SUSAN MICHELLE'S COMPASS: Geek is Chic--The Hottest Travel Gadgets from the “CES”
Posted by travel lifestylist Susan Michelle on Jan 21, 2007 - 12:01:00 AM
This is just some of the language I was bombarded with at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show—a.k.a. the annual "Mecca" for tech-geeks. This sort-of verbiage is profiled in press releases from there, mentioned in conversations, and thrown out to us, the average consumer, as if we understand, as if we know what such lingo means! If you understand this talk, hats off to you. For me? My head began to hurt after the first few hours of tech bombardment, and, I swear, it’s still spinning as I try to make sense of this new electronics age. It’s so overwhelming, and moving so fast, it’s enough to make you want to throw all your electronics out the window and just live in a world of silence and snail mail. Electronics are supposed to help simplify our lives, not complicate them!
At least that’s always been my philosophy. And the philosophy upon which the Compass lifestyle is built. So, in my never-ending mission to improve your traveling life, I have braved several migraines and sifted through a few hundred products unveiled at the "CES" to find a handful of items that are truly cool road life-additions. In fact, I found so many, I will be spreading my coverage of these fabulous new travel gadgets over my next two columns, as well. So, if you’re excited by what you read here, stay tuned for my next column, because these days, it seems the cosmopolitan traveler needs a lot more than just their suitcase to survive away from home.
GREEN TRAVEL
Freeplay Energy Camping Products—Flashlight, weather band radio, or lantern, all powered by solar power or quick hand-winding of a handle. Cost: $19.99-$69.95, $39.99-$89.99, and $39.99, respectively, depending on model. Available: Now
BUTT-LIFTING
PumpOne Mobile—Hotel doesn’t have a gym? PumpOne will send personalized workouts to your cell or Ipod 24/7 that have you use hotel furniture or luggage instead of barbells. Cost: $2.99/one workout accessible for 24 hours; $4.99/all workouts for 7 days. Available: Now
TRANSLATE
IRISPen Translator—Run this pen-like scanner over that German menu or sign, and it will instantly translate the words into English. Cost: $149 Available: Now
PDA
Otterboxes—Rugged protective cases for your Blackberry or Treo, for those with klumzy hands. Keys still usable through the case. Cost: $129.95 Available: "Soon"
GPS
Magellan Crossover GPS—The first portable GPS device that’s also geared toward outdoor adventurers. Waterproof, plus maps for lakes, fishing spots, marine charts, hiking, and off-roading. Cost: $549.99, plus $99 if you want the real-time traffic option. Available: TBA
Telenav Traffic—Traffic alerts on your cell phone, with alternative route suggestions and estimated arrival times based on real-time traffic conditions. Sprint phones only. Cost: Telenav GPS Navigator subscription of $9.99/month ‘til June 30; an additional $3.99/month afterward. Available: Now
COMMUNICATE
Hibou Webcam—Portable, wireless webcam--great for video-phoning home from the road when you’ve been missing folks’ faces for far too long. Cost: $99 Available: Spring
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About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the "face" of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand. For more articles, tips, and hot spots from Susan, and community with fellow Cosmopolitan Travelers, visit
