but what it actually does makes it even cooler. Push the activation button on the side and slide the pen over any line of text as if you’re highlighting.

The C Pen captures the text (up to 2,000 pages at a time) and stores it into its memory, ready for you to transfer onto your computer via an IR port. You can even paste the copied text into Word or Excel.

Not sweet enough? How about this: the C Pen has a language translator, with the ability to translate any word in English to (or from) German, French, Italian, and Swedish.

So ideally, you can scan an article from Le Monde and have it translated into English, all on this nifty little gadget.

The C Pen also allows you to edit and make changes. The plagiarism potential here is astounding, but overall this seems like it could be a very useful toy.

Prices vary based on specification: the C Pen is available in Hosted (PC, Mac, etc.) or Standalone models.

Price: $170-$250 I View Site

Solar Powered Laptop Case

Voltaic Systems has an eco-friendly and convenient way to charge your laptop.

The Generator contains a solar panel that generates up to 15 watts using 20% efficient cells, along with a custom battery pack for conversion.

The battery will charge in around five hours, and the case will also charge cell phones and many other gadgets.

The Generator is made from water resistant recycled materials, making this a great choice for environmentally conscious Bond imitators.

Check their website first to make sure your laptop will charge in the Generator; Apple, Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo, and Panasonic laptops usually get good results.

Voltaic also offers solar powered backpacks and messenger bags.

Price: $499 | View Site

Car Key Security Camera

Snap a few stealthy photos with this clever spy camera from Brando.

This fake car key has 2GB of memory, with a color video resolution of 640 x 480 and an image resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels.

For the same price and specs, try Brando’s key chain security camera.

Price: $66 | View Site

The sQuba Car

Based on the Lotus Esprit Bond took for a dive in the 1977 classic The Spy Who Loved Me, Rinspeed’s sQuba car is a fully submersible, all-electric convertible with an onboard breathing system that enables passengers to breathe with a design similar to scuba gear.

The sQuba’s two extra engines are used to run a pair of screw drives, which, combined with jet drives that ‘breathe’ through special rotating louvers, help the car maneuver underwater.

Rinspeed had the foresight to include a salt-water resistant interior and a laser sensor system for driverless motoring.

The sQuba is a zero-emission car, making this environmentally friendly automobile, not to mention insanely cool.

Price: Not in a million years | View Site

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-to-unleash-your-inner-james-bond/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/find-travel-deals-with-kayaks-iphone-app/ http://matadorgoods.com/find-travel-deals-with-kayaks-iphone-app/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:41:21 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2464 While many websites charge to help you find the lowest airline and hotel prices, Kayak.com does it for free.

And now the Kayak app for iPhone makes it even simpler to book a trip.

Kayak is simple to use.

Just select Flights or Hotels, choose your trip dates on the calendar, and the app generates a list of flights (which can be sorted by price or length) and hotels (sorted by price, location, or “class”).

With just a few taps, Kayak finds the cheapest travel info available, saving tons of time usually spent scouring the web.

It’s easy to book online with Kayak, or even call the airline or hotel directly from your iPhone with one touch.

Kayak even lists hotels that aren’t available to reserve online. This app is fantastic for changing flights or booking a room at the last minute.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/find-travel-deals-with-kayaks-iphone-app/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/6-gadgets-to-make-your-life-greener/ http://matadorgoods.com/6-gadgets-to-make-your-life-greener/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:06:54 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2348 There’s been a lot of recent talk about e-waste and mass consumption, and their effect on the environment.

Photo courtesy of Chris Jordan

If you are a gadget-geek but want to reduce your carbon footprint, try these six gadgets for a greener life.

D-Link’s 8-port Switch

The DGS-2208 uses eco-friendly technology to help you reduce power consumption you may not realize you’re using. The D-Link automatically detects idle ports on your computer equipment and reduces the power usage, saving energy and money.

This device is particularly great for offices (public and home) where computers are used for over eight hours a day. In some situations, the D-Link has been able to save up to 40% of the power used in these conditions.

Installation is easy and no configuration is required.

Price: $44.99 | BUY

What’s Fresh

It’s no secret that eating local is good for your body and the planet. This handy little app will help you track down seasonal fruits anywhere in the U.S.

What’s Fresh lists in season fruits and veggies, provides a calendar and lets you know whether products are produced fresh or in a greenhouse, and is constantly updating more foods into its database.

Price: $1.99 | BUY from iTunes

Wind Powered Battery Charger

Solar power is catching on in popularity, but how about wind power? The HYmini, a hybrid universal charger, captures renewable wind and solar power and combines it with wall plug power to charge most 5V gadgets.

A breeze over 9 mph will get the battery charging in just 20-40 minutes. This charger is great for cell phones, mp3 players, iPods, and cameras.

Price: $74.98 | BUY

Light Powered Mobile Phone Charging Sleeve

The Powcell Charging Sleeve, made by MotionTouch, charges up your iPhone or Blackberry via light power. The photovoltaic cells on the back suck up energy from nearby light sources, feeding it straight to your phone.

Ideally, if a phone lives in this sleeve, it never needs charging.

Meaning there’s no more need for AC outlets, saving both energy and money on your electric bill.

Bio-Recyclable USB Drive

Designed with recycled and biodegradable material, the ATP EarthDrive is also shockproof, waterproof, and dust-proof, making it a highly durable USB drive.

Its capacities range from 1GB to 8GB, and security software is built in for password protection.

ATP has partnered with the American Forest Foundation and donates a share of their revenues to planting trees.

Price: $15.99 | BUY

 

Iqua BHS-603 SUN Bluetooth Headset by Orange

If you’re addicted to Bluetooth, Try Iqua SUN, the worlds first solar powered Bluetooth headset.

At just 14 grams, the tiny headset fits into your ear without needing a hook, and draws energy from the sun to charge.

The Iqua SUN will stay powered and ready to go through nine hours of total darkness.

Price: $34.56 | BUY

Community Connection

For more on the environmental impact of consumerism, check out Chris Jordan’s photo essay, and read up on the problem with E-waste.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/6-gadgets-to-make-your-life-greener/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/how-to-access-your-home-data-while-traveling/ http://matadorgoods.com/how-to-access-your-home-data-while-traveling/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:37:20 +0000 Elmer Thomas http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2293 Reducing what you take when you travel not only saves your shoulders from having to lug them around, it also drastically minimizes the chances of loss, theft or damage.

Feature photo by **msk. Photo Above by DeclanTM

Anyone who travels frequently has probably built a lengthy list of tips and tricks to help minimize the bulk of items they need to take with them.

Nowadays, many people carry a laptop along, but even the most robust desktop replacement versions have hard drives that pale in comparison to a desktop-class external hard drive for storing data. Many technologies such as external hard drives that were developed for corporate America have seen their fruits trickle down into the home market.

While one might assume I’m suggesting you carry an external drive with you, I’m introducing a more efficient way of accessing all your files while on the road.

In a business environment, it wouldn’t make sense to attach an external hard drive to every workstation especially when sharing data is essential, so Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices were created. NAS devices are external hard drives that plug into a router via Ethernet cables, allowing authorized users on the network access to the same data.

Hard drive manufacturer Western Digital rolled out two feature-packed NAS devices called the My Book World Edition (2 terrabytes in size) and the My Book World Edition II that does everything a NAS device should do.

One of the most interesting features for travelers is the My Book’s built-in remote access technology called MioNet.

Simply load the MioNet software onto your laptop or NetBook and have instant access to everything you keep stored at home or in the office, whenever you want it, wherever you happen to be.

Installation is a breeze and using the software is extremely intuitive. Additionally, with as much as 2 terabytes (TB) of storage capacity, you can keep thousands of photos, tons of home movies, enough music to fill your ears for weeks and all the other important documents you need with instant access anywhere.

If you travel often and need to access your digital data on a regular basis, stop hauling it around with you on an external hard drive, and opt for instant remote access to your digital data, all kept securely at home.

Do you have any data related travel tips? Please share them below.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/how-to-access-your-home-data-while-traveling/feed/ 10 http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-13-languages-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/ http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-13-languages-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:35:42 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2161 So you downloaded the Saucy Phrasebook after reading our original review and got a kick out of impressing the locals in Tokyo with your clever Japanese phrases.

But now you’re headed to South Korea– how will you warn the bartender that you’ve had too much soju?

Lucky for you, the Saucy Phrasebook 2.0 has just been released! For just $2.99, you can enjoy all the funny, useful, and even flirtatious lines the original offered, now in 13 different languages.

The new version is organized into six categories: emergency, dating, food, shopping, shelter, and transportation. Each phrase is recorded by a native speaker so you’re sure to be understood. Available languages include Arabic, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Price: $2.99 | To download, click here.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-13-languages-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/introducing-the-gorillapod-family/ http://matadorgoods.com/introducing-the-gorillapod-family/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:37:54 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1336 They’re cute, they’re colorful, they’re fun to play with, but when it comes to photography, this family doesn’t mess around.

Gorillapod Original

The one that started it all. The Gorillapod Original’s flexible legs make it different from any other tripod on the market.

Wrap, bend, and twist to get your compact digital camera (up to 11.5 oz) in pretty much any position.

The rubberized ring and foot grips help the Gorillapod grab onto any surface, and the quick-release clip and lock ring keep your camera connected and safe.

Gorillapod SLR

For lightweight SLR cameras and camcorders (up to 1.75 lbs), the Gorillapod SLR helps get the right angle for that perfect shot. The legs are made up of over two dozen joints, which band and rotate 360°.

Gorillapod SLR-Zoom

This one’s for the pros: the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom holds camera equipment weighing up to 6.5 lbs. The joints are made from high quality injection molded plastic which won’t wear out from lots of use.

A 3/8″ adapter screw is included to mount cameras and professional tripod heads. For an even wider range of shots, pair this one up with the Joby Ballhead.

Gorillapod Focus

The big boy of the bunch. The Gorillapod Focus can handle equipment up to 11 lbs with ease, thanks to machined aluminum sockets and high quality injection molded thermoplastic joints. This one also includes the 3/8″ adapter screw.

Visit Joby.com for more.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/introducing-the-gorillapod-family/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/go-royale-with-the-lg-watch-phone%e2%80%8f/ http://matadorgoods.com/go-royale-with-the-lg-watch-phone%e2%80%8f/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:22 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=2030 The latest gadget from LG is slick enough for 007 himself.

The LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone is one of the thinnest phones in the world at 13.9mm thick. The touch screen features LG’s Flash interface technology that users report works extremely well, especially given the size of the screen (1.43 inches diagonally).

I’ll admit, initially I pictured guys in suits hurrying down Wall Street with their watches up to their ears, yelling into their wrists. But the LG Watch Phone uses stereo Blue-tooth so you’re not talking into your arm like a dork. Speakerphone is another option the LG offers.

The most Bond-like feature? A tiny camera above the screen allows for video conferences. Smooth.

The LG Watch Phone also boasts an mp3 player, reportedly with 70 MB of memory storage, 3G HSDPA technology, voice recognition, text to speech (to read aloud text messages), and comes in a variety of colors like blue, red, silver, black, and pink.

Sadly, as of right now the LG Watch Phone is only available in Europe and, for a limited time, the UK.

The price?

Well, only true Bonds can afford it.

Price: € 899 ($1,290)

For more on the LG Watch Phone

• Press release.
• Price Confirmation.
• Review (confirming easy-to-use touch screen).
• What is HSDPA technology? .

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/go-royale-with-the-lg-watch-phone%e2%80%8f/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/the-worlds-first-pocket-sized-camera-projector-combo/ http://matadorgoods.com/the-worlds-first-pocket-sized-camera-projector-combo/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:27:35 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1935 Imagine those memorable times during your travels when giggling kids gathered around your camera’s LCD for a quick peek at themselves? What if you’d been able to project those images onto a wall, providing full-scale entertainment?

New from camera giant Nikon is the sleek Coolpix S1000pj camera which – you guessed it – comes with an in-built projector. Touted as the world’s “first camera with an ultra-small, built-in projector”, this 12.1 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S1000pj comes with a 5x wide-angle zoom Nikkor lens and a hybrid vibration reduction (VR) system that minimizes shakes using two stabilization techniques – optical and electronic.

More technical features include:

* Motion Detection which automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.

* High ISO up to 6400 capability which helps give you sharper results when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects.(ISO 300 and ISO 6400 are available at 3MP or lower resolution.)

* Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) which automatically takes up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed and saves the sharpest image.

With its tiny projector, you can project images up to 40 inches in size for 1 hour from a maximum distance of 6ft 6 inches.

Pretty sweet for a hand-held gadget.

It uses EN-EL12 batteries and also includes an audio-video cable, a projector stand, and a remote control in addition to the basics (charger, software, USB cable).

Would love to get my hands on one of these for a detailed video review.

Price: $489.99 | Pre-Order on Amazon (Drops on September 20)

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/the-worlds-first-pocket-sized-camera-projector-combo/feed/ 6 http://matadorgoods.com/phones-that-like-it-rough/ http://matadorgoods.com/phones-that-like-it-rough/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:14:30 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1926 Popular companies like Nokia and Samsung are featuring a line of rugged cell phones that don’t mind taking a bit of a beating.

For travelers, extreme sports enthusiasts, blue collar workers, and anyone else who doesn’t care so much about the thinness of their phone or having a delicate touch screen, phones like Nokia’s 3720 Classic and the Sonim XP3 Quest 2.0 might be preferable to the iPhone 3G.

According to Nokia, the 3720 can be smacked with a golf club, shot with a paintball gun, dropped from serious heights, dipped in jelly, and dunked in beer.

Basically, this phone can take whatever any fraternity might dish out for rush week.

Same goes for the Sonim, which the company claims is “built for life in the big city, off-road, the back country, and the world’s waterways.”

The Sonim can be submerged in water, used as a hammer, and features an extra-loud ring audible over the sound of a jackhammer.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/phones-that-like-it-rough/feed/ 9 http://matadorgoods.com/10-cheap-or-free-iphone-apps-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-cheap-or-free-iphone-apps-for-travelers/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:22:23 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1885 iPhone apps for travelers article, countless more have been created. These latest travel apps range from quirky to ridiculously helpful.]]> Since we last recommended iPhone apps for travelers, countless more have been created. These latest travel apps range from quirky to ridiculously helpful.

1. Skype

All you need is a wifi hotspot to make Skype-to-Skype calls free from your iPhone. The rates for calls to mobiles and landlines (both national and international) are affordable. You can also keep track of who’s online to send and receive instant messages.

Skype offers both pay as you go credit plans or a subscription that offers unlimited calls to landlines and cell phones (in some countries).

Price: FREE

2. Cheap Gas

This app, created by OPIS (Oil Price Information Service), gives you a head start on the hunt for the best gas prices. Cheap gas uses the iPhone 3G’s GPS feature to find the ten gas stations in your area with the cheapest prices.

For the more discerning gas customer, Cheap Gas offers an advanced search function to specify zip code and type of fuel (unleaded, premium unleaded, or diesel).

Price: FREE

3. Saucy Phrasebook

This language app by SoSauce is a little different from the rest. Rather than asking where the bathroom is, the Saucy Phrasebook contains such useful phrases as “I drank too much and I’m going to puke” and “Help! I just got swindled!”

Each phrase is recorded in Mandarin, French, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian by native speakers.

Price: FREE

4. Flight Track Pro

This app tops our list as far as price goes, but if you’re a frequent flyer, reviewers claim Flight Track Pro is well worth the price of a pizza. When you book your flight, simply forward your confirmation email to plans@tripit.com, and your itinerary will appear automatically on your iPhone.

Flight Track Pro keeps you up to date on your flight status, airport delays and closures, gate numbers, and the weather forecast for your final destination.

Price: $9.99

5. goPostal

For $1.29 in postage costs, you can send an actual personalized postcard via the U.S. Postal Service. Simply select a picture from your iPhone, add a message, and send to any address in your phone book. The postcard will arrive within 24 hours.

These postcards make for a great, affordable souvenir without taking up luggage space.

Price: FREE (plus cost of postage)

6. Find Internet Cafe

For those that need wi-fi served along with their latte, the Find Internet Cafe app…well, does this really require an explanation? The app automatically detects your location and offers a list of closest internet cafes, complete with an interactive map, driving directions, the phone number for the business, and the cafe’s website. The bookmark feature allows you to save your favorites.

Of course, you have to be in a wi-fi zone for the app to work. And for now, Find Internet Cafe only offers suggestions inside the U.S.

Price: $0.99

7. iCarPark

Never forget where you parked again! iCarPark allows you to save your parking spot on a map. It then provides walking directions back no matter where you are.

Extra features allows you to keep track of meter times, remember parking garage levels, and keep track of up to five parked vehicles.

iCarPark also gives the option of using a satellite hybrid map for even better navigation!

Price: $0.99

8. SitOrSquat

The beauty of this app is in its name. Sure, there are a few apps that will help you locate the nearest restroom. But if you’ve traveled through certain countries, you know that a Western toilet is still only really common in the West.

Using the iPhone’s GPS features, this app will tell you which of the almost 60,000 restroom locations registered with SitOrSquat is closest to you, and whether or not you need to warm up your leg muscles before entering. SitOrSquat also provides information on changing tables, handicapped facilities, and a little bit of humorous bathroom reading.

Everyone is encouraged to enter any new public restrooms they stumble across to the system; it’s all about helping each other out.

Price: FREE

9. Stanza

It’s pretty easy to see why Stanza is one of the most popular eBook readers out there. With a built-in catalog of over 100,000 books and the ability to personalize fonts, colors, and page setup, Stanza already has more than a million customers.

If you already have a few eBooks or documents, you can transfer them over to your iPhone with Stanza by using the free desktop app for Mac & PC.

Price: FREE

10. AroundMe

If you aren’t app-happy and want get as many features as possible from just one travel app, AroundMe is the way to go. This app uses the iPhone’s GPS feature to locate anything and everything you need, including banks, bars, gas stations, hospitals, hotels, theaters, restaurants, markets, and more.

You can see your destination’s location on a map, view the most direct route, and save it in your contact list. AroundMe also has a Nearby listing that uses Wikipedia to find what else is close to your location.

Price: FREE

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-cheap-or-free-iphone-apps-for-travelers/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/play-responsibly-with-eco-friendly-toys/ http://matadorgoods.com/play-responsibly-with-eco-friendly-toys/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:58:59 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1342 Sprig Toys, which specializes in toys for tots that are battery-free, paint-free, eco-friendly, and most importantly, FUN!]]> Know a certain little one with a birthday coming up? Check out Sprig Toys, which specializes in toys for tots that are battery-free, paint-free, eco-friendly, and most importantly, FUN!

Feature Photo by Lola Akinmade. Photo Above – Sprig Toys

What preschooler wouldn’t love the Discover Rig, one of Sprig’s Adventure Series toys? This cool four-wheeler seats up to three of the cute Adventure Guide dolls with light and sound powered by the push-action from the child, not batteries!

Any toddler that loves quality time in the sandbox would have a blast with an Eco-Truck. The Dump Truck, Excavator, and Loader are sturdy, eco-friendly, and perfect for serious digging!

Sprig Toys are dedicated not only to making toys that are good for the environment, but good for kids, too! These toys are “kid-powered” rather than “battery-powered”, and encourage active play. The materials used are water-resistant making them perfect for outdoor play.

The assembly lines used to create most toys have a devastating impact on the air, soil, and even people. And increasingly, more and more toys utilize electronics, wasting energy while encouraging children to watch rather than interact.

The designers of Sprig Toys are determined to create fun and exciting toys that will get kids up and moving, without harming the environment.

For more information, check out their story.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/play-responsibly-with-eco-friendly-toys/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/10-travel-accessories-essential-for-any-overseas-trip/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-travel-accessories-essential-for-any-overseas-trip/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:56:42 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1204

Photo:Photo: Indie Type

You have your passport, you have your toothbrush, What other things are essential for any overseas trip?

This isn’t a list of the most essential accessories for overseas travel. You’re going to need a passport, money, a toothbrush, a suitable bag and a towel, but you already knew that, right? The accessories that we explore in detail below are all essential in that they will save you time, money and effort and will generally make your overseas trip a far more pleasurable experience.

1. Travel Journal

Photo: kikijames

As any seasoned traveller will no doubt tell you, a notebook is as essential as a clean pair of undies when you’re abroad. Any old jotter will do, but if you’re willing to splash the cash, you can’t do much better than a leather journal.

Italian and oilcloth covered, Moleskine were the favoured notebooks of Picasso, Matisse, Kurakin and Hemingway, and you can’t argue with the weight of that collective opinion. Oh yeah, don’t forget to bring a pen too!

2. Netbook

A netbook is a small, lightweight, portable laptop that can do almost anything a larger notebook can. Cheaper than their larger cousins, netbooks are particularly suited to web browsing and emailing.

The MSI WIND U100 is among the best on the market. Weighing in at just 4.4lb and measuring 12.3 x 8.7 x 3.4, it has an ample 120GB of memory, an Intel Atom N270 processor, Windows XP Home and an in-built high-resolution web cam, all for just $330. Perfect for staying in contact with friends and family via email, IM and Skype while you’re on the road.

3. 3G Mobile Internet Dongle

A small, inconspicuous 3G mobile internet dongle can be a lifesaver when there’s no wifi signal or internet cafe within range, and let’s face it, that’s usually the case. Although the connection speed might not be up to your usual standard, 3G coverage is very good across huge swathes of the globe.

Most cell phone operators sell 3G dongles these days, and they’re all very reasonably priced. Some are sold on a pay-as-you-go basis, while others are tied to a monthly charge and a download limit (typically 15GB per month).

You’ll just need to be wary about using data roaming on a frequent basis (especially if you are on a monthly contract) as the minutes and megabytes quickly stack up and many people have come home to staggeringly large bills.

4. Digital Camera

Photo: Panasonic

Every great trip deserves to be documented for posterity, gloating and/or boring your friends at home. Digital cameras are cheaper than ever and you can buy a very decent one online for under $200. Choose a camera that's lightweight, pocket-sized and able to take a bit of a battering.

Any of the smaller cameras from the Panasonic Lumix range will be ideal: they all come with a top-quality Leica lens and an Intelligent Auto function to guarantee great pics.

5. USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is essential for backing-up and storing the hundreds of photographs that you’ll no doubt be taking on your travels. You can also store music, videos, maps, documents and any other files which might be of use. With a flash drive you can easily share files with the people that you meet abroad and, more importantly, steal music from them.

6. International Cell Phone

For social and emergency reasons, a cell phone is an essential item to pack, but do not make the mistake of taking your phone away without first checking with your network operator that it can be used overseas. Your phone itself must be capable of operating on various radio frequencies (most modern phones are) and your network operator must have established a roaming agreement with an operator abroad.

Some network operators insist that you contact them before travelling to ’set up’ roaming capability. This is an ideal time to enquire about roaming charges, which can often be extortionate. If you’re going to be away for a while, it might make economic sense to buy a local pay-as-you-go handset or switch operator completely.

In the UK, Vodafone, for example, has abolished roaming charges in over 35 countries. If that’s not an option then you might want to try out an international cell phone rental whereby you get reduced international rates on calls and data.

7. Voltaic Solar Charger Bag

Photo: Voltaic

Handheld solar chargers are widely available for as little as $20. They generate free and renewable electricity from sunlight, which can then be used to charge any electronic device that you’ve brought with you. They contain in-built batteries, which store generated power for use whenever you want – perfect when you’re miles away from a plug socket.

The ultimate portable solar charger is the Voltaic Solar Bag, a rucksack covered in lightweight, waterproof solar panels. Larger bags can fully charge a laptop from one full day of sunlight, while smaller bags can power an MP3 player for three hours from just one hour of sun.

8. Hammacher Schlemmer Auto-Detecting Travel Adaptor And Converter

Assuming you can’t power everything with your solar charger alone, you’re going to need a travel adaptor for all your lovely electronic devices to work. Look no further than the 150-Country Auto-Detecting Travel Adaptor and Converter, the definitive travel adaptor by Hammacher Schlemmer. This beast of a gadget can charge two devices at once and can be used in over 150 countries. It even has an in-built USB port for charging small iPods and other USB-only devices.

9. LED Torch

Whether you’re camping out in the Amazon basin, backpacking ’round Thailand or five-starring it in San Tropez, an LED torch is an absolutely essential item to take with you. Modern LED torches are not only small and lightweight, they are super-bright and go on shining for hundreds of thousands of hours. They are really cheap, too: a good one will cost you under $10.

10. Swiss Army Knife

The Swiss Army knife has been an essential travel tool ever since the first one was made in 1897. There’s nothing quite as handy for chopping food, mending a broken suitcase and opening an ice-cold bottle of beer. The Wenger Giant Swiss Army knife has 87 implements and 141 functions, but at $1,400 and 2 pounds in weight, it might not be the most suitable for road warriors. The most basic of Swiss Army knives will do, but remember not to pack it in your hand luggage if you are flying anywhere.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-travel-accessories-essential-for-any-overseas-trip/feed/ 12 http://matadorgoods.com/helmet-cam-guide-3-top-designs/ http://matadorgoods.com/helmet-cam-guide-3-top-designs/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:46:05 +0000 Shon Bollock http://matadorgoods.com/?p=1172

Helmet cams — shock and water resistant (or waterproof) cameras — are giving adventure athletes and travelers new ways of recording footage. Shon Bollock reviews three key models.

GoPro

Two years ago I was picked up by GoPro as an athlete and have been working closely with them for that amount of time. At a retail price of $189 the GoPro Hero Wide is the best bang for your buck. This camera can shoot video or pictures that are easily stored onto a SD card. Below is footage I shot using this camera:

The lens has a 170-degree wide angle so you get an amazing perspective when using it in action. There isn’t another camera that shoots as good of footage for the small amount of money you pay for a wide-angle helmet cam.

VIO POV 1.

For this past year or so I have been kayaking for an online company Helmet Camera Central based right out of my hometown, Mt. Shasta. This company specializes in helmet cams and has great gear reviews as well as product videos.

The first camera I got from them is the VIO POV 1. This is an amazing piece of equipment and probably the highest quality footage you can get for under a thousand dollars. Although this camera retails at $650 the footage speaks for itself and is DVD quality.

This product has a killer clip reviewer system so you can see what you shot directly after you shoot it.. Out of all the waterproof cameras I have tried, this is the best, but is an expensive piece.

The big “little” brother to this camera is the POV 1.5. This recently released upgrade is a smaller camera with just as good footage. The camera head was made smaller and the wire is fully attached in the back of the camera (not a interchangeable wire like the POV 1).

I have found this to be a problematic design because I have personally went through 3 POV 1.5 heads this season. Since it’s fully attached in the back of the cam, if the wire gets twisted than the metal prongs going into review housing all bend with the twist of the wire, ruining camera connector.

Contour HD by Vholdr

The final latest helmet cam to talk about is the brand new Contour HD. This is one of the first cameras to be shooting in full HD and I have to say the footage is amazing. I got to try out this new cam riding my downhill bike in Northstar this past weekend and was very impressed with the contours design.

It has a very helpful beeping system to let you know when it turns on, off, or begins recording. It comes equipped with a laser leveling system to make sure your shooting straight and an adjustable lens if you want to mount the camera upside down or whichever way.

This camera retails around $299 and is worth every penny. Hands down the best camera for biking but since its only water resistant it is not the best candidate for water sports. There is talk of a waterproof housing coming out for it but until this product is fully waterproof on its own, it wont be the premier waterproof helmet cam.

Overall, there are many helmet-cam options out on the market so be sure to do your homework before committing to one or another. Helmet Camera Central has all these products mentioned and much more. HCC’s review section has helpful insight and product demos to make that final decision. It’s important to remember to have a camera on your head before you huck because then your friends have to believe you; it cuts out that unbelievable factor.

Community Connection

Check out some of the most incredible helmet cam footage on the internet.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/helmet-cam-guide-3-top-designs/feed/ 7 http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-gadgets-with-wind-power/ http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-gadgets-with-wind-power/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:00:48 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=803 Now you can keep your cell and iPod charged anywhere, from the streets of Madrid to the middle of the Sahara.

The HYmini is a handheld, hybrid universal charger that captures renewable wind and solar power, along with conventional wall plug power. The harnessed energy is used to charge most 5V digital gadgets, including cell phones, mp3 players, iPods, digital cameras, and more.

All it takes is a breeze of between 9 and 30 mph to keep the battery charging. The translucent wind turbine glows green while in use, and the device contains an LED night light.

Does it work? According to its users, the HYmini is the real deal. Tim Leffel, professional travel writer and editor of PerceptiveTravel.com, reports on his blog: “I simply stuck the thing in my office window on a nice spring day and then fully charged up my iPod.” According to HYmini.com, 20-40 minutes of wind is all you need to start charging.

Several accessories are available with the HYmini (at extra cost) to help utilize green power to its full potential, including portable miniSOLAR panels, miniHANDCRANCK, armbands, and a connector for bicycle handlebars. No additional software is required to charge up the gadgets you already own.

The HYmini comes in black, white, and of course, green.

Price: $74.98 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-gadgets-with-wind-power/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/essential-gear-for-the-traveling-musician/ http://matadorgoods.com/essential-gear-for-the-traveling-musician/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:47:20 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=644 Packing for long-term travel overseas is tough as it is, but for musicians there’s even more to think about. If you’re taking your guitar, bass, drums, digeridoo, or any other instrument abroad, check out these helpful travel gear.

Feature Photo by Lola Akinmade. Photo Above by drummerchris

Soft and Hard Cases

Gator Cases has a line of flight cases for guitar and bass made of durable plywood and zinc plated hardware. They also feature twin flight cases for electric guitar, one which holds two strat style guitars, the other one strat and one LP.

Prices range from upwards of $250 to $350 for single cases (including acoustic guitar and keyboard), to over $450 for the doubles. Not cheap, but certainly a worthwhile investment if you’re going to be doing a lot of serious traveling.

Don’t forget to loosen the strings when you pack so the neck won’t crack or bend.

Guitar and bass players should probably consider bringing along soft gig bags as well. Flight cases tend to be pretty heavy, and you don’t want to lug one around the subway station!

For drummers, hard cases are a must for flying, although for hardware I don’t think it’s as vital. But definitely protect the shells with a few flight cases (check out this combination case featuring a divider so your 10″ tom can rest on top of your 12″, cutting down on how many cases you bring.)

Photo by Ed Yourdon

If you’re moving to a fairly big city, chances are the clubs will provide a basic kit, so soft gig bags aren’t as necessary.

Custom Cases

For the more serious musician, check out Hiscox Cases.

These custom made cases might run a little higher in price, but are also lighter, more durable, and feature thermal insulation. Considering cargo typically isn’t climate controlled, this is important.

And if you really do play the digeridoo, try New World Cases, Inc. They specialize in custom shipping cases for pretty much anything.

Amplifiers

Clubs usually provide guitar/bass amps as well, but if you need a small one for personal use, take a look at this amplifier, which features a removable head.

Tuners

Got an iPhone? Check out this metronome/tuner webapp, created by musicalscientist.com.

The tempo range is 40-240 BPM, and the tuning pitches include A440, B flat, A417, 6 string Guitar EADGBE, 4 string Bass EADG, and 5 string Bass BEADG.

For the best prices for instruments and gear, I usually have the most luck with music123.com and musiciansfriend.com.

Community Connection

Be sure to check out 5 Things You Should Know When Traveling With Musical Instruments before you hit the road with your instruments.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/essential-gear-for-the-traveling-musician/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/winner-sansa-slotradio-player/ http://matadorgoods.com/winner-sansa-slotradio-player/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:45:45 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=927 Save time with the pre-loaded slotRadio player and focus on more important things – like planning for your journey.

…..Olivia of Powered by Tofu

Olivia was randomly selected to win the player. This Portland, Oregon native keeps a pretty fascinating blog that chronicles her “adventures of a quarterlife crisis and year-long trip around the world.”

Check out her entry below:

My favorite travel song is Kaiser Chiefs “Oh My God”. The “Oh my god, I can’t believe it, I’ve never been this far away from home…” song ….Powered by Tofu

Be sure to check Matador Nights in the next few days for an article spotlighting readers’ favorite travel songs.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/winner-sansa-slotradio-player/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/5-essential-gadgets-for-telecommuting/ http://matadorgoods.com/5-essential-gadgets-for-telecommuting/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:13:34 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=860 A look at various gadgets that hardcore telecommuters depend on.

Photo by DDFic

The TSA lady looks at me with pursed lips as I start unraveling two laptops, two external hard drives, a gargantuan Maxtor drive (which on many occasions has raised security concerns), and other peripheral devices – headsets, mouse, webcam, adapters – from a single laptop bag.

“I’ve got this down to a science,” I assure her. Seriously.

There are telecommuters who usually work from a single location such as a tricked-out home office complete with VoIP and a Transformers-like scanner/printer/fax/copier combo, and then there are telecommuters who work from multiple locations, constantly shifting base much more like location independent professionals (LIPs).

The last three months alone have seen me commute from Stockholm, Washington D.C., Baltimore, London, and now back from Stockholm.

While most companies set up their telecommuters with technologies such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) access and blackberries/iPhones, there are some additional tools you personally need to seek out that will enhance your experience.

Here are the daily essentials that help sustain my location independent lifestyle.

High Speed Internet Access

Definitely a no-brainer but if I can’t pick up a strong signal, I’m pretty much done working for the day and might as well just a take a vacation day. Not just a meager 36 Mbps cable line but a network that can support connecting through VPNs and streaming large files (couple gigabytes) back and forth.

Skype Online Number & Forwarding

At this point, you’re already using either Skype or one of many international phone plans for telecommuters.

Photo by re-ality

In fact, you may already be pimping your Skype experience with add-ons such as the Belkin WiFi phone to receive calls when you’re not online.

Beyond internet access, the most important tool for me is a personalized Skype telephone number.

For just $18.00 for 3 months, you’re hooked up with a local area code number from whichever country you choose.

So friends and family without Skype software can call my online number.

The best part? – I can forward calls from my office extension number (say, extension 222) to my Skype number (222-222-2222) which rings on my laptop. So technically, I never miss calls while away from my desk back in the US.

Taking it one step further, if I’m offline or busy, Skype then forwards the call on to my cell phone.

Instant Messaging

There’s no quicker way to access colleagues while working from another continent than sending them a quick instant message via Spark, Google Talk, or any one of the many instant messaging applications out there.

Photo by Wesley Fryer

Telecommuters can quickly feel excluded but with instant messaging tools, you can seamlessly chat with a colleague in San Francisco while working from Scandinavia.

Web Conferencing

Another perk of Skype is that you can initiate conference calls, dialing in the various key players of the call.

But there are more advanced (and more stable) web conferencing solutions designed specifically for this purpose.

Tools such as Microsoft Live Meeting, eMeeting by WebEx, and Citrix’s GoToMeeting allow you to not only initiate calls but also connect remotely to other machines for demos or to help troubleshoot problems.

External Hard Drives

Since you’ll be off your company’s WAN grid for extended periods of time, chances are tech support isn’t backing up your laptop, and you’re pretty much on your own. Investing in at least one external hard drive such as the Western Digital HD Passport can be a lifesaver.

Sooner or later, you will drop your laptop as you constantly shift bases. Be sure to read professional photographer Terence Carter’s article, Back Up. And Running: How to Back Up Your Digital Goods on the Road.

I always travel with two external drives. My backup needs a backup.

And the third drive sits at home….wherever it may be at the moment.

Additional Resources

For more telecommuting tools to fit your particular lifestyle, check out Tools that Telecommuters and Remote Workers Can’t Live Without , and 5 Tools for Successful Telecommuting.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/5-essential-gadgets-for-telecommuting/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-giveaway-sansa-slotradio-player/ http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-giveaway-sansa-slotradio-player/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 15:47:45 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=721 Save time with the pre-loaded slotRadio player and focus on more important things – like planning for your journey.

Photo by James Cridland

We love lightweight, practical travel gadgets here at Goods, and the slick new Sansa slotRadio player joins the ranks.

This revolutionary mp3 player holds up to 1,000 songs on a tiny memory card. Its built-in FM radio allows you to tune into local stations while traveling in foreign countries as well as NPR so you’ve got instant access to the latest news. At just 1.3 oz in weight, it is super portable and barely takes up any space.

It has an integrated clip on its back that allows you to attach it to belt straps and clothing so you can take it jogging/walking.

How It Works

1,000 songs organized into various genres are preloaded onto a small chip that gets inserted into the player. I was a bit skeptical about the playlist because when it comes to music, tastes severely differ, but the slotRadio card boasts an impressive mix.

From contemporary artists such as Coldplay, Maroon 5, and No Doubt, Hip-hop artists like Akon and T-Pain, as well as Alternative and Emo Rockers such as Kaiser Chiefs and Hinder, there are at least a couple hundred songs that will satisfy your musical preferences.

Other genres include Rock, Country, and a mix of Workout and Chillout tunes. And with up to 13 hours of battery life between charges, you’re sure to be rocking out uninterrupted.

To start up the player, all you have to do is insert the slotRadio card that comes with the player and switch to PLAY.

It’s that simple.

Photo courtesy of Crunch Gear

Swapping Out Playlists

The very first question that came to mind (besides wondering if U2 made the cut) was how I would change out my playlists.

What if I got tired of continuously playing the same old…oh…1,000 songs? Additional song mix cards can be purchased online.

You can also order genre-specific music cards such as all rock tunes, if country music isn’t your style.

What’s Included

I’m a sucker for clean, attractive packaging and the slotRadio Player’s square-shaped, compartmentalized media case includes Sansa ear buds, a USB cable for connecting the player to its AC Adapter (included!), as well as a protective silicone case, a user’s guide, a 1,000 song mix card, and the player itself.

It retails for $99.99, and additional music cards can be purchased for $39.99 each from the slotRadio store. The slotRadio will also be available at Radio Shack stores, but the best part is….

We’re giving one away for free! That’s right.

From now until Friday, June 5th PST, all you need to do is tell us (in 50 words or less) about one of your favorite travel songs that reminds you of a place or reason to travel in the comments field below. We will randomly pick a winner to receive a slotRadio player after the deadline.

We will also be publishing select readers’ entries in a feature piece on Matador Nights.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-giveaway-sansa-slotradio-player/feed/ 21 http://matadorgoods.com/send-a-personalized-postcard-from-your-iphone/ http://matadorgoods.com/send-a-personalized-postcard-from-your-iphone/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 16:48:59 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=710 Tired of hunting down mailboxes and checking on postage prices when you should be out exploring? Now with goPostal, you can send a personalized postcard directly from your iPhone or iTouch.

Photo by phooky

The goPostal app, a free download from the iPhone App Store, allows you to select a photo from your library or snap one on the spot, write a personal message, choose a recipient, and send.

That’s it!

The 4x 6 postcard, which includes a UV protective coating, is delivered to your U.S. resident of choice via the U.S. Postal Service.

The cost is $1.29 per postcard, which includes postage: both convenient and thrifty for travelers that want to send a customized souvenir to friends and family.

goPostal also allows for more creativity than the generic postcard.

Why send your mom the standard Ipanema Beach shot when she could have a picture of her name spelled out with shells on the sand to stick up on the refrigerator?

Everyone’s seen a photo of the Eiffel Tower, but they haven’t seen you sliding down the banister of its staircase with Paris sprawled out behind you.

The goPostal app also offers businesses a new, unique way to keep in touch with their customers.

Postcards with goPostal can be sent to anyplace in the U.S. from anyplace in the world. For more information, including testimonials, check out their website at www.printyourlife.com.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/send-a-personalized-postcard-from-your-iphone/feed/ 8 http://matadorgoods.com/lightweight-satellite-phones/ http://matadorgoods.com/lightweight-satellite-phones/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 06:41:41 +0000 Juli Huang http://matadorgoods.com/?p=695 The ultimate in flashpacking gear, satellite handsets are the next evolutionary step for international cell phone plans and companies like Satworx are right at the forefront of change.

Photo by Lola Akinmade

All satellite handhelds offered by Satworx weigh less than a pound and need only a direct connection with the big, blue sky to be at their A-game.

Deep in the rainforest of Brazil? No sweat.

Navigating through the heart of darkness? Not a thing.

Satworx phones and service ensure that you can be anywhere, doing anything, in any climate and still get a connection. Of course, such incredible convenience comes at a heftier price than your standard international cell phone plan.

“The most popular handset is the 9505a at a retail cost of $1495, though on particular service plans it can be had for $1295,” says Satworx President Ken Grunski. “Airtime calls are generally $1.29/minute from anywhere on the planet to anywhere on the planet.”

With 24/7 technical support as well as an additional layer of local, customized support, Satworx is the ultimate convergence of personal service and online convenience.

“Satworx subscribers can manage their account profile, pay invoices, view call records online, and manage phone inventory,” adds Ken. “The last feature is most useful to larger organizations that wish to track or assign phone responsibility. Nobody wants to leave a $1500 handset lying around.”

And the company offers an amazing range of services, such as tracking airplanes in real-time or outfitting a humvee or small navy ship with a wifi mobile office, in addition to the mobile phone. Did we just blow your mind?

For those interested in the mobile office service, Satworx offers customers this service at a competitive rate.

“For personal broadband devices, the Explorer 110 and Sabre Wideye are best,” says Ken. “While these units are very light at 1kg, they must be stationary to use. They provide voice or internet access just south of Alaska and north of Patagonia. They cost about $1600. Voice calls are $1/min and data is is approx $7/MB though you can purchase bundled data at a discount.”

So flashpacker, come check out these digi-digs and join the apex of technological advancement for travelers.

For more information, visit Satworx’s website.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/lightweight-satellite-phones/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-body-and-your-batteries/ http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-body-and-your-batteries/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 20:13:21 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=597 This eco-friendly battery charger is also good for your mind, body, and spirit.

Photo courtesy of Coroflot

The Roll Charger, created by product designer Jiang Qian, is a battery charger based on traditional Chinese rolling balls, also known as Baoding Balls. Rotating two Baoding Balls in one hand is believed to stimulate acupuncture points and finger nerves, as well as loosening bones and muscles.

This in turn invigorates the cerebrum and central nervous system. The result leaves the user feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Baoding Balls have been used for centuries as health and fitness toys in China. Now Jiang Qian has found a way for them to benefit the environment as well.

As a battery charger, each Roll Charger ball holds a single AA or AAA battery. Because two balls should be used to utilize the full health benefits, two batteries are charged at once. The mechanical energy created by rotating the Roll Chargers in the palm is captured, and the device converts that motion into electricity.

Each ball features an LED, which confirms that the charger is functioning and alerts the user when charging is complete.

Price: Contact Jiang Qian

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/charge-your-body-and-your-batteries/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/10-surprising-travel-sized-items/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-surprising-travel-sized-items/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 12:05:23 +0000 Tom Gates http://matadorgoods.com/?p=602 We’re living in a world gone travel-size mad.

Feature Photo by klyphord. Photo above by morrissey

Here are ten items that some people can’t seem to live without on the open road.

  

Slumber Pet Travel Futon Mats

For the dog that still thinks he is in college and just hasn’t gotten around to buying a real couch.

Rub My Duckie Personal Massager

Described as perfect to tuck away for anything from “a rave with friends to an intimate Jacuzzi with your special someone.”

Aside from other uses, this is ideal for the traveler with a duck fetish.

Snack Sized Cigarettes

Phillip Morris is reportedly developing 2.8 inch cigarettes, for those of you who need to sneak a quick-y. But remember not to smoke in the airplane’s bathroom, because lavatories are equipped with smoke detectors and tampering with, disabling, or destroying one is prohibited.

  

Mini Roll Duct Tape

Unplanned murder: It can happen during anyone’s holiday. Luckily, mini duct tape makes it possible to secure the body in a rug and drop the remains in the Seine.

White Zinfandel Havarti Cheese

This cheese spread is just one example of how particular people are about their tiny food. Peruse the astounding Minimus site for travel sized portions of A1 Steak Sauce, chocolate syrup and grapefruit jelly.

  

Aquabells Water Filled Dumbbells

Pumped full of ‘roids and fidgety on the flight to Australia? Not a problem. When filled, these suckers provide 32 pounds of weight training resistance.

As the Amazon description is keen to point out, Aquabells are great because “carrying your weights through airports is impractical.”

Inflatable Foot Rest

For those of you who insist on trying to make Jetblue flight into more than it is (a bus in the air).

  

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Relive your childhood by playing the smaller version of the game that also breaks in five seconds.

Mini Hair Straightener

Little emo boys everywhere are rejoicing because they now have a product that allows them to straighten their hair during the marching band’s trip to Disneyworld!

 

Radius Condom Case

Dude, you know that the one in your wallet is kind of janky.

Why not upgrade to a case that could easily be mistaken for something that holds your retainer?

100% recyclable and available in three colors.

 

 

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-surprising-travel-sized-items/feed/ 9 http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-russian-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/ http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-russian-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 11:57:22 +0000 Michelle Schusterman http://matadorgoods.com/?p=593 Arm yourself with useful emergency phrases!

Feature Photo by roland.slakis | Photo above by Mike_el Madrileño

Ever wish those Listen and Learn Spanish CD’s included some pick-up lines for a night out in Barcelona? With the Saucy Phrasebook, now your iPhone can say it for you!

Most guidebooks won’t get you much further than “Where is the restroom?”. But with the Saucy Phrasebook, you’ll be prepared for those true emergencies with a variety of phrases.

When you suspect a rickshaw driver of ripping you off, have your iPhone call out “Help! I just got swindled” in Hindi.

Too many sakes at that bar in Tokyo? Warn the bartender (and your fellow customers) with “I drank too much and I’m going to puke!”, spoken in perfect Japanese.

This app provides useful phrases and more, from the flirty pickup lines to more important ones. Best of all, each phrase is recorded by a native speaker so you’re sure to be understood.

The Saucy Phrasebook is available in six languages: Mandarin, French, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian.

Brought to you by SoSauce.com, the Saucy Phrasebook is compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch, and requires the iPhone 2.2.1 software update.

Price: FREE | More Information

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/learn-to-flirt-in-russian-with-the-saucy-phrasebook/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/49-reasons-why-youll-love-the-blackberry-storm/ http://matadorgoods.com/49-reasons-why-youll-love-the-blackberry-storm/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:51:37 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=366 Practical, and easy to use gadgets are what we tout here on Matador Goods, and the new, super slick Blackberry Storm sure fits the bill.

Photo by fredcamino

The ideal multi-purpose gadget for travelers and flashpackers alike, this latest smartphone from Blackberry combines the benefits of an MP3 player, interactive yellow pages, a map gazetteer, external storage drive, a DVD player, a camcorder, an eBook reader, and, a 3.2 MP quality point-and-shoot camera into one lightweight, time saving device.

Oh yeh, you can make a couple calls on it too.

Here are a few reasons why the Storm is ideal for jet-setting travelers.

…….
3. Make and receive calls in over 220 countries – Whatever else it does, you want an international cell phone that delivers when it comes to making and receiving calls. The quadband GSM device will keep you connected.

4. Email anywhere – Send and receive email in over 90 countries. Email setup is simple, and lets you forward your webmail to the Storm or receive your corporate email – a must-have for every business traveler!

5. Lost? – Pretty likely in a foreign country. The Storm removes that worry. Know where you are, wherever you are with BlackBerry® Maps……

For more, check out 49 solid reasons why the Blackberry Storm smartphone is perfect for international travelers, compiled by Vodafone.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/49-reasons-why-youll-love-the-blackberry-storm/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-premium-stereo-headset/ http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-premium-stereo-headset/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:42:40 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=220 An affordable, high quality headset for your Skype calls.

“So you can hear me?!” I squealed in unbelief for the fifth time.

“Yeessss,” my colleague was pretty exasperated at this point.

Considering I’ve burned through 3 supposedly Skype-certified headphones while telecommuting for the last three months from Sweden, this Logitech is a breath of fresh air.

It actually works.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice its sturdy quality. Its noise canceling microphone ensures optimal communication. Inline volume controls allow you to quickly adjust sound settings.

Though it looks bulkier than it actually is, soft form earpads make it very comfortable and it fits snugly around your head.

I’ve only tried it with Skype, but it is also compatible with Yahoo, Windows Live, and AIM chat.

So here’s to no more embarrassing dropped conference calls. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this one doesn’t end up atop the pile of headset carcasses.

Price: $15.95 | BUY

Do you use other Logitech models with Skype? Do share your experience below.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-premium-stereo-headset/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/is-it-safe-to-drink-the-water/ http://matadorgoods.com/is-it-safe-to-drink-the-water/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:45:55 +0000 Micah Jayne http://matadorgoods.com/?p=215 From leaky taps in Queens to crusty ladles in the Sinai, this question is largely answered by chance.

You may have heard that your health is at risk every time you open your mouth, but the planet is suffering too. Drinkers of bottled water worldwide contribute to the looming ecological catastrophe in the form of discarded PET bottles.

Photo by Candice_Lee

To protect myself, my tried and true method of avoiding bacterial invasion is to gulp down a glass of local tap water immediately upon arriving in a strange land.

Insane? Perhaps, but it introduces my refined euro-belly to the various little organisms that will, inevitably, find their way indoors. Better still, it all happens in the comfort of my three-day hotel buffer where a relatively clean toilet is close at hand.

In ten years of travel, drinking well water in Egypt and brewing tea from the Mekong’s waters, this method has never once failed me.

Price: $129.99 | MSR Miox Water Purifier
with Batteries

After this inoculation, I am comfortable ordering the salad and crunching the ice cubes at the bottom of my glass of single malt.

However, there’s the rest of the planet to consider and here’s an alternative.

The MIOX purifier from MSR is a tiny, incredibly reliable and dead simple little gadget that will guarantee you fresh drinking and cooking water for the duration of your traveling life.

It works by creating a highly acidic brine of mixed oxidants using local water and salt, which is then dumped into the water you wish to treat.

Put a thimbleful of water in the cap, shake it up, open the cap, press the button and voila! One shot from the MIOX spells death to 99.9% of all bad guys, even the much-maligned Cryptosporidium.

Given the staggering environmental impact store-bought PET bottles have, especially in less developed countries, a MIOX purifier paired with a nice water bottle like the snazzy Black Panther aluminum bottle ($29.99) from Swiss manufacturer SIGG, can turn your mountain of refuse into a molehill.

Plus, you don’t get Delhi belly – Traveler’s Diarrhea. Everyone wins.

Community Connection

Want an in-depth review of various water purification options? Check out Plastic or Pills? Choosing an option for treating your water.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/is-it-safe-to-drink-the-water/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/kodak-zi6-hd-pocket-video-camera/ http://matadorgoods.com/kodak-zi6-hd-pocket-video-camera/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:38:01 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=205

Capturing quick travel videos on the road has never been easier with mini camcorders and pocket-sized video cameras.

A sleek, lightweight alternative to the widely popular Flip Camcorder is the Kodak Zi6 High Definition Video Camera.

You can readily record high definition videos on its built-in 128 internal memory as well as on external memory cards – up to 32GB in size.

The video camera focuses up to 2 inches, giving you clear, crisp images, and recorded videos (captured in Quicktime MOV format) are downloaded to a computer via a built-in USB drive.

Cables are also included to connect to a High Definition TV (HDTV) so you can also view those travel videos on a wide, high resolution screen.

It uses rechargeable AA batteries, which (along with a charger) are included in the kit.

Price: $149.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/kodak-zi6-hd-pocket-video-camera/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/ultra-mini-retractable-optical-mouse/ http://matadorgoods.com/ultra-mini-retractable-optical-mouse/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:41:15 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=199

So we’ve been recommending you buy the smallest, ultra-lightweight, most durable, super portable travel laptop to carry with you while on the road.

Well….as you scale down the physical size of a laptop, the design of its navigation touchpad is proportionally scaled down. So the smaller the laptop, the smaller (and more sensitive) the touchpad becomes.

If you’re not quite ready to resort to using your fingernails, invest in a mini mouse such as the pocket-sized Targus PAUM01U Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse.

This tiny mouse utilizes instant plug-and-play technology to connect swiftly to your laptop.

It works great on tight surfaces such as on the dreaded airplane tray (which tends to be smaller than your laptop!) and can also run along the free areas of your laptop.

It comes with a retractable cord which allows you to adjust to the required length based on space allocations.

I’ve burned through two mini mice over the last four years, mostly due to owner rough-handling. Its small size may take some getting used to, but its practicality beats out any initial inconvenience.

Price: $14.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/ultra-mini-retractable-optical-mouse/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/all-in-one-travel-plug-adapter/ http://matadorgoods.com/all-in-one-travel-plug-adapter/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:23:31 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=196

If you’re reading this and:

A) you’re in  a different country,

B) not in an Internet cafe, and

C) carrying a laptop,

Chances are you’re using an adapter of some sort.

There are hundreds of travel adapters you can easily buy to help you use your electronics (laptops, cellphones, etc) on various continents, and choosing the right one can be a tiring task which ultimately boils down to price and size.

If you find yourself still switching different adapter heads and plugs, its probably time to upgrade to an all-in-one travel adapter.

The pocket-sized, lightweight Kensington 33117 Travel Plug Adapter (weighs about half a pound) is designed to work in over 150 countries. All its power plugs are built into a single unit and slide out easily to match the country power outlet you need.

Even though there is a built-in fuse to ensure you don’t get jolted with uninvited electricity, it is important to note that this adapter is not a converter and does not step up or down based on the country’s electrical voltage so always check your electronic device’s requirements.

Voltage ranges supported are from 110-volts to 220-volts, and Mac 275-watts to Mac 550-watts.

Price: $15.71 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/all-in-one-travel-plug-adapter/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/five-international-phone-plans/ http://matadorgoods.com/five-international-phone-plans/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:54:28 +0000 Nathaniel Berke http://matadorgoods.com/?p=195 Digital nomads, telecommuters, location independent professionals (LIPs), flashpackers….here are some excellent cost-saving phone plans for you.

We’ve heard it before: the world is getting smaller. Communicating across oceans and time zones is as simple as a keystroke. But those of us who work for companies and clients across borders still find the search for the right international phone plan a hassle, with services that are often lacking or prohibitively expensive.

Photo by Valerie Everett

Whether it’s being tethered to a laptop, hidden costs or spotty service, international phone plans often don’t meet our needs. And the range of options is mind-numbing.

But don’t fret: we’ve put together a list of some great plans with flexibility, quality of service and price in mind.

Skype

With more than 338 million users, this favorite of travelers and telecommuters is the world’s best-known Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) carrier. In addition to its free services, which include video, voice and text chatting, you can purchase credit or subscription packages for calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide.

Furthermore, Skype software can be installed on a number of Wi-Fi enabled devices, allowing users to go mobile. And for those in Wi-Fi deficient regions, you can use call forwarding to send calls directly to your local cell phone.

Photo by jam343

Skype’s features are really open when considering third-party add-ons. For workaholics, there are several productivity-boosting plug-ins for the software, including call recording, fax capabilities and desktop sharing.

There are drawbacks to the service, though. Some people complain clarity in sound and video fall short with frequent lags and dropouts. Skype’s service works best where broadband is fast and reliable.

And those in countries where the service hasn’t made significant inroads with the dominant telephony companies may find that additional fees apply for some of the service’s more robust features, such as call forwarding.

Jajah

To the uninitiated, Jajah may appear to be just another Skype competitor. But this California-based company aims to combine the best of two worlds: the premium voice quality of a standard phone and the cost-cutting features of VoIP. The result is infinitely more mobile communication for international telecommuters on the go.

There is no headset, no download and no broadband connection with Jajah. After setting up your account through their web interface, Jajah assigns a local number for each of your international contacts.

Save those numbers to your phone and dial it from any landline or mobile, and the call is placed like any other local number.

While a great option for those who prefer to do their business on the run, Jajah is limited in its features and local numbers are only available in a handful of cities – mainly in Europe and North America. Still, it’s one to watch as it expands its coverage.

Jaxtr

For those who rely on online networking for business opportunities, Jaxtr is a pretty cool alternative to Jajah. The company expanded on the idea of providing local numbers for your contacts by also providing an embeddable widget for web pages.

Friends, family and potential clients can enter their phone number in the widget and Jaxtr will connect both parties through their normal phones.

Vonage

If you want to sever the tether between phone and computer, Vonage is a great option. With a Vonage router, you can continue using your existing phone to make and receive cheap local and international calls carried over broadband.

It offers all the bells and whistles you would expect from a traditional landline, but at a much lower cost.

ooma

Along the same lines, ooma is a newer service with similar features, but without some of the bad vibes associated with Vonage after its messy legal tango with traditional telephone operators. Its service is cheaper, but the jury is still out on the quality.

Photo by michaelarrington

Vonage and ooma both suffer from one severe drawback: geography. Vonage serves the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and ooma is U.S.-based, meaning international telecommuters based in those countries will get the most out of these services.

Other Options

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with affordable and robust international service, or if you know a great VoIP service not mentioned here, let your fellow telecommuters and expats know about it in the comments section below.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/five-international-phone-plans/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/sony-icd-p620-digital-voice-recorder/ http://matadorgoods.com/sony-icd-p620-digital-voice-recorder/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:39:53 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=193

Having a digital voice recorder within easy reach while traveling is becoming more and more essential. By capturing audio moments that may otherwise have remained unmemorable, you enhance your overall travel experience.

For travel journalists – professional and amateur alike – a voice recorder is a worthwile investment. You minimize those awkward moments of silence that occur during interviews while you try to scribble down notes as fast as you can.

I own this particular model and its been a breeze to work with.

With up to 260 hours of audio recording capacity on two AAA batteries and 512 MB in-built memory, the ICDP620 gives you a lot of functionality for a decent price.

Its navigation keys are basic: “record”, “play”, “enter”, “stop”, “rewind”, and “fast-forward” buttons. You can adjust the microphone sensitivity, and choose from three recording modes – Long Play (LP), Standard Quality mode (SP), and High Quality mode (HQ).

Other cool features include a voice activated recording (VOR) mode which pauses the recorder during significant silence, and resumes recording once voices are audible again.

Included with the kit are digital voice editor software, two AAA batteries, and a USB cable for downloading audio files.

Price: $50.85 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/sony-icd-p620-digital-voice-recorder/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/gadget-review-msi-gx630-laptop/ http://matadorgoods.com/gadget-review-msi-gx630-laptop/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:59:24 +0000 Alan Velasco http://matadorgoods.com/?p=190 While the MSI brand may be a bit of an unknown, don’t let that scare you away from considering the value packed MSI GX630.

With it, you’ll be able to browse the web, look at some spreadsheets, write that next great American novel, and then blast away some enemies in a game of BioShock.

This laptop has a 2.0 GHz dual core AMD processor (which can be overclocked to 2.4 GHz with a simple touch of a button), 4 GB of RAM, an NVIDIA Geforce 9600M GT, a 15.4 inch LCD screen and a 250 GB hard drive.

It also comes with the essentials such as built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3 USB ports, and an integrated web cam.

Pluses

The entire package is wrapped up in a beautiful case. It’s composed of brushed aluminum with some red highlights. It looks a lot better than it sounds, and pictures don’t really do it justice.

There’s a touch sensitive area near the screen that activates the integrated web cam, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and many other features, and weighs in at 5.6 lbs.

The operating system (OS) included is Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit version. This could be good or bad depending on your experience with this OS. I haven’t run into any problems with Vista, and have actually enjoyed using it more than Windows XP.

Minuses

Another point of possible contention is the keyboard. It will definitely take time to adjust to it. This is because MSI put an entire keyboard on the computer, including a number pad. This led to some of the keys being scrunched together in some areas. It’ll be a bit more difficult for those with large hands, such as myself, but I see it as worthwhile to have that wonderful number pad.

One clear cut negative is the LCD screen. It only has a resolution of 1280×800. For a computer that will be used for gaming, it should be better than this. At least 1440×960 would have been nice.

The built-in speakers aren’t very good either, but I’ve yet to listen to a pair of notebook speakers that I really like. The other negative is about the manufacturer itself. Since it is smaller than most, driver support isn’t as good as it should be, especially 64-bit drivers.

I was looking forward to running Windows Vista 64-bit version on this machine, but couldn’t because of the lack of drivers. It’s pretty annoying, and hopefully MSI will get its act together by the time Windows 7 rolls around.

If you’re looking to get a new computer sometime soon, then you should give the MSI GX630 a look, especially if you’re looking to get the biggest bang out of your buck.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/gadget-review-msi-gx630-laptop/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/portable-wedge-alarm/ http://matadorgoods.com/portable-wedge-alarm/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:14:26 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=186

Ever find yourself squatting in some dirt-cheap room battling a severe bout of insomnia brought on by constant fear?

This portable device is just what you need to ensure some peace of mind while you snooze.

Joining the security-providing ranks of TSA approved padlocks and Bag Protector Alert is the nifty Reliance Controls THP215 Portable Wedge Alarm.

The alarm wedges nicely beneath any door or window and lets out a screeching 120 decibel sound that will surely deter unwanted guests.

Designed to easily grip carpets, it also comes with optional double-sided tape for fastening to frames, tiles, and other hard surfaces.

At just 4.8 ounces, it is super light in weight, comes with a 12V battery and a 1-year warranty.

Price: $13.15 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/portable-wedge-alarm/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/5-quality-point-and-shoot-cameras-under-300/ http://matadorgoods.com/5-quality-point-and-shoot-cameras-under-300/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:50:58 +0000 Braden Avant http://matadorgoods.com/?p=180 A good camera is a must have for every traveler.

If I had to choose one item to never forget while traveling, it would have to be my camera.

Photo by Silvio Tanaka

A good digital camera not only documents your journeys, but also allows you to relive trips over and over again with friends and loved ones once back home.

With affordability in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 point-and-shoot digital cameras under $300.

Nikon Coolpix S60

This brilliant new model is at the top of our price range with a manufacturer’s price of $299.99. Small and compact, it is loaded with state of the art features including an anti-glare 3.5 inch Touch Screen which sets it apart.

You can browse through pictures or add subtitles right on top of photos with the touch of your finger. It even has a feature that allows you to select the focal point of each picture by clicking an object on the screen.

The camera then ensures that object is focused upon for a clean, crisp photo.

The S60 offers 10 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom, and Nikon’s latest in fast image processing to guarantee you won’t miss a shot.

Kodak Easyshare Z1012IS

If packing space is no issue, then this camera is for you. The Kodak Easyshare Z1012 combines the digital quality benefits of an expensive professional camera with a low cost of $249.99

While it is larger than other cameras on this list, you will come back with amazing shots.

The main feature of this unit is its 12x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens. Think something is way too far away to capture? No way!

With this camera, you’ll never miss a detail. Its huge zoom range, 10.1 megapixel quality, and the overall ease of Kodak products make this a sure winner.

Samsung S860

At $99.99, the S860 combines Samsung quality with a well-rounded camera at a price for the true budget traveler.

It provides 8.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and a 2.4 inch screen.

While the other cameras on the list have built-in rechargeable batteries, the S860 takes 2 AA batteries.

This fact can come in handy for the true budget traveler.

No charger to carry, no power converter to carry. Just bring a few extra batteries and you’re good to go.

 

Casio EX-Z250

The EX-Z250 by Casio is a new camera in their Exilim line.

I am particularly biased towards Casio because I have been using one for several years now and have been very happy with it.

Casio cameras are easy to use and give you a lot of functionality for your money.

For $249.99, this model has 9.1 Megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, and a 3 inch screen.

 

 

Canon PowerShot SD750

Rounding out the list is the PowerShot SD750 with a manufacturer’s price of $199.99.

The SD750 has 7.1 Megapixels, 3x optical zoom, a 3 inch screen, and a built in rechargeable battery.

And of course, you get proven Canon quality that’s been around for years.

No matter your travel style or photography budget, one of these cameras is sure to suit your needs.

So before your next trip, go buy one.

 

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/5-quality-point-and-shoot-cameras-under-300/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/pimp-your-skype-experience/ http://matadorgoods.com/pimp-your-skype-experience/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:57:25 +0000 Thursday Bram http://matadorgoods.com/?p=177 Take your Skype calls to the next level with these gadgets.

A hundred years ago, travelers relied on slow mail service to get news from back home. If they were lucky, they might be able to share news in a hurry through an expensive telegram.

Photo by trekkyandy

Today, though, you can be halfway around the globe and still see exactly what’s going on back home — and for free.

Skype is the favorite software among many travelers — and the folks at home keeping track of them.

In addition to its price (free, with a few exceptions) and its innate ease of use, with these few tools, Skype can be even easier to use.

Headsets

While Skype is a great tool overall, it’s not uncommon to get some major sound feedback if you’re using the microphone and speakers built into your computer.

Photo by ejhildreth

Using a headset can eliminate this issue.

Skype has actually gone so far as to certify headsets they feel work best with their software and it happens that one in particular has become a favorite for travelers planning to spend a lot of time talking online: The Logitech ClearChat Pro.

This headset is compatible with both Windows and Mac and requires minimal set up. The ClearChat Pro comes with a whole list of features but two stand out when you’re relying on a headset for making calls — especially if you’re working on the go.

It offers a noise-canceling microphone and easy mute controls — two necessities when you’re not always sure where you’ll be able to get internet.

If you’re concerned about a cord tethering you to your laptop, there is one wireless headset that works well with Skype. The Freetalk Wireless Stereo Headset provides a quality connection without the issue of a cord. It works with both Windows and Mac, and promises no change in audio quality whether you’re next to your computer or standing 100 feet away.

The headset does require charging, but can last up to eight hours on a single charge.

Webcams

Photo by manu contreras

One of the chief appeals of Skype is its video conferencing options. But to ensure that a video chat goes well, you’ll want a reliable webcam.

There are thousands of webcams on the market: you can narrow down your options to the four that Skype has certified, but truthfully, there are some great options beyond that list.

The Logitech QuickCam Chat provides a good video solution without breaking the bank.

It clips to any kind of monitor and is easy to install on either Windows or Mac. It’s a relatively basic webcam but offers high quality video for a low price.

Telephones

Photo by trekkyandy

If carrying a laptop on your travels is a little much, there is a much smaller option. Phones like the Belkin WiFi Phone allow you to make calls through Skype from anywhere with WiFi — no computer needed.

Video isn’t an option, but this phone can act just like a cell phone anywhere you can find a WiFi network.

If you use SkypeIn to receive phone calls, you may be able to eliminate your regular cell phone: you’ll be able to receive in-bound calls to your Skype account almost anywhere.

The Belkin WiFi Phone comes pre-loaded with Skype software, complete with the Skype interface users are familiar with.

In addition to Belkin’s Skype phone, there are a wide variety of phones that you can hook up to your computer: you’ll still be tethered to your computer but you can use a more traditional handset for your conversations.

If having a phone connected to your laptop works well for you, it’s easy to find a USB internet phone. There are thousands of brands that promise you can just plug in the phone’s cord and start making calls.

However, it can be worth the added expense to pick up something along the lines of Logitech’s Cordless Internet Handset: it’s a simple telephone handset, designed with Skype and other VoIP systems in mind.

Logitech’s phone automatically interfaces with your Skype account, while other systems require installing drivers and setting up a connection with Skype.

Getting By

You can use Skype without any fancy gear. If you plan to rely on the service as your main method of communication — especially if you need to get some work done during your travels — it’s worthwhile to have at least some basic gear to make using Skype more efficient.

They can also provide a little added comfort if you plan to spend a lot of time chatting through Skype.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/pimp-your-skype-experience/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-quickcam-pro-9000/ http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-quickcam-pro-9000/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:03:44 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=171

Has your little webcam taken quite the beating while constantly dispatching about your travels to family and friends?

Are you looking to upgrade?

The Logitech QuickVam Pro 9000 is a lightweight webcam that clips to any flat-panel surface – laptops or notebooks – and connects via a USB 2.0 cable to either your PC or MAC.

Its 2-megapixel sensor paired with Carl Zeiss optics (mostly found in digital SLR camera lenses) makes for crisp, sharp images, especially at a very close range. Automatic autofocus technology helps reduce vibration and refocuses the webcam as you move around.

More importantly, it is Skype-certified with full-screen video call support, and works well with AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo! Messenger, SightSpeed and iChat videoconferencing.

Additional tools out of the box include the QuickCam software that works only on Windows machines. It also comes with a slew of video effects and filters like the ’50’s Movie Reel effect or a standard fisheye effect to enhance your video experience.

Price: $72.95 | BUY

Do you own the Logitech QuickCam? Tell us what you think about it below

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/logitech-quickcam-pro-9000/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/5-items-guaranteed-to-get-you-out-of-trouble-while-traveling/ http://matadorgoods.com/5-items-guaranteed-to-get-you-out-of-trouble-while-traveling/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:42:18 +0000 Kelly Rice http://matadorgoods.com/?p=165 Whether backpacking in the woods or traveling the world in luxury one hotel at a time, here are some universally helpful items that are simple and cheap but provide sure-fire fixes in a multitude of predicaments.

1. Duct Tape

Photo by indigotimbre

Used to stop a tub drain, form a lint-roller, patch anything from a broken window to a leaking tire to a hole in a tent, make a band-aid, or even create handcuffs, this wonder product really does deserve any praise it receives.

Can’t stand your leaky hotel shower head that sprays everywhere but in the shower? Tape it up for a temporary fix. Going out dancing but afraid your low-cut shirt might reveal more than your collarbones? Use tiny inside-out rolled pieces like fabric tape to keep the edges of your fabric where they belong—against your skin.

Can’t get your travel buddy to stop talking? Maybe just show him or her the tape roll. Tapping into the versatility of duct tape takes practice but will yield years of mind-blowing solutions.

If you find the idea of the huge silver colored roll intimidating, purchase a smaller more travel-friendly size. If you are bold, buy it in neon green or pink.

2. Baby Wipes

Photo by telethon

Powerful enough to remove stains from your clothing yet gentle enough to wipe your rear, baby wipes make you feel young and clean no matter what kind of sticky situation you might find yourself in.

Use them for a spit bath, clean your hands after eating, or even wipe your computer screen with them.

Look for biodegradable, non-chlorine, hypoallergenic wipes that allow you to toss, flush, or bury to your hearts content.

You can never have too many baby wipes on hand while traveling.

3. Mini Flashlight/Torch

Photo by Yogi

An easily accessible flashlight can be your best friend. One that attaches to keys, fits in your wallet or just in your pocket can help you find the bathroom in the middle of the night, light your way in a hostel, alleyway, or jungle.

Even if it’s not for you, you might encounter someone who could borrow it for anything from checking a sore throat to fixing an engine.

Having a flashlight might help you save a life or make a new best friend. Try to get a flashlight that is waterproof, and comes on by twisting so you can avoid it turning on inside your pocket or bag.

If you are concerned about batteries, consider purchasing an LED light. While not as powerful as a traditional bulb flashlight, LED flashlights boast thousands of hours of battery life.

4. Anti-Diarrheal Pills

Photo by Eje Sociedad Publicitaria – 2008 Obie Award Winner, Multicultural Billboard

Pray you don’t need it, but if your new found passion for the local cuisine finds you caught with traveler’s diarrhea, you’ll be glad that you have them. Occasionally dubbed ‘The Delhi Belly’, ‘Hong Kong Dong’ or ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’, this unfortunate condition usually rears its ugly head when we’re least prepared.

If you don’t have the luxury of ruling out certain foods, questionably cooked meats, or water from unknown sources, keep anti-diarrheal pills handy. No reason to waste time feeling miserable on a trip where every minute counts!

Taking a widely available anti-diarrheal product such as Imodium or Lomotil should have you sighing relief as you no longer have to plan your sightseeing around easily-accessible toilets.

If you do use it, be sure to stay well hydrated and if symptoms don’t clear after 48 hours chances are you could have a more serious infection, so make sure to see a physician immediately.

5. An Open Mind

Photo by Kelly Rice

Think outside the box, watch, listen and speak without imposing your ideas. Be creative and learn to lower your expectations. Traveling with an open mind is free, it weighs nothing, and you never know when it could come in handy.

Sometimes something as simple as empathy can transcend a language barrier or a disagreement. Try it—even crying could get you out of trouble in a pinch!

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/5-items-guaranteed-to-get-you-out-of-trouble-while-traveling/feed/ 16 http://matadorgoods.com/2009-forecast-gadgets-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/2009-forecast-gadgets-for-travelers/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:30:14 +0000 Sam Smith http://matadorgoods.com/?p=155 We’re betting these practical gadgets will be popular with budget travelers this year.

Anyone who grew up watching Star Trek rings in every New Year with a sigh. It seems that 2009 will be yet another year without teleportation, space travel, or even a simple flying car.

Photo by nateOne

But don’t despair, travel geeks – travel technology is moving at warp speed, and what’s coming down the line in ’09 is way cooler than just getting beamed around everywhere.

From a solar-powered germ killing ray gun to a laptop that boldly fits where no laptop has fit before, here’s a list of 6 real-life gadgets with some serious Star Trek power – even for those of us who would tell Scottie to take the day off while we shouldered our packs and headed for the nearest bus station.

1. Cassette Adapter MP3 Player

Price: $16.67 | BUY

Nietzsche said “Life without music would be a mistake.”

Well, bringing your iPod, or any other expensive-looking music player abroad might just be a mistake too.

It’s asking to get stolen, draws attention to you, and worst of all, isolates you from everyone else.

But if you don’t want to give up your tunes entirely, what you need is a discreet, cheap music player that will magically foster new relationships rather than keeping you isolated in iPod land.

This MP3 player/cassette tape adapter fits the bill at under $20. Pop in a 2GB SD card and you’ve got yourself a 30-hour mix tape that’s ready to be shared with new friends (or enemies, depending on musical tastes) anywhere in the world.

This adapter also works well in cars with cassette players.

2. The iPod Touch

Price: $214.97 | BUY

Like it or not, the new iPod Touch makes for one hell of a travel gadget.

You’ve got pictures, music, and internet via Wi-Fi right out of the box. Add in a few translation applications, a few games, maybe an e-book or two, and you’ve got yourself an all-in-one entertainment center.

With a little hacking, it’s even capable of PDF support for travel guides and Skype for free long distance calls (although the author does not recommend hacking due to legal issues).

3. A Good, Affordable Waterproof Camera

Price: $329.00 | BUY

I took some of the coolest pictures I’ve ever taken with the worst camera I’ve ever used.

It was a first generation waterproof camera and the pictures were so cool because I could take it anywhere-I just couldn’t get it to focus, flash, or expose the way I wanted to once I was there.

Not anymore.

Waterproof to 33 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, and Crushproof to 220lbs, the new Olympus 1030 SW Camera can take a serious beating, and at 10.1 Mega pixels it can finally take a serious picture too.

4. Netbooks

Price: $378.99 | BUY

Sure, a laptop would be nice while traveling, but the weight and expense just aren’t worth it.

Well, until now.

The Asus Aspire One is just under 10 inches long, boasts 1.6 Ghz processor, 5 hour battery life, an 802.11g wireless card, and a webcam, so you can check your email and keep in touch with friends and family via Skype anywhere you can find a wireless connection.

And at under $400, you might just be able to pay for one and still afford a ticket somewhere. Check back later in ’09 for faster machines, better batteries, and built in 3G cellular modems.

5. A Solar Steri-Pen

Price: $84.99 | BUY

If you’re not interested in a long-term relationship with a foreign toilet, bottled water is just about the only thing you can rely on in some countries.

But bottled water is expensive, sometimes difficult to find, and bad for the environment since a lot of countries have no recycling infrastructure.

The new breed of germ-exploding SteriPens are lighter, cheaper, and require less power than older models.

Now with an estimated 35-liters per charge and an optional solar charging case, you might even make your money back within a few charges.

6. eGuide Books

Price: $11.99 | BUY Various

Ok, fine, this isn’t really a gadget, but I’m including it here because this simple up-and-coming technology makes the Aspire One and iPhone a heck of a lot cooler for travelers.

Both Lonely Planet and Rough Guides offer eGuides now (for significantly cheaper than printed editions) and all other guide companies that want to stay competitive are likely to follow suit in the coming year.

Rough Guides also provides maps with integration for smart phones like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Lonely Planet offers the option of downloading its guides chapter by chapter in PDF format, which means that you can leave the bulky guide book at home and bring only the parts you need with you.

Community Connection

Looking for more gadgets for travelers? Check out the following articles:

2008 in Review: Innovative Gadgets for Travelers‏
4 Best Travel Laptops
10 Gadgets Bonafide Backpackers Should Carry
More gadgets on Matador Goods

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/2009-forecast-gadgets-for-travelers/feed/ 6 http://matadorgoods.com/2008-in-review-innovative-gadgets-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/2008-in-review-innovative-gadgets-for-travelers/#comments Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:30:24 +0000 Jessica Jacobson http://matadorgoods.com/?p=153 From mini camcorders to lightweight electronic readers, here are some devices (electronic and non-electronic, new and old) that appealed to avid travelers in 2008.

Every year new inventions make travel a little easier and more enjoyable. Here are seven gadgets that were geared towards travelers in 2008.

Photo by miss karen

1. Pure Digital Flip Mino

To really convey your travel adventures, some live action shots are necessary. Your camera may not offer the video quality you are looking for, but carrying around a standard camcorder adds weight, as well as expense.

Photo by bfishadow

The Flip Mino offers good performance and easy of use in a compact package – only 3.9 inches long by 2 inches wide and 0.6 inches deep. The 2 GB memory holds one hour of recordings, easily downloadable via USB port. The 640 x 480 pixel resolution is good for its size.

While larger video cameras can offer superior quality, this camera is a good option on the road when size and ability to start filming quickly are key. Its lithium ion battery lasts for four hours. The camera’s main draw is ease of use – Flip it on, then push a button to film. Push the same button to stop.

You can pull it out of your pocket and record within moments. The Flip Mino allows travelers to capture the sounds and movements of a place – details that a photo alone can’t convey.

2. Fujitsu Lifebook U820 Mini Notebook

Photo by Wesley Fryer

If you are like me, you don’t want to give up the functionality of a computer while traveling neither do you want to carry all that extra weight. Take it all with you in a mere 1.5 pounds with the Fujitsu Lifebook U820.

This wonder converts from a standard computer with a keyboard to a tablet PC, allowing you to jot notes with a pen directly onto the screen. The full-feature notebook has Microsoft Office, Bluetooth and wireless capabilities, a built-in webcam to stay connected with friends and family, and a built-in GPS receiver to help navigate.

120 GB of hard drive space provides room to store files, photos and music and its excellent battery life allows for hours of work away from power supplies. The computer fits easily into a small portion of a backpack or purse.

While its 5.6-inch screen and small keyboard take some adjustment, the amazing capacity offered in such a tiny package makes it well worth the investment.

3. Amazon Kindle

Photo by tvol

Gone are the days of lugging around several guidebooks and worrying about finding reading material in English overseas. Now you can pack all you might want to read within one device.

While the first version was released in late 2007, 2008 was the year the public began to accept the idea of an electronic reader. An updated version is expected in early 2009.

Keep all the information about the place you are visiting handy in one device.

Should you forget a book, download it wirelessly from any location with Internet access.

4. iPod Touch 2.0

Photo by juanpol

Every traveler can use an iPod for access to music, podcasts or audiobooks during waits at airports, bus and train rides and border crossings.

Lightweight and inconspicuous, except for the headphones, it’s a travel gadget that can be enjoyed without attracting a lot of attention.

The iPod touch adds a wi-fi connection, allowing travelers to do research, find information and directions and send emails on the road at any hotspot locations.

The four ounce weight doesn’t add much bulk to your luggage.

5. Pelican Micro Cases

Photo by Paleontour

I first came across these cases, or dry boxes, while rafting in Panama and entrusted my digital camera to it.

Miraculously, it remained dry despite our boat flipping and waves crashing over us.

Micro cases are intended for cell phones, PDAs, small cameras and memory sticks.

In addition to rapids, the boxes will withstand temperatures of -10 degrees to 200 degrees and up to 5,000 pounds.

The hard cases are covered by an unconditional lifetime guarantee, barring damage by shark bite, bear attack or children under five.

6. Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

Photo by turydddu

A water bottle can do wonders for washing when no facilities are available. But when you are out in the back country nothing can compare to a relaxing warm shower.

The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a leakproof polyurethane-coated nylon fabric that holds ten gallons of water.

The shower head can be turned to control water pressure, allowing a good seven minutes of showering.

You can add hot water to the bag, or hang it up to allow the black color to absorb heat from the sun.

7. Gogo Kidz Toddler Adapter

Photo by abardwell

Anyone who has traveled with small children knows how much kiddie equipment can load them down.

Go Go Babyz makes an array of convenient products that turn infant and toddler carseats into rolling pieces, eliminating the need for a stroller and making airport travel a breeze.

Debuting in 2008 was the toddler adapter which turns a toddler carseat into a four-wheeled stroller.

Which other gadgets do you think were geared towards travelers in 2008? Which ones were your favorites? Tell us below.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/2008-in-review-innovative-gadgets-for-travelers/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/ectaco-jetbook/ http://matadorgoods.com/ectaco-jetbook/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:34:52 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=150

The advent of e-Books and electronic readers means we can now drag our favorite travel books on trips without all that extra weight.

Similar to the Amazon Kindle, but more affordable ($80-$100 cheaper), the ECTACO jetBook is a lightweight e-Book reader that allows you to load up books in *.txt, *.pdf, *.fb2 and *.jpg file formats.

Features include:

• Bookmarking capabilities
• Auto-page turn functionality
• Adjustable font and sizing
• Screen rotation support for portrait and landscape viewing modes

It also provides already loaded language translation dictionaries in most European languages, Russian, Polish, English, and Spanish amongst others.

Built into the jetBook is an MP3 player that allows you to listen to music, audio books, and other audio files as well as an SD card slot for downloading pictures.

It runs on an internal Li-ion polymer battery that is charged via USB cable.

Price: $299.95 | BUY jetBook| BUY Accessories

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/ectaco-jetbook/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/5-handheld-gps-receivers/ http://matadorgoods.com/5-handheld-gps-receivers/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:58:46 +0000 Hal Amen http://matadorgoods.com/?p=147 Navigating has never been easier with these handheld GPS devices.

These days, GPS receivers are common navigational add-ons in vehicles. But if you’re looking to utilize this cutting-edge satellite positioning technology out of the car—while geocaching, for instance—you’ll need a more compact, handheld unit.

The wide array of options may be intimidating, but it also gives you tremendous flexibility in selecting a receiver that fits your needs and budget.

Photo by m.prinke

Bare-bones units run for as little as $50 used. For higher rollers, more money can score you fancy graphics, bigger screens, more memory, preloaded map data, wireless capability, a stronger antenna, and waterproof certification.

Geocaching.com has a handy purchasing guide that explains what features to look for. But you can’t go wrong with any of the five models below, listed in price order from lowest to highest.

1. Garmin eTrex

This entry-level offering from Garmin—easily the most popular brand among geocachers—will help you hit the ground running. With a mantra of simplicity, the eTrex provides basic GPS features with a no-nonsense user interface.

The Lowrance iFinder Go2 is another solid starter model and comes stocked with U.S. marine map data.

Price: $103.95 | BUY

2. Garmin Vista HCx

Moving up a few steps from the eTrex, Garmin’s Vista HCx has a more powerful antenna to maintain satellite connection under a variety of conditions, and its microSD card slot allows you to upload map data to complement the built-in basemap. The bright color screen is a nice touch as well.

Price: $234.14 | BUY

3. Garmin 60CSx

One look at the 60CSx and you can tell why it’s been a favorite among geocachers. It offers all the virtues of the HCx as well as a more sensitive antenna, certified water resistance, and added buttons for quicker navigation through its features.

Price: $293.13 | BUY

4. DeLorme Earthmate PN-40

This spanking-new model from DeLorme is meeting with rave reviews from the GPS community.

Purchasers of the Earthmate PN-40 can look forward to the latest satellite acquisition chipset, storage capabilities, and global basemap data, as well as high-resolution aerial imagery and photo geo-tagging options. In addition, DeLorme customer service receives high marks.

Price: $338.49 | BUY

5. Garmin Oregon 400T

Want your GPS receiver to look more like your iPhone? Then the Oregon 400T is the unit for you.

The touchscreen interface, 3D terrain displays, and photo viewer really set this one at the head of the class. Create a profile based on your activity—geocaching, driving, boating, etc.—and the Oregon 400T will automatically sort through its myriad features to help you locate the ones you’ll need most often.

What’s more, its specialized geocaching function enables you to download cache information from geocaching.com and access it during the hunt.

Price: $461.55 | BUY

Community Connection

Interested in geocaching? Check out Geocaching 101: Introduction to a 21st Century Sport

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/5-handheld-gps-receivers/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/guitar-hero-on-tour-rocking-out-through-the-decades/ http://matadorgoods.com/guitar-hero-on-tour-rocking-out-through-the-decades/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:28:15 +0000 Ian MacKenzie http://matadorgoods.com/?p=140

The story of Guitar Hero mirrors the rise of any rock star of the last few decades.

After first hitting the Playstation in 2005, the game has become a staple at parties everywhere. The Guitar Hero franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, and has been credited with revolutionizing the modern music industry.

According to Wikipedia, the series has sold 23 million units, earning $1.6 billion to date.

The game’s success can be attributed to its simplicity. On the one hand, you strum a plastic guitar to various classic and new rock songs. On the other, you can feel like a rock star without actually being one.

Previously this year, Guitar Hero: On Tour arrived on the Nintendo DS. In another stroke of genius, you attach a button peripheral to the handheld console, and use a plastic pick to stroke the screen to a new stable of rock songs.

The newest installment of the series is Guitar Hero Decades, which builds off the previous game’s success. After rocking out on my own, here’s my review.

The Good

Rocking out anywhere – without having to lug around the giant plastic guitar, you can play this Guitar Hero wherever you can grab a seat: on the bus, plane, tuk-tuk, etc.

Reliving the classics – this version is specifically geared towards older rock songs, including Blondie, Queen, Journey, Bon Jovi and more. The only thing missing is the glam-rock hair (not included).

Hyper interactivity – in previous installments of Guitar Hero, you “activate star power” by lifting your guitar as you shred. Decades makes full use of the Nintendo DS by having you actually yell into the built-in microphone.

My choices include “Rock out!”, “Let’s do this!”, or just a general “Whoooooo!” (For those players in a public place, they can also just blow into the mic instead).

Battle mode – I expected this mode to be cheesy, merely tacked on as an afterthought bonus. But the Decades battle mode is actually fun. You can challenge the computer or your friends, seeing who can rock the hardest while attacking eachother with items that throw a wrench into their path.

My favorites include “Fan Autograph”, “Hyper-speed”, and “Amp overload.”

The Bad

Wrist agony – there’s simply no way around it. Unless you have wrists of steel, holding the Nintendo DS while playing Guitar Hero is awkward and can become uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes. The makers recommend leaning your hand against a surface, angling your hand properly, or simply taking frequent breaks.

Overall Grade B+

A great game that would make any trip go faster (and rock harder).

BUY GUITAR HERO DECADES.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/guitar-hero-on-tour-rocking-out-through-the-decades/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/4-best-travel-laptops/ http://matadorgoods.com/4-best-travel-laptops/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:17:17 +0000 Shiromi Arserio http://matadorgoods.com/?p=139 Lightweight, portable, and durable, you can’t beat these travel laptops.

A self-admitted computer geek, I need computer access even while traveling. Since internet cafes aren’t always available, I’ve had to drag my laptop on more than a few adventures.

Photo by Scott Ableman

My laptop helps me stay in contact with people back home, write, and keeps me entertained when I can’t sleep during those long haul flights.

When picking a laptop, look for one that’s light enough for traveling, durable, and with a good battery life.

1. ASUS Eee PC 904HA

Price: $348.99 | BUY

This laptop is a little heavier than many of the ultra portables available. It makes the list however because it is cheap.

Retailing at $348.99, it is one of the most affordable laptops on this list, and let’s face it, money matters to the budget traveler.

It doesn’t have a DVD drive, which may be a deal breaker for some travelers who like to watch movies on their laptop, although I usually find traveling with DVDs precarious.

It’s one more thing to carry, and they scratch and break easily.

However, the Eee PC has a whopping 160GB hard drive giving lots of space to store music and movies while you’re gone, and three USB ports, so you can store or transfer your movies easily.

It comes with the Atom processor which uses less power and produces less heat – and ASUS claims that the casing is scratch resistant, which is always a plus.

Specifications

Windows XP Operating System; 8.9 inch display screen; 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor; 160GB hard drive; 1GB Ram; High Speed Wireless Connectivity with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Weight: 5 lb.

2. Apple MacBook MB061LL/B

Price: $964.99 | BUY

Like the ASUS, this is a heavier laptop but it has many pros going for it too.

This is a nice basic MacBook. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles that the MacBook Pro has, but my feeling is that bells and whistles are for when you’re back home, not experiencing other cultures.

I love the AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi connectivity in this model. Pretty much if there’s a Wi-Fi signal around, you’ll find it.

The screen’s a nice size for a travel laptop. Not as small as the Eee PC, but some people prefer the larger screen.

It has a built in iSight camera, great for keeping in touch with loved ones back home, and the battery life is about 3+ hours, so you won’t have to keep trying to find places to charge it.

Specifications

Mac OS X V10.5 Leopard operating system; 13.3 inch display; 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo Processor with 4 MB shared L2 Cache; 80 GB hard drive; 1GB Ram, built in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi. Weight: 8.6 pounds.

3. Toshiba Satellite Pro U400-S1001X

Price: $799.00 | BUY

If I had one word to describe this laptop, it would be sturdy.

It has solid hinges making it more durable for travel.

Also, it has a “sleep and charge” feature, so that even while your laptop is hibernating or switched off but plugged into an outlet, you can charge USB devices like an iPod.

The only real downside for this Toshiba is that its speakers aren’t fantastic. Since I always travel with a decent set of noise canceling headphones, this is not a problem.

Specifications

Windows XP Operating System; 13.3 inch display; Intel Core 2 Duo T8100/2.1 GHz; 160 GB hard drive; 1 GB Ram; High Speed Wireless Connectivity with Wi-Fi 802.11a, 802.11b 802.11 g. Weight: 4.6 lb.

4. HP Mini 1000

Price: $699.98 | BUY

Finally we come to the smallest laptop on our list. Weighing in at less than 3 pounds and with a screen size of 10 inches, this is a tiny Netbook.

However, unlike many other Netbooks on the market, this one doesn’t compromise with keyboard size.

HP expanded the keys to the edges of the keyboard, making for much larger keys and a more comfortable typing experience.

Unlike the ASUS which has a 6 cell battery, the HP Mini only has a 3 cell battery.

However, according to CNET, the HP Mini 1000 battery lasted almost 3 hours during testing, before needing to charge, so most users shouldn’t have problems with battery life.

Its processor is comparable to the Eee PC but it does have a smaller hard drive. If you want light and portable, the HP Mini 1000 is certainly worth considering.

Specifications

Windows XP Operating System; 10.2 inch display; 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270; 60GB hard drive; 1GB Ram; High Speed Wireless Connectivity with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g. Weight: 2.5 lb.

Editor’s Note: For more options of lightweight travel laptops, check out Amazon’s catalog.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/4-best-travel-laptops/feed/ 9 http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-voltaic-solar-powered-backpack/ http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-voltaic-solar-powered-backpack/#comments Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:17:13 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=137 At Matador Network, we support alternative, sustainable energy sources and eco-friendly initiatives.

Articles such as US Set to Lead the World in Solar Power and Do Not Pass Go – Go Directly to Solar Power highlight how solar power as an alternate source of energy is positively washing over the nation.

We regularly recommend solar powered gear such as the Solio Universal Hybrid Solar Charger and many more in 12 Gadgets That Harness the Power of the Sun.

But like many of you, I’ve been curious about solar technology and had so many questions.

- How viable is it when used with everyday appliances?

- How would this work when I’m in a colder climate?

So I decided to put one of the leading solar-powered gear out there – the Voltaic Backpack – to the test.

When I first opened the package, I was initially thrown off by the amount of electronics that came with it.

• Battery
• Battery Cable
• Power Out Cable
• 11 Adaptors
• Car Charger
• Car Charger Socket
• USB Adaptor
• AC Charger

Once I cracked open the manual, it all made sense.  The solar panels on the front of the bag generate up to 4 watts of energy. The included battery is meant to store up captured solar energy and provides 55 hours per charge for later use. The adaptors are used to charge a myriad of devices from cellphones and media players to laptops and GPS units within the bag.

To fully charge the battery from direct sunlight, the bag must be placed angled towards the sun. This takes upwards of 8 to 10 hours to fully charge it. The car  and AC chargers are provided to be used on those days when the sun remains hidden.

I left the backpack out of the porch facing sunlight for 4-5 hours, and the light indicator at the top of the bag that denotes whether the solar panels were generating a charge or not, was illuminated.

But my battery never fully charged – probably due to user error. Setting the bag up wasn’t as intuitive as I’d initially expected it to be, but with some trial and error, you can get the battery feeding from the solar panels correctly.

Pluses

The bag is very attractive and the solar panels are laid out in such a way that they don’t distract from the overall look of the backpack.

The included adaptors and chargers are actually an advantage, allowing you to connect and power pretty much any small device you can think of.

Minuses

The fact that it requires 8-10 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge the battery feels like a downside.

However, Voltaic provides alternate ways to charge the battery as well such as the AC and car chargers.

For a laptop backpack, it is a little pricey be to quickly adopted as the preferred way of charging devices as well as a replacement for carrying your laptop.

Overall Grade:  A-

I was struck by the superb quality of the backpack. Its shell is made from recycled PET (soda bottles) which makes it extra sturdy and water resistant while still remaining super lightweight.

Voltaic is definitely on to something much bigger with its innovative line of energy efficient products.

Detailed specifications of the backpack can be found here. Also visit Voltaic Systems for a complete catalog of solar powered bags and gear.

Price: $179.00 – $249.00 | BUY

All photos (C) Voltaic Systems

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/gear-review-voltaic-solar-powered-backpack/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/12-stocking-stuffers-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/12-stocking-stuffers-for-travelers/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:08:46 +0000 Molly McCahan http://matadorgoods.com/?p=124 For the travelers on your list, we’ve got plenty of creative ideas that won’t break the bank.

The economy might have a tight hold on our wallets, but it doesn’t have to make gift-giving a chore.

Photo by dougbelshaw

Choose a mix of practical, fun, and affordable goodies, and make this a holiday season they’ll appreciate.

1. Playing Cards and Travel Game Sets

A deck from your local drugstore should only set you back a few bucks, and you can find travel-sized games at specialty toy and hobby stores for under $20.

Cribbage is an addicting pastime that combines a wooden pegboard (available in foldable backpacker-friendly versions) with card game strategy.

Price: $21.98 | BUY

It’s particularly great for those long train rides or can’t-sleep-in-my-coach-seat red eye flights.

Price: $4.95 | BUY

2. Journal and Pen

You don’t have to be the next Hemingway to appreciate these goods. Even the most amateur of writers will covet a nicely bound journal and functional pen. Great for taking notes, keeping track of friends you meet along the way, and obviously capturing all those wild stories.

Get it on paper, and make the memories last.

Price: $12.21 | BUY

3. Binoculars

Outdoor chain stores like Sports Authority sell decent-quality, cheap small binoculars for less than $20. Bigger isn’t necessarily better in this case, and a tiny pair tucks nicely into a daypack.

Great for getting up close and personal with lions, tigers, and bears, while still maintaining a safe distance.

Price: $23.99 | BUY

4. USB Memory Card Uploader

Designed to fit in a pocket, you can’t go wrong with this great item. Perfect for the photo hound in the family, or the newbie who can’t quite figure out how images on that memory card magically appear on Flickr while you’re sitting at a Cambodian Internet cafe.

Price: $16.47 | BUY

5. Adaptor Plugs

Another sensible item, and critical for the jetsetter who plans to attack all seven continents. For space issues, you still might suggest they leave their hair dryer at home.

Price: $7.99 | BUY

6. iTunes Gift Card

Those bus rides across Africa and Indonesia can drag on for double-digit hours. Keep the music fan in your life happy with legal downloads of their favorite songs. Budget-friendly $15 and $25 cards are available.

Price: Variable | BUY

7. Travel Candle

Who says you can’t bring a little romance (and relief) into that stinky, cheap, bug-laden beach hut you just scored?

Travel candles come in handy tins, cost under $10, and stow away easily into a side pocket of a backpack. And they smell really good too.

Price: $3.09 | BUY

8. Number-dialed Combo Lock

Help mom and dad deter nosy thieves from pirating their passports and other valuables from their luggage. These little gems slip easily into a stocking, and with prices as low as $7.95, you can buy one in every color.

You can never be too safe, right?

Price: $11.99 | BUY

9. Travel Alarm Clock

While traveling for many signifies sleeping in till your heart’s content, there will be days when they’re grateful for that annoying buzzer, or they’ll literally miss that slow boat to China.

For about $10 or less, help ensure your best travel buddy makes that early morning plane, train, or bus to somewhere exotic.

Price: $9.95 | BUY

10. Jag Bag (or Silk Sleeping Bag Liner)

Ah, the gift of protection from bed bugs and other people’s bodily functions!

This chic liner will help prevent another sleepless night in a sub-standard hostel or shady guesthouse.

Let’s face it, not every place you lay your head is going to be a match made in heaven. Great for overnight trains and camping trips, too!

Price: $34.03 | BUY

11. Multifunctional Tool

Leatherman offers an impressive array of colorful, functional, don’t-leave-me behind multipurpose tools that fit nicely into a stocking. Sleek and stylish, these gadgets serve a variety of purposes on the go, not least of which is a handy dandy bottle opener.

Need we say more?

Price: $61.07 | BUY

12. Travel Manicure Set

Even the most rugged of guys will no doubt need to trim those toenails after a few long months on the go. This isn’t his last big chance to set a world record for the longest fingernails either.

The little scissors alone are a serious score; the rest of the tools might just be icing on the cake.

Price: $30.63 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/12-stocking-stuffers-for-travelers/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/travelers-companion-multifunctional-gadget/ http://matadorgoods.com/travelers-companion-multifunctional-gadget/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:33:46 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=118 In the ultimate quest to make backpacks lighter during your travels, the Traveler’s Companion combines two essential packing list staples into one multifunctional tool.

In addition to providing a travel alarm clock and flashlight, a couple extra electronics are thrown in for good measure.

With the Traveler’s Companion, you get:

• A digital travel alarm clock with timer and snooze functions
• A mini FM auto-scan radio
• A digital calendar
• A pop-up LED reading light, and
• An LED flashlight

This lightweight travel gadget runs on 3 AAA batteries, and with a dimension of 1.2 inches x 5.5 inches, tucks away nicely and also saves you space.

Price: $19.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/travelers-companion-multifunctional-gadget/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/polaroid-pogo-instant-mobile-printer/ http://matadorgoods.com/polaroid-pogo-instant-mobile-printer/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:07:29 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=109 A pocket-sized printer the size of a deck of cards?

Paving the way in tiny printer technology, the Polaroid PoGO Instant Mobile Printer allows you to produce borderless 2 inch x 3 inch photo prints with the touch of a single button.

Photos developed are “water-resistant, tear-proof, smudge-proof and peel-off prints” on ZINK inkless paper.

For less than $100, this device is wireless ready with Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connection capabilities that allows you to readily hook up to cameras, cellphones, and computers.

It uses a 7.2-volt rechargeable lithium ion battery which produces up to 15 prints per charge.

Weighing in at just 8 ounces with a dimension of 2.8 inches by 4.7 inches, mentally convincing yourself that this bite-sized device is capable of spewing out high quality prints is your only barrier.

Price: $99.95 | BUY

Printer Accessories

Your mobile printer kit is incomplete without the following items:

Polaroid Black Carrying Case

Price: $14.99 | BUY

Polaroid Zink Media 30 Pack

Price: $12.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/polaroid-pogo-instant-mobile-printer/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/coffee-gear-for-coffee-fanatics/ http://matadorgoods.com/coffee-gear-for-coffee-fanatics/#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:29:36 +0000 Craig Martin http://matadorgoods.com/?p=106 For coffee lovers, traveling doesn’t mean parting with your daily dose.

If you’re anything like me, you need a strong hit of coffee to start the day right. Downing a double espresso in Rome might do the trick pronto, but there are times when you need to brew your own to make it through the day.

Photo by VirtualErn

Here are some of the best — and worst — travel coffee products we’ve seen.

Single Stove-Top Espresso Machine

The single stove-top espresso machine is certainly the gourmet choice, but the weight!

Believe it or not, I carried a double mocha pot through my first seven countries of international travel…using it about ten times in two months.

A Bialetti has style, grace and screams you’re a coffee aficionado, but walk your first couple of miles and see if your shoulders scream louder.

Price: $19.95 | Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

MSR MugMate Coffee Filter

Lightweight and easy to clean, the MSR MugMate Coffee Filter is fine for those after a quick filter coffee hit. Place the mesh framing into your cup, spoon in some ground coffee then pour boiling water over the top. It’s quick and easy. The only downside is that you need your own mug!

Price: $16.94 | MSR Mugmate Coffee/Tea Filter

GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee Maker

The GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee Maker has a similar style but comes with a lighter build. This thin plastic is going to save you on weight, but you might end up burning your fingertips while on a train or other form of transportation.

Price: $4.97 | GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee/Tea Maker

Kathmandu Coffee Plunger/Cup

The Kathmandu coffee plunger/cup is my pick of the bunch, combining efficiency with weight and ease of use. It’s a great combination of french press and insulated travel mug. Spoon ground beans into the bottom of the mug then add boiling water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before adding the cap and plunging away.

Price: $49.90 | Travel Coffee Plunger

Pacific Cornetta Thunder Press Mug

Similar in function, and handier for American buyers, the Pacific Cornetta Thunder Press Mug also finds a balance between weight and good taste…and just sounds awesome! The Thunder Press reminds me of Saturday morning cartoons, late night at the speedway, and ice creams around the world. It is similar in function to the Kathmandu and REI mugs, will easily fit in a car’s coffee holder, and has the funkiest name of all.

Price: $21.95 | Travel Coffee Plunger

Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker

Moving into the slightly ridiculous, the Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker claims “it is easy to make cafe style coffee with the Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker.” It might be easy to make coffee, but it’s not easy to lug around in one’s pack!

Travel? Sure, travel from the hotel room to the lobby!

This is one piece of plastic that should stay on the production line.

Price: $40.00 | Voltage Valet Quick Café II

Mello Smello Scratch and Sniff Stickers

We still want to offer a way for the space or weight conscious to get your caffeine hits…and this is the best we can do. The Mello Smello scratch and sniff stickers can be stuck inside your journal cover and supply you with an unending supply of java scents — just enough to get you to a cafe.

Price: $1.60 | Coffee Sticker Sheet

Matador Coffee Mugs

Just want something to carry your coffee in? Fancy a little individual style? Cafepress allows you to upload your own images to adorn the travel mug of your dreams. You can’t make coffee with it, but you can certainly carry it in style.

You can even buy gear to support sites you love — like Matador’s own ceramic beauties.

Price: $15.99 – $18.99 | Matador Coffee Mugs

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/coffee-gear-for-coffee-fanatics/feed/ 6 http://matadorgoods.com/plastic-or-pills-choosing-an-option-for-treating-your-water/ http://matadorgoods.com/plastic-or-pills-choosing-an-option-for-treating-your-water/#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:35:34 +0000 Matt Scott http://matadorgoods.com/?p=103 Choosing to treat your own water can not only lessen your impact on the environment, but is cheaper and more convenient.

We all understand the huge environmental impact bottled water is having on the planet- both in terms of food miles and the plastic (or glass) waste it creates.

However, with the World Health Organization attributing 80% of travel diseases to drinking water, in many countries simply reaching for the tap is not a safe option – that is, if you even have access to a tap.

Photo by René Ehrhardt

While relying on bottled drinking water has always been a good way to avoid many travel related illnesses, the resulting waste – especially in the developing world – is often seen piled up next to practically every monument or village.

Choosing to treat your own water can not only lessen your impact on the environment, but usually works out cheaper and more convenient in the long run.

There are endless options on the market but here is a run down of some of the most popular types of filtration systems:

Price: $18.99 | Outback Water Filter

Outback Water-Bottle Filter

The Outback water bottle based filter contains synthetic polymers, molecular sieves and microspheres to filter harmful bacteria and cysts from the water.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to carry with no need for additional equipment, easy to use and removes particles in the water as well as harmful bacteria.

Cons

Impractical for large quantities of water and not designed for every day use.

The SteriPEN

UV light is one of the most popular ways drinking water manufacturers sterilize their water and it is now available in a lightweight device.

Price: $79.95 | SteriPen Purifier

Put the SteriPEN into a glass of water for 45-90 seconds (depending on the size of the glass) and UV light is used to destroy any bacteria and parasites.

Pros

UV light is one of the most reliable ways of killing water borne bacteria and viruses. Rapidly treats any water and can be discreetly used anywhere.

Cons

Does not remove silt or sediment and if the water is not clear the UV light will prove ineffective so prior filtration may be needed in some cases.

The Pen is fairly fragile and can easily break if not stored properly. It also rapidly uses batteries, with some travelers reporting a change of batteries needed almost every day.

Micropur Tablets

Price: $9.90 | Katadyn Micropur
MP1 Purification Tablets

Micropur is used in the form of a small pill containing chlorine dioxide which effectively kill bacteria and viruses after only short contact times, and cysts (such as Giardia and Crypto) after longer contact times.

Pros

Chlorine Dioxide is proving better at killing bacteria and viruses than iodine and chlorine and kills practically all water born viruses and bacteria, including Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.

The pills are very lightweight and compact, with no unpleasant taste and will even work in very muddy water.

Cons

At last a 15minute wait for bacteria and viruses to be destroyed: 30 if cysts are present. Can take up to 4 hours in muddy water.

MiniWorks EX Pump Filter

Price: $84.95 | MSR Miniworks
EX Water Filter

The MiniWorks EX is a water pump with built in ceramic filters capable of processing up to 1 litre of water per minute

Pros

The filter is good for 2,000 uses and the unit can easily be disassembled and cleaned. The carbon core also removes unpleasant tastes and odors.

Cons

Bulky and heavy (in comparison to other options) and only works as a filter, so will not remove some harmful virus or cysts. While it is excellent for backcountry adventures, it is not practical for everyday travel.

MIOX purifier

Price: $129.99 | MSR Miox
Water Purifier with Batteries

A revolution in water purification, this battery powered pen-like device uses salt to create a powerful mix of oxidants which kills all viruses.

Pros

Small, compact and easy to use. Kills practically all water born viruses and bacteria, including Giardia, and Cryptosporidium and is practical for large and small quantities of water treatment.

Cons

Relies on batteries to function with a wait time of 15 minutes to 4 hours for all viruses to be killed. At around $150, it is also one of the more expensive options on the market.

Price: $64.95 | Katadyn Base
Camp Water Filter 8010655

Katadyn Base Camp Microfilter

With a large capacity this is a perfect option to fill up your bottles before you head off for the day. With a 0.3 micron glass fiber filter both bacteria and cysts are removed as well as any sediment.

Pros

Large capacity storage with a filter good for around 200 gallon, providing one of the most practical solutions for groups. Very easy to use: just fill, hang and then drink.

Cons

Not very practical for spur of the moment use and is not effective against all harmful bacteria.

Iodine Tablets

Price: $8.99 | Potable Aqua Water
Purification Iodine Tablets (50 Tablets)

One of the oldest and most trusted forms of water purification Iodine is effective against the majority of water borne pathogens. Taste neutralizing tablets can be used in conjunction with iodine to improve the color and taste of water.

Pros

Easy to use and is available practically worldwide in tablets or liquids. Suitable for small or large quantities of water and is very cheap.

Cons

Iodine can be dangerous to susceptible individuals and should only be used for minimal periods. Iodine leaves a strong taste, which requires additional pills to neutralize.

Price: $17.99 | Aquamira Chlorine
Dioxide Water Treatment Drops (2oz Kit)

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine is effective at killing almost all parasites and viruses and can easily be used to purify large or small quantities of water.

Pros

Easy to use, small, and lightweight. Practical for any quantity of water.

Cons

Not designed for long-term use (but can be used longer than iodine). Leaves a strong taste in the water that requires an additional pill to neutralize.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/plastic-or-pills-choosing-an-option-for-treating-your-water/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-bonafide-flashpackers-should-carry/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-bonafide-flashpackers-should-carry/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:52:09 +0000 Darren Gortz http://matadorgoods.com/?p=98 So you carry a laptop, iPhone, external hard drive, and other gadgets while traveling. Traditional backpackers shouldn’t judge you. You’re on to something.

Editor’s Note – Today’s backpackers are currently redefining what it means to rough it on the road. This new wave of travelers now called flashpackers still forge on, discovering uncharted territories and remote locales.

But this time around, they instantly beam back their locations and bring the world along.

Photo by AMagill

Here are some savvy gadgets a flashpacker needs to pack before hitting the road.

1. Laptop

Working from an Internet cafe is not ideal for a number of reasons. For starters, Internet cafes are noisy and are not an easy environment to work in. In addition, working at Internet cafes can be expensive with fees ranging as high as $3 to $5 per hour. Having a laptop allows you to find a quiet place to work.

What type of laptop you bring depends on where you are going and what you will be using it for. When traveling in regions where the risk of theft is high, it may not be prudent to bring an expensive new laptop.

Price: $449.00 | Acer Aspire One 8.9-inch Mini Laptop

In all likelihood, you will only need it for basic functions such as surfing the web, email, uploading photos, writing articles or journals and blogging, all of which can be done using an older laptop.

If you do not own an old laptop, you can purchase a refurbished one directly from manufacturers like Dell, from sites like mySimon or on Ebay for a couple hundred dollars.

2. Phone

In addition to a smart phone such as the iPhone or a Blackberry with access to Internet and email, you should bring an unlocked GSM phone that can support a local pay-as-you-go SIM card.

Price: $550.00 – $749.00 | RIM Blackberry Bold 9000

This not only allows you to make local calls without roaming charges but many allow you to receive calls (including from overseas) for free.

As with laptops, due to theft concerns it may be advisable to buy used or older models.

3. eReader

On longer trips, it is sometimes difficult to bring enough reading material due to weight and space constraints. Either Sony’s eReader or Amazon’s Kindle offer a terrific solution.

Price: $359.00 | Kindle: Amazon’s Wireless Reading Device

Designed to mimic the printed page, these devices do not emit light and are therefore no more straining on your eyes then the printed page. Their true benefit is in that they can hold up to 80 books. In addition to books, it is possible to save word or pdf files.

It is, however, advisable to bring some printed reading material as these gadgets can’t fully replace the look and feel of the printed page and sometimes it is nice to sit down with a real book.

4. External Hard Drive

Armed with a USB-powered portable hard drive such as the Oyen Digital 500 GB External 2.5″ USB Powered Mini Portable Hard Drive, a flashpacker can bring enough movies and TV shows for those long bus, train and plane journeys.

Price: $175.95 | 500GB External USB Powered 2.5″ Mini Portable Hard Drive

Simply plug the Bose headphones into your laptop’s USB port and your computer becomes a portable entertainment center. External hard drives can also be used to store software that can run on other computers such as those in Internet cafes.

They can also be used to back up photos and files created on the road.

5. iPod

As a result of the proliferation of the iPod, it has become one of the quintessential travel gadgets among travelers from budget backpackers to business travelers.

Price: $238.48 | Apple iPod classic 120 GB Black (6th Generation)

The ability to have your entire music collection in the palm of your hand, makes it the ultimate travel accessory for long journeys. The 120 GB iPod classic can also be used as a portable external hard drive.

6. Headphones

Whether you need peace and quiet in order to sleep, to get some work done in a loud hostel, or simply want to enjoy superior audio quality on a long flight, bus or train ride, a set of these Bose QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones will do the trick.

Price: $349.00 | Bose® QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones

7. On-the-go Charger

Energizer’s line of Energi to Go portable battery re-chargers allow iPods and phones to be charged on-the-go using standard AA batteries which can be readily recharged.

Price: $19.99 | Energizer Energi To Go Instant Cell Phone Charger, Mini USB

8. Power Adapter Kit

Tumi’s Ultra Slim Universal Power Adapter Kit was designed with the flashpacker in mind. It is billed as “the ultimate power tool for mobile computer and electronics users.”

Price: $50.00 | Tumi Electronics Electric Adapter (TU301BLK)

The compact and lightweight kit can utilize wall, automobile and airplane connections to charge any conceivable piece of electronics while on the road.

9. Water Purifier

For the great outdoors, the SteriPEN® Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier is an ingenious water purification system that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other pathogens fast (48 seconds for 16 ounces).

It is a small and light (under 110g/4 oz), easy to use and an effective way of purifying water on hikes or while camping.

Price: $75.10 | SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier

10. GPS Device

A handheld GPS device loaded with regional maps for your trip can be a useful tool. GPS can be used for navigating a new city, driving as well as exploring national parks and other outdoor attractions.

Some mobile phones support GPS and can be used in lieu of a standalone device.

Price: $211.00| Earthmate GPS PN-20

What other gadgets would you suggest? Tell us below.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-gadgets-bonafide-flashpackers-should-carry/feed/ 9 http://matadorgoods.com/jbuds-hi-fi-noise-reducing-ear-buds/ http://matadorgoods.com/jbuds-hi-fi-noise-reducing-ear-buds/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:04:27 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=96 You’ve probably yanked on your earphones once only to have the black foamy head stay behind – nicely wedged in your ear.

The JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds are made from soft silicone material that fits comfortably in your ear, molding perfectly to the ear canal. This sleek design aids in blocking out external noise.

They are also super lightweight and sturdy enough for travelers constantly on the go and, of course, work well with any portable device such as media players, laptops, and other audiovisual devices.

When you purchase the JBuds, you get 3 pairs of silicone earbuds in three different sizes – small, medium, and large – so you can choose the right size for you.

Also available in black and pink.

Price: $15.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/jbuds-hi-fi-noise-reducing-ear-buds/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/flip-ultra-2gb-15-lcd-mini-camcorder/ http://matadorgoods.com/flip-ultra-2gb-15-lcd-mini-camcorder/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:43:02 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=94 Ever wanted to tape yourself participating in The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?

Maybe tape your first bungee jump from your point of view?

Shooting travel videos while in the midst of action has gotten a lot easier and more convenient with the Flip Ultra Mini Camcorder.

This lightweight, pocket-sized camcorder provides 2GB of built-in memory, allowing you to record up to 60 minutes of high quality video and sound.

Its no-glare Transflective LCD allows you to work in low light conditions such as dusk and dawn, as well as under glaring sunlight.

It comes with a tiny USB plug that connects to your computer or any USB-enabled device for video transfers and uploads.

Since video is captured in VGA-quality, you can hook up the camcorder to a TV for maximum viewing.

Now you can add high quality videos to your catalog of travel memories.

Price: $124.98 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/flip-ultra-2gb-15-lcd-mini-camcorder/feed/ 4 http://matadorgoods.com/8-pieces-of-gear-to-keep-you-warm-and-safe-in-the-backcountry/ http://matadorgoods.com/8-pieces-of-gear-to-keep-you-warm-and-safe-in-the-backcountry/#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:18:48 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=84 For those who actively hit the alpine ski trails, we’ve teamed up with Backcountry.com to identify cool, cutting edge gear you should be packing.

Arc’Teryx Gamma MX jacket

The Gamma MX’s softshell technology will keep you warm and dry with its water resistance and breathable fabric—key for grueling ascents.

Price: $324.95 | BUY MENS | WOMENS

Merino Base Layers

Merino is the new super fabric for outdoor athletes. It stays warm even when wet, wicks incredibly well and is naturally antimicrobial—you won’t stink no matter how hard you try.

Merino wool from hardy New Zealand merino sheep, is 100% natural and renewable.

Price: $47.97-$89.95 | BUY MENS | WOMENS

MontBell Alpine Light Down Jacket

A very lightweight, packable down or synthetic down jacket is well insulated and is sure to keep you warm during extremey cold alpine ascents/descents.

Its microfleece-lined pockets keep your hands extra warm in frigid conditions.

Price: $149.95 | BUY MENS | WOMENS

Cloudveil Koven Ski Pant

These weather-resistant stretch pants with fully sealed seams, side vents, and waterproof zippers keep you warm while eliminating excessive sweating.

The latest models of Koven Ski Pants include an overflow cargo pocket for extra storage.

Price: $294.95- $394.95 | BUY MENS | WOMENS

Garmont Mega Ride and She Ride

The Garmont Rides are solid touring boots which are stiff enough to protect your ankles yet engineered to let you can turn on a dime. Its lace-up system ensures they fit better.

With an innovative Icebreaker function that breaks away frozen ice buildups, the relatively lightweight Mega Ride provides the right mix of comfort and functionality on your tours.

Price: $535.96 | BUY MENS | WOMENS

Osprey Switch 26

The sturdy Osprey Switch 26 was designed to be the optimal storage unit while on the trails. It comes with an hydration sleeve for your water, a StraightJacket compression system for your snowboard, a stretch pocket for your helmet, and a myriad of sleeves and pockets to store clothes, goggles, and other essential items you need within reach.

Price: $128.95 | BUY

Snow Study Equipment

The aluminum G3 Bonesaw with its rubberized grip handle easily cuts through mounds of snow and ice build ups.It’s also great for digging snow pits.

The blade also has measurements etched with different grid systems that help you test the size of snow crystals. Definitely a tool for professional avalanchers and climbers.

Price: $59.95 | BUY

Slope Meter

The Backcountry Access Slope Meter keeps you safe from unexpected sharp drop offs. Simply align its bottom edge with the slope and read its angle.

The Slope Meter also uses color coded tabs to indicate if there is a potential for an avalanche along a certain ascent, such as 35-40 degree slopes.

You may want to stay away from the “red” zones on the meter.

Price: $29.95 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/8-pieces-of-gear-to-keep-you-warm-and-safe-in-the-backcountry/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/12-gadgets-that-harness-the-power-of-the-sun/ http://matadorgoods.com/12-gadgets-that-harness-the-power-of-the-sun/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:12:26 +0000 Angela Neal http://matadorgoods.com/?p=81 From purses to water bottles, here are 12 solar powered gadgets you’ve probably never heard of.

I truly believe one of the reasons I did so badly in math class was a constant distracting fascination with my solar powered calculator.

As solar technology advanced and gardens started to twinkle with the glow of little solar-powered lamps, my obsession grew.

Photo by 770

Whether you’re on a lean bread-and-butter budget or a beluga-and-Moët splurge budget, you can pick from the following devices to introduce you to solar technology, help you save money on batteries, reduce your carbon footprint, and elevate your status as eco-geek.

Multifunctional Digital Solar Charger

Price: $45.99 | BUY

Ever been slipped fake money? Eliminate your risk with this multi-tasking gadget.

Not only will it check for possible forgeries with a built-in UV money checker, its main function as a charger allows you to top off battery power for other gadgets such as media players, phones, and cameras via a USB cable.

It includes an FM radio to entertain you and an LED flashlight.

 
 

Price: $54.00 | BUY

iPhone Solar Case

Some solar powered chargers are often clunky and just another awkward travel item to cram into your bag.

Not so with the iPhone solar case which looks and acts just like any other phone protector case.

It protects your phone while the built-in solar panel charges your battery.

Water Bottle

Price: $23.79 | BUY

Kill two camping needs in one gadget with this water bottle – store water and use it as a lamp.

The SolLight Solar-Powered LightCap Water Bottle holds up to 32 oz of water, and its cap is fitted with tiny solar panels that hold up to 10 hours of energy for its powerful LED lamplight.

For those worried about the light heating up your water, rest assured LEDs do not emit enough heat to warm up your water.

 
 

MP3 Player

Price: $194.99 | BUY

Few of us can spend time without our media players, however battery life can be an issue.

Admittedly, first generation solar powered mp4/mp3 players were bulky, expensive, and provided limited memory. The newer models are lighter and more affordable with a longer lasting charge life.

If cutting edge, eco-friendly gadgets excite you, this Cobalt Solar Powered Media Player will inch you ahead of the crowd in terms of utilizing alternative sources of energy.

Price: $219.00 | BUY

Backpack

Suitable for true tree-huggers and travelers looking for a practical way to store power on a long trip, this rugged backpack includes solar panels and a battery pack, with 11 adapters for all of your electronics.

Its design features built-in wire channels to practically organize your gadgets.

It is made of recycled plastic, making it even greener, lightweight, and waterproof.

 

Price: $149.89 | BUY

Solar Vent

Condensation and poor air quality in cramped spaces such as boats and motor homes are well known problems.

The solar vent solves these issues by exhausting hot air and bringing in fresh air from outside which keeps confined areas cool and free from mold and mildew.

 

Price: $43.45 | BUY

Shaver

Great for both business travelers and backpackers, this solar-powered shaver will keep you looking your best even if there is no electrical socket or water source nearby.

It supports dry shaving only and takes about 8-12 hours to fully recharger itself.

It can also be connected to an electrical outlet for quick charging.

 
 

Price: $1,124.04 | BUY

Coolbox

The coolbox acts as a mini-fridge keeping all of your perishables fresh as long as you leave it out in the sun – a hefty dose of irony.

The unit even gets cold enough to act as a freezer and is commonly used by relief and aid organizations to transport medical supplies in areas where there is no electricity.

 
 

Price: $7.31 | BUY

Mosquito Repeller

Never be bothered by mosquitos again with this nifty solar powered mosquito repeller.

This small device makes a noise that is inaudible to humans, but repels the biting bugs.

 

Tent

Price: $165.00 | BUY

A tent with its own power supply and built-in lighting is a home away from home!

This tent boasts these creature comforts thanks to a solar panel on top.

Its solar panel stores enough sunlight to power an LED light and a battery pack that can be used to recharge various electronics.

 

Price: $377.00 – $497.00 | BUY

Purse

Eco-friendly fashion is a growing niche, and this solar purse fits in nicely with the trend.

Made out of sustainable materials such as rhubarb and walnut dyes, its design incorporates solar panels which charge your mobile phone, iPod, and other electronics.

 

Television

Sharp has developed a solar-powered LCD TV designed for people living in areas with limited to no electricity.

The TV design is actually pretty cool and since it uses over 70% less power than normal TVs, expect to see this technology filter into high street media stores within the next few years.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/12-gadgets-that-harness-the-power-of-the-sun/feed/ 6 http://matadorgoods.com/beyond-music-apple-ipod/ http://matadorgoods.com/beyond-music-apple-ipod/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:25:28 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=76 Today’s travel gear review comes from Matador community member, Matt Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt.

Twelve hours on an overnight bus with people talking in front of you makes an iPod every bit the best investment a traveler can make.

Turn it on, tune in, and drown out voices as you drift off to sleep.

But my iPod serves another function- it helps me remember.

Music is a part of the human condition. Besides helping me pass time, it helps me remember moments on the road, moments in life, why I traveled, places, and people.

When I need some encouragement, I have a song.

When I’m forlorn, music helps me through it.

Music not only defines emotions but people and places.

Whenever I hear that Swedish song, I think of my time with a great group of Swedes and that night we played card games on Ko Phi Phi.

Whenever I hear Augustana, I remember home.

Love Generation brings back my first full moon party where I met people whose wedding I ended up attending the following year.

So turning on my iPod isn’t just about listening to my favorite bands, its about taking me back to place I haven’t been to in a long time – Nomadic Matt

Price: $241.10 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/beyond-music-apple-ipod/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/10-ways-to-make-your-ipod-a-powerful-travel-accessory/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-ways-to-make-your-ipod-a-powerful-travel-accessory/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:15:09 +0000 Rowshan and Tamia Dowlatabadi http://matadorgoods.com/?p=79 Get more mileage out of your iPod by installing Rockbox

Many travelers already carry an iPod with them when they travel. However, few know that the iPod can be used as more than just a multimedia player.

© Photo by Rowshan Dowlatabadi

By installing the free Rockbox software and making a few pre-trip preparations, you can transform your iPod into a powerful travel accessory.

Here are ten suggestions for getting the most out of your iPod.

1. Install Rockbox

© Photo by Rowshan Dowlatabadi

Rockbox is free open source software which creates an alternative interface for the iPod in which files and folders are not encoded.

Because files are not encoded using Rockbox,  you can access, create, rename, delete, and move files as you would on a computer.

Rockbox makes your iPod work independently of the iTunes software.

This eliminates problems like trying to add media when a computer doesn’t have iTunes installed or accidentally syncing your iPod with someone else’s iTunes library.

In addition, Rockbox has dual boot capabilities so you can still use the iPod software for playing videos which is currently not supported by Rockbox.

Rockbox can also be installed on other MP3 players.

Visit Rockbox’s website for more information, free downloads, and installation instructions.

2. Photo Gallery Manager

Once you’ve installed Rockbox, load photos of yourself, friends and family, life in your country, you doing your favorite hobbies, and more, to share during your travels.

While you are traveling, you can load photos taken during your trip as well. These make great ice breakers, especially if language is a problem.

3. Document Manager

Load scanned copies of important documents such as passports, visas and medical records. Avoid storing more sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers, passwords and PIN numbers on your iPod.

4. Navigator

The Rockbox iPod software enables you to easily zoom in and out of stored JPEGs. Load large map images of places that you will visit as well as other graphical travel information. Rockbox lets you zoom in and out of JPEG images – a feature not included in the classic iPod software.

5. Language Coach

Load language podcasts/MP3 files so you can pick up some useful phrases during your travels. You can find language podcasts in the iTunes store or by using an online search engine.

© Photo by Tamia Dowlatabadi – Rowshan shows a potter in Morocco examples of his own ceramics

6. Rolodex

An iPod can be used to store and easily retrieve addresses and travel information. Load text files of contact information for friends, notes about destinations, and other information you may need. You can also save e-mails to retrieve later.

You can edit text files using Rockbox but its text editor is still a work in progress.

7. Media Player

Since the iPod was originally designed to be a media player, be sure to load your favorite tunes and collect new ones (MP3, wave files – thanks to Rockbox) as you travel.

8. Portable Hard Drive

You can use your iPod as a portable hard drive, storing files on it as you would on an external hard drive or flash drive.

9. Gaming Device

Kill time by playing games on your iPod. Rockbox comes with several games including chess, Sudoku puzzles, Doom, and more.

This is a useful feature you will be grateful for when your plane is delayed several hours.

10. Emergency Flashlight

Use your iPod as an emergency flashlight. The Rockbox Lamp/Flashlight feature changes the screen into a bright light, transforming your iPod into the most expensive flashlight you’ll probably ever own.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-ways-to-make-your-ipod-a-powerful-travel-accessory/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/5-gadgets-you-can-pack-for-long-flights/ http://matadorgoods.com/5-gadgets-you-can-pack-for-long-flights/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:19:22 +0000 Alan Velasco http://matadorgoods.com/?p=77 Long flights can take a toll on travelers, but you can wile away time with these gadgets.

While flying may be the fastest way to get from one point to another, it can still take a long time to arrive at your destination.

Photo by Lola Akinmade

As airlines continue to “extend” their arrival times, here are a few handy items that will make your wait time go by much faster.

Nintendo DS

Price: $129.99 | BUY

The Nintendo DS is a great portable gaming system. Lightweight and affordable, it has a wide variety of game types that appeal to just about any taste.

It comes in a wide array of colors which allows potential owners to pick a system that matches their style.

The system’s batteries go the distance, providing up to 19 hours of continuous play on one charge.

Don’t know what games to bring along? Then check out “Top Five Nintendo DS Games To Pack On Your Trip“.

Also keep in mind that the device is region free, meaning that if you see an awesome game in Europe, it will work on your North American DS.

The only exception to this rule are Chinese games.

Sony PSP

Price: $169.99 | BUY

If you’re looking for a portable gaming system that is a bit more versatile, then the Sony PSP is the perfect option.

It can play games, surf the internet at any wi-fi hotspot, playback videos and music, and display images on a beautiful widescreen display.

The only real inhibitor is the amount of memory provided by the device.

More adventurous owners can maximize the ability of the PSP by doing a little extra searching on the Internet and using home-brewed software known as “sony psp hacks”.

Amazon Kindle

Price: $359.00 | BUY

For those who love to read books but don’t want the hassle of carrying them around, the Amazon Kindle is what you need.

It can store over 200 books, and provides access to thousands of more books online.

The best part is that if you want another book to read, the device can wirelessly connect to the Amazon service to download a new book.

Just one warning: it isn’t backlit, so don’t expect to be doing any reading in the dark.

While it’s a bit pricey, it’s well worth the investment for travelers who want to read something to keep them occupied or are avid readers on the road.

iriver Clix Rhapsody

Price: $149.99 | BUY

While it may seem like blasphemy to recommend an MP3 player that isn’t made by Apple, this is an incredible device that doesn’t get enough attention.

The Clix supports a myriad of file types (MP3, OGG, WMA, MPEG4, WMV 9…the list goes on), has a built in voice recorder and an FM tuner.

It’s also well known for its superb audio quality. It supports two configurations: 4GB or 8GB.

Don’t worry about having to use the Rhapsody music service with it provides. It’s as simple as dragging and dropping your music files onto the device.

Asus Eee PC

Price: $480.99 | BUY

Road warriors who want to get a little work done while in the air will love the Asus Eee PC.

It runs Windows XP, comes with an 80 to 160 GB hard drive, and 1GB of ram.

It’s great for working on spreadsheets or just finishing up that great novel.

The best part is, for a laptop, its price tag is just as small as the device itself. Asus also provides users with up to 20GB of secure online storage so you can store important documents safely while on the road.

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/5-gadgets-you-can-pack-for-long-flights/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/five-best-nintendo-ds-games-to-pack-on-your-trip/ http://matadorgoods.com/five-best-nintendo-ds-games-to-pack-on-your-trip/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:00:46 +0000 Ian MacKenzie http://matadorgoods.com/?p=74 When heading out on the road, some people like to take as little with them as possible.

Their reasons vary: some want to travel light, others want no reminders of their life back home.

But sometimes it’s just nice to have a nice distraction when you’re stuck in transit, or have a few hours to kill and have run out of good books.

In my case, I pack a Nintendo DS. I also make sure I bring games that are easy to get into without too much instruction.

Here’s my top 5 to pack on the road, in no particular order:

1. Crosswords DS

I’ve written about this game before, but it’s worth repeating here. Crosswords DS is perfect for long bus rides, plane and train rides, and just about any boredom inducing situation.

The crazy amount of puzzles will take you 8 years to complete. And it’s fun using the stylus to actually write the letter, and trying to beat your time and grade at the end of every puzzle.

BUY Crosswords DS

2. New Super Mario Bros.

There’s something about Mario that never goes out of style, evident in his myriad manifestations over the past 20 years.

The trend continues with New Super Mario Bros -only it takes the classic side-scrolling adventure and updates it.

Now the graphics are better (rendered in 3D) and gameplay incorporates a few surprises, including: a mini mushroom, a mega mushroom, a koopa shell suit, and more.

Luckily, the action is still paced for classic gamers like me – and keeps my mind off my fear of flying. Also includes a ton of multi-player bonus games that you can play with a friend.

BUY New Super Mario Bros.

3. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Is it a murder mystery? Or a puzzle game? In fact, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is both.

You play the role of the Professor, who is called to a creepy English town to solve a murder. The only catch: to solve the mystery, you must solve various puzzles woven throughout the storyline.

It sounds odd, but after the first few minutes, you’ll be hooked. The puzzles can be anything from brain teasers and optical illusions, to puzzles of logic and more.

You can ponder each before you answer. Screw up, and you’ll lose points for each time you answer incorrectly.

BUY Professor Layton and the Curious Village

4. Brain Age

Do you remember your multiplication tables? Neither did I until I started training with Brain Age.

You may have heard of it already, as it was one of the top-selling games in Japan.

It’s basically a combination of brain-sharpening activities that test your mental prowess, such as high-speed multiplication, reading exercises, brain teasers, puzzles, and even a version of Sudoku.

If it sounds mildly interesting, it’s not. It’s actually a blast. Maybe it’s the curious combination of competition and the promise of a better brain that makes Brain Age so addictive.

Or maybe it’s the fact that the game is narrated by a jovial Japanese professor who cracks jokes and urges you to develop your “pre-frontal cortex.”

BUY Brain Age

5. Mario Kart DS

Easily one of the best racing games ever conceived, Mario Kart DS unveils a number of new tracks, each in glorious 3D.

You can race with all your favorite characters like Luigi, Yoshi, Bowser and yes, Princess Peach.

You start the game with access to only the first two Cups, and it’ll take some effort and skill to unlock the rest.

As an added bonus, the game includes a full roster of classic race tracks from the previous three Mario Kart additions.

Ahhh, nostalgia.

BUY Mario Kart DS

Any games I missed? Share your picks below in the comments!

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/five-best-nintendo-ds-games-to-pack-on-your-trip/feed/ 6 http://matadorgoods.com/earplugs/ http://matadorgoods.com/earplugs/#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:52:26 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=65 Today’s gear suggestion and review comes from Matador community member, VagabonderZ

200 ct. Earplugs – $23.00

Try traveling without these for three nights in Platzkartny on a Russian train, or Chinese sleeper trains with the early morning ritual of locals coughing and spitting in the open communal sinks.

I’m talking about ear plugs!.

And the need for them isn’t limited to the confined spaces of trains and buses:

• Dorm rooms in hostels with fellow travelers coming and going;
• Hotels conveniently located beside markets with vendors setting up at 5 AM;
• Pensiones situated above bars and pubs.

It’s worth spending the extra cents to get some higher end ones – the cheapest brands are uncomfortable and don’t form good seals.

They’re inexpensive, small, and lightweight. Before you hit the road, make sure you stock up on these invaluable little pieces of foam…and keep ‘em handy!”

Price: $23.00 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/earplugs/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/zune-travel-pack/ http://matadorgoods.com/zune-travel-pack/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:22:16 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=57 For the ultimate flashpacker, the durable Zune travel pack provides you with five essential accessories to help you get the most out of your digital multimedia Zune player while on the road:

• Earphones
• Sync cable
• AC Adapter
• Remote control
• Sturdy storage bag

Also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Grab your pack today.

Price: $42.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/zune-travel-pack/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/bag-protector-alert/ http://matadorgoods.com/bag-protector-alert/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:06:42 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=60 Today’s gear suggestion and review comes from Matador community member, ophelia101

While in Genoa a couple years ago, we had an evening flight to catch. We left our luggage at the hotel and spent the day sightseeing only to find our luggage stolen upon return.

Trying to file a police report when you speak almost no Italian is not fun!

For less than 20 bucks, the ease of mind the Doberman Bag Protector Alert gives you is priceless. Basically, it’s like a car alarm for your bags.

You place your bag down and set the alarm. If the bag is moved, it sets off a 100 decibel alarm – sure to put off any would-be thieves!.

An added bonus is that it comes with a special pull-pin feature that doubles as a panic button.

Perfect, if you’re out wondering around some dodgy streets at night.

Price: $16.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/bag-protector-alert/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/solio-universal-hybrid-solar-charger/ http://matadorgoods.com/solio-universal-hybrid-solar-charger/#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:16:11 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=56 Today’s gear suggestion and review comes from Matador community member, Charlotte Dando

The Solio Solar Battery Charger is a pretty nifty gadget!

It is pocket sized and comes with adaptors which fit most mobiles phones, MP3 players and other electrical items.

To be honest, it takes a LONG time to fully charge in the sun but it can also be charged via a mains plug.

It works best as a portable battery for a few days when you’re away from mains power – either camping, trekking or wherever!

Price: $88.23 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/solio-universal-hybrid-solar-charger/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/the-samsung-blackjack-att-review/ http://matadorgoods.com/the-samsung-blackjack-att-review/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:16:29 +0000 Julie Schwietert http://matadorgoods.com/?p=54 Today’s travel gear review comes from Matador Pulse editor and community member, Julie Schwietert.

Let’s get a few details and disclaimers out of the way:

(1) I am not the kind of person who rushes out to acquire the latest cell phone.

(2) I disabled text messaging on my own cell phone because I don’t know how to text and because I never remember to use the key lock before tossing my phone in my bag…thereby resulting in charges for messages I’ve never sent.

(3) I have had Cingular—now AT&T—for at least five years… and have never been particularly impressed by the company’s service.

Still, I seized the opportunity to use the Samsung BlackJack with AT&T service free for 30 days.

Having seen advertisements boasting that it permits users to call to and from “more than 200 countries,” I was interested in testing the company’s claim during a trip that would take me from New York City to Mexico City and from Mexico City to rural Colombia.

How many people could I call in 30 days and in how many countries?

And more importantly: How would the call quality stack up against my own basic, no frills cell? My husband, friends, and I all put the Samsung-AT&T partnership to the test in three countries.

PC World reviewed the same phone in the test area of San Francisco and surrounding suburbs and reported that “Signal strength and data performance varied quite a bit.” The same held true in my experiences testing the phone and its service in Mexico City.

Calling New York on multiple occasions, the call would fail to connect, would disconnect, or—on more than one occasion—would connect me to someone whose number I’d never dialed. When calls did connect, the quality was highly variable, pleasantly crisp and completely audible at times, while robotically electronic and cryptic at other times.

Considering that the phone’s key selling point is its intercontinental usability, I was dubious about its ability to perform any better once I arrived in Colombia. Curiously, though, call connectivity and quality seemed to improve. Calls from Colombia to the United States and Germany were passable, particularly in light of the fact that we were far from a major city.

A perk of the phone—and one which was particularly appreciated in rural Colombia—is its high speed Internet access. For the most part, the ability to access websites and to interact with them as I would on my laptop was pretty impressive. While the phone’s keyboard could be more navigable, AT&T’s service excels with respect to the Internet capabilities on this phone.

The Bottom Line

This phone is a crap shoot. At upwards of $300 (for the phone; the service plan is another matter entirely), I’m not convinced this phone is worth the considerable investment, particularly since its performance is so uneven.

Still, the idea of a phone which offers service to call to and from most of the countries in the world while on the road is a promising enticement for frequent and long-term travelers. I’m definitely willing to revise my judgment on this BlackJack-AT&T partnership as it enters its next generation.

Price: $439.99 | BUY (SIM Unlocked)

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/the-samsung-blackjack-att-review/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/olympus-digital-voice-recorder/ http://matadorgoods.com/olympus-digital-voice-recorder/#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:18:56 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=52 For aspiring travel writers, today’s travel gear review comes from Matador Pulse editor and community member, Julie Schwietert.

In an article titled Top 10 Gear Choices for Travel Writers, Julie mentions one of her favorite items – an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder. Here are excerpts from her article.

At a recent bull fight in Mexico, I recorded the sounds of the event that I would not have been able to put down quite the same way in writing.

I’ll definitely use these “audio notes” to write an article, but I may also transfer the files to my laptop and create an audio clip to accompany the written piece.

I use an Olympus handheld digital audio recorder that can capture up to 120 hours and which transfers files with a standard USB cable to a Mac or PC. It’s smaller than a cell phone and costs between $40 and $60.

- Julie Schwietert

I need to get me one of these puppies!

Price:$54.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/olympus-digital-voice-recorder/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/creative-zen-32-gb-media-player/ http://matadorgoods.com/creative-zen-32-gb-media-player/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:40:12 +0000 Matador Team http://matadorgoods.com/?p=48 Today’s travel gear suggestion comes from Matador community member, Slinky. Here’s what Slinky shares about the sleek Creative Zen 32G MP3 player:

I am sure people feel very strongly either for or against MP3 players while traveling. I get told a lot how I’m missing out when I am “plugged in and zoned out” but to me, airports and layovers are boring the world over.

When used in moderation, any MP3 player allows me to arrive at my destination in a much calmer mood.

My choice: Creative Zen 32gig with Ultimate ears buds.

Make your own travel soundtrack, just don’t miss your plane when your gate change gets announced! – Slinky

Price: $239.99 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/creative-zen-32-gb-media-player/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/carrom-magnetic-travel-chess-set/ http://matadorgoods.com/carrom-magnetic-travel-chess-set/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:53:11 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=49 For chess lovers AND avid travelers out there, here is the perfect travel chess set for you! It comes with a plastic case, a metallic surface, and magnetic chess pieces. The coolest thing about this chess set is that the pieces are short so you can place the lid over the set and save the current game. Should you feel the need to vigorously shake the box, the pieces still maintain their position!

Now if only I knew how to play chess….

Price: $25.00 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/carrom-magnetic-travel-chess-set/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/10-quirkest-travel-gear/ http://matadorgoods.com/10-quirkest-travel-gear/#comments Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:04:45 +0000 Kelly Saunders http://matadorgoods.com/?p=45 Bottle-opening sandals? GPS rings for your fingers? Check out these bizarre travel items.

Here are ten odd, even downright outlandish travel items that are amusing yet surprisingly functional and easy to pack.

1) Built-In Bottle Cap Opener Sandals

Reef BYOB Sandals – $45.95

If you are heading to a sunny, tropical destination, you must bring along these fashionable Reef sandals with a built in bottle opener. They are great to have should you find yourself craving an ice cold brew while sunning on the beach.

Lightweight and comfortable, you can easily slip them on and off while passing through airport security.

Find these and many other great beach products at www.reef.com

2) Passchal handbags

Passchal Bags – $195

Designed using old, recycled truck and tractor tires and stitched with faux leather trim, each Passchal bag is unique.

Different markings and thread lines which originate from specific tire brands add to the flair of each bag.

The Passchal line mixes fashion with recycling.

If you’d like one, prepare for a 90 day wait as they are in high demand!.

You can find these great bags at www.passchal.com.

3) Binoculars with built-in digital camera

Barska – $93.24

If you are a travel enthusiast, adventurer, or explorer, you’ll probably love this gadget.

The Barska Point N’ View 5-Megapixel Camera Binoculars is a high quality pair of binoculars with a digital zoom lens and a built-in digital camera.

Does it get any better than this?!

4) MP3 Dancing Speaker Set

Blue Wassup – $34.99

This handy dancing speaker connects to any iPod® or MP3 player and dances to the rhythm of the music.

It moves its legs and arms, turns around, and is the ultimate entertainment you need during your travels.

It has built-in melodies, supports sound activation, and produces quality sound through its 1.5-in speaker.

Comes with an audio cable and AAA batteries.

5) GPS Finger Rings

More on Vibrating GPS Rings

Ever find yourself lost in a strange city?. Well never again!.

These vibrating GPS rings will guide you through your trip.

Maps get lost, torn, or wet. But these sturdy, fashionable travel rings, though odd, are very durable and useful.

Rings come in a three piece set..

6) Gorillapod Compact Camera Tripod

Gorillapod Flexible Tripod – $21.95

Peculiar yet functional, the Gorillapod Compact Camera Tripod folds up nicely and takes up very little space within your luggage while traveling.

It can twist and coil to fit any small spot, and is very lightweight.

It supports most compact, powershot, and point & shoot cameras.

7) Lightload Towels

Lightload Towels 3-Pack – $6.98

These cool space savers have to be the smallest thing you can pack when heading to the beach.

Dump a handful of these towels in your pocket, saving tons of room for everything else.

These multipurpose towels are great accessories to take with you while going scuba diving, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating and sailing.

Stick them in your glove compartment for emergency automobile maintenance needs such as cleaning up after checking your washer fluid, cleaning up engine oil spills, etc.

They are also washing machine safe so you can either keep them or toss ‘em.

8 ) Waterproof Digital Camera Swim Mask

Digital Camera Swim Mask – $99.95

This is the only snorkeling mask with a built-in waterproof digital camera, abolishing the need to carry a separate underwater camera. This five megapixel camera works in a depth of up to 15ft.

Built-in functionality inside the mask lets you know if you are in “still picture” or “video” mode. You can download pictures onto your PC via a USB cable (included).

The mask has a built-in 16MB memory card which can store up to 30 photographs.

9) Milan Street Map Fly Swatter

Bye Bye Fly – $24.00

This crazy fly swapper is a great way to keep away pesky critters while trying to find your way through Milan.

It can also be used as a small hand-held fan on those hot summer days if you’re so inclined.

This durable street map/fly swatter is made by Pandora Designs, and is a great little way of finding your bearings around the city.

10) Violight Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer

Violight Sanitizer – $27.95

The Violight Sanitizer uses germicidal light to destroy 99% of germs on your toothbrush.

It uses two AA batteries, and shuts off automatically once it’s done eradicating those little bad microbes that may be prowling around on your toothbrush.

You can find this toothbrush sanitizer and other related products at www.violight.com

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/10-quirkest-travel-gear/feed/ 11 http://matadorgoods.com/useful-iphone-apps-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/useful-iphone-apps-for-travelers/#comments Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:23:45 +0000 Laura Copeland http://matadorgoods.com/?p=39

[Photo credit at end of article]

Since Jeeves came on the scene in 1996, the web has quickly become an indispensable resource of know-how for travelers of all motives and means.

However, many hostels still have unreliable wireless connections, and there’s usually a line for their £3 per hour Easy Internet booths (which are suspiciously sticky).

Here’s where the mobile web comes in.

The iPhone’s real innovation is not technology. The programming language behind it, Objective C, has been around since the early ’80s. Rather, it makes that technology fully portable without muting its potential.

Think you can’t afford one? Your collection of increasingly plebeian travel gadgets probably cost you much more.

Help spread the word!

Apple’s “smart phone” is a sky’s-the-limit concierge: small enough to travel without the extra baggage charge and large enough to store music for your listening pleasure at 7,000 feet.

Once you’re back on the ground, the device’s new applications ( or apps), unleashed by developers last Friday, make the iPhone an erudite expert in many destinations and cultures, ready to serve you everything from hotel directions and weather reports to advice on the best Chinese cuisine (and how to politely order in Mandarin).

For Students and Bloggers Abroad

1) Facebook by Joe Hewitt

Download your Facebook contacts into a slick interactive address book for offline viewing. Having trouble mailing a postcard to a notoriously nomadic friend? Once you’re back on the grid, the application automatically updates any changes fellow travelers might have made to their contact information.

You’re one tap away from dialing a friend or mapping their address, and you can start real-time Facebook chat sessions with contacts who are also online.

Cost: Free

2) Spend by Adamcode.com

Spend makes it eerily easy to see just how quickly your expenses are depleting your budget (be honest: your “food” budget included a stop at Hofbräuhaus!). Track your spending and bank deposits, create daily or yearly budgets, and easily change your geographic region to monitor it all in the local currency.

Cost: $1.99

3) Twitter by IconFactory

While detained by officers on a visit to Egypt last April, James Karl Buck texted a one-word SOS (”arrested”) from his mobile phone to 48 of his friends on Twitter’s growing social network. Ultimately, the tweet’s value was priceless. His friends hired a lawyer, and Buck was quickly released. If this application had existed, that historical tweet wouldn’t have appeared later on the Berkeley student’s phone bill.

Convenient for quickly updating friends internationally and en masse without incurring SMS charges, Twitter’s application is a must-have for your treks into the unknown.

Cost: Free

For Athletes/Mountain Warriors/Outdoorsy People

4) WeatherBug by Weatherbug

Become the Al Roker of your tour group with WeatherBug’s radar imagery of current meteorological conditions (Nerd alert: you can manipulate the opacity of the little green blobs on the map). Save up to 20 locations, many of which feature live webcams, and this application will bring you National Weather Service alerts of severe weather nearby.

Cost: Free

5) Steps by Edovia, Inc

For those times when Grandpa claims to have just walked 20 miles in the snow, have him check his new phone-cum-pedometer. Here’s to hoping the next version’s calorie tracker takes elevation into account.

Cost: $1.99

Around town

6) UrbanSpoon by UrbanSpoon

Described by its developers as “part Magic 8 Ball, part slot machine,” UrbanSpoon is the perfect solution for the city traveler overwhelmed with restaurant choices. This clever application uses the iPhone’s GPS to generate a list of nearby neighborhoods which can be narrowed down to just one area if you like.

The cuisine and cost are dynamic; pick a value from categories or have the application randomly populate them. Shake the phone (nerd alert: it’s the phone’s accelerometer at work), and a restaurant listing appears. Reluctant to leave your dinner choice in the hands of the iPhone gods? Touch UrbanSpoon’s selection and see what other diners think of the restaurant.

Cost: Free

7) AccuFuel (formerly MPG) by Appigo

Spotting trends in your car’s fuel efficiency is easy with AccuFuel’s clean-cut graphics. Multi-hybrid household? The interface makes it easy to add additional cars.

A bummer for international travelers: Without an easy way to convert “miles” or “gallons,” this application won’t get much mileage outside the States.

Cost: $0.99

International Travel

8 ) Currency by Jeffrey Grossman

Forget trying to keep up with exchange rates, this smooth and simple software does it all for you, supporting 55 currencies for more than 70 countries.

Cost: Free

9) Lonely Planet Mobile Phrasebooks by Lonely Planet Publications

Hock your Rosetta Stone before your fellow travelers realize there’s a free 4.8-ounce phrasebook that whispers sweet pronunciations into your ear. Use Lonely Planet’s application to get around town, order food, impress a date, or call for help without flagging down a translator.

The phrasebooks are initially being offered in ten popular languages, arming you with basic communication skills in an impressive number of destinations worldwide.

Cost: Free

10) Morse-it by Francis Bonnin

Prefer speaking in code? For a buck, this application translates your phrases into internationally recognized dashes and dots.

Cost: $0.99

“Live” transit routes with GPS: Not quite ready yet

After the iPhone’s debut last year, public transit authorities in most major cities amped up their mobile web presence. Last week, developers went one step farther by offering paid transit applications that boast GPS-based features. Unfortunately, not even the iPhone’s 3G network is immune to losing its signal indoors, rendering the device’s GPS useless once your transportation goes underground or through a tunnel.

Save money by pointing Safari to one of these freebie sites:

San Francisco’s BART provides maps and trip planners for the small screen at http://www.bart.gov/wireless.

Need to get around on the London Underground? Jonathan Furness has optimized a Tube map for the phone, a perfect complement for Uku Can’s cleverly named “Mind the App” tube schedule.

As the iPhone revolutionizes the meanings of both “all in one” and “on the go”, no longer will finding maps and burning CDs delay the weary road tripper. Today’s tech-savvy traveler is lighter and greener, leaving room in her luggage for that bonsai tree her mother wanted.

Photo credits

“A kitten on an iPhone at (HDR) sunset” by bitrot (Creative Commons)

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/useful-iphone-apps-for-travelers/feed/ 15 http://matadorgoods.com/nikon-d40-61mp-digital-slr-camera-kit-with-18-55mm-f35-56g-ed-ii-af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-lens/ http://matadorgoods.com/nikon-d40-61mp-digital-slr-camera-kit-with-18-55mm-f35-56g-ed-ii-af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-lens/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:43:27 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=30 Are you ready to graduate from your point-and-shoot camera but aren’t ready to plunge head first into the expensive world of professional photography?

Consider the Nikon D40 digital SLR. It’s the perfect camera for those testing the waters of digital photography as a serious hobby.

For less than $500 with prices slowly dropping every three months or so, this 6.1 megapixel camera comes with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX zoom lens, shoots 2.5 frames per second, and provides tons of in-camera processing options such as D-Lighting, Red-Eye Correction, Trimming and Overlay functions, and an array of filter effects.

Shooting modes include Automatic, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Child, Sports, Night Portrait, and a variety of manual settings.

Price: $474.06 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/nikon-d40-61mp-digital-slr-camera-kit-with-18-55mm-f35-56g-ed-ii-af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-lens/feed/ 3 http://matadorgoods.com/western-digital-my-passport-essential-320gb-hard-drive/ http://matadorgoods.com/western-digital-my-passport-essential-320gb-hard-drive/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:38:41 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=29 This pocket-sized external drive is all the storage you need during your travels.

With its sleek design and light weight (only a few ounces), the Passport provides enough storage (320 gigabytes to be exact!) to store your high resolution, RAW format photographs as well as other documents.

A major plus of the Passport is that it requires no external power adapter and connects to your source device via a simple USB cable only.

If you’re taking a ton of pictures during your travels, be sure to make the Passport an integral part of your travel kit.

Price: $129.19 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/western-digital-my-passport-essential-320gb-hard-drive/feed/ 0 http://matadorgoods.com/pelican-1030-dry-case/ http://matadorgoods.com/pelican-1030-dry-case/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:26:16 +0000 Lola Akinmade http://matadorgoods.com/?p=27 I love waterproof cases!

These compact cases are extremely portable and great for organizing items that need to stay dry while kayaking, canoeing, and swimming… you get the drift.

With a clear snap top and rubber liner, these attractive cases can also waterproof your toiletries and other personal items like keys and wallets while camping and hiking.

For outdoorsy ladies who still want to look cute while roughing it, they make great makeup cases!

Price: $17.50 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/pelican-1030-dry-case/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/canon-vixia-hf100-digital-camcorder/ http://matadorgoods.com/canon-vixia-hf100-digital-camcorder/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 05:40:24 +0000 Ross http://matadorgoods.com/?p=22

Looking for the perfect little video camera for your next adveture trip?

With the super-lightweight and compact Canon VIXIA HF100, you can have stunning AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format recording with the ease and numerous benefits of Flash Memory. It’s used in some of the world’s most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones.

The VIXIA HF100 Canon has exclusive features such as a 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II Image Processor, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus, our 2.7-inch Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the Genuine Canon 12x HD video zoom lens plus you have a Flash Memory camcorder that’s hard to beat.

$689 |BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/canon-vixia-hf100-digital-camcorder/feed/ 1 http://matadorgoods.com/amazon-kindle/ http://matadorgoods.com/amazon-kindle/#comments Thu, 15 May 2008 07:48:18 +0000 adam http://matadorgoods.com/?p=21

The new Amazon Kindle is the iPod of books. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.

Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, this is a pretty powerful travel companion.

$399 |Kindle: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/amazon-kindle/feed/ 2 http://matadorgoods.com/80-gb-ipod-the-ultimate-travel-companion/ http://matadorgoods.com/80-gb-ipod-the-ultimate-travel-companion/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:03:26 +0000 Ross http://matadorgoods.com/80-gb-ipod-the-ultimate-travel-companion/

Photos, music and video, this sexy little gadget has got it all–and a lot of it. You’d be hard pressed to fill up all 80 GB with music and photos–we’re talking in the neighborhood of 14,000 songs and 1000 high res photos! So why not throw some movies on there; with the bright, wide screen, and increased battery life, this iPod will get you through everything from the boring layover at JFK to the 30 hour bus ride through Peru. Make sure to grab a case to keep it dry and in one piece; this is a gadget you want to get some mileage out of, but it’s worth every penny.

$240 | BUY

]]> http://matadorgoods.com/80-gb-ipod-the-ultimate-travel-companion/feed/ 5 http://matadorgoods.com/best-point-and-shoot-digital-camera-for-travelers/ http://matadorgoods.com/best-point-and-shoot-digital-camera-for-travelers/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:08:34 +0000 Ross http://matadorgoods.com/best-point-and-shoot-digital-camera-for-travelers/

The Nikon Coolpixs S50c 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera is an excellent choice for any trip. We’ve taken this thing from Bangkok to Bogotá and all I can do is rave about it.

The lowlight setting which eliminates flash and reduces shutter speed, takes amazing shots in twilight conditions and both the 3X optical zoom and digital VR Optical Image Stabilization allow you to get sharp shots when you or the subject are on the move.

It’s got a huge, bright 3 inch LCD screen and if you want to go huge, the new ones even have built in Wi-Fi.

This camera is easy to use, lightweight, and a sexy addition to your bag of travel gear. It has come down a lot in price in the last couple months and is actually quite a bit cheaper than comparable models from other brands.

$169.95 | BUY

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