Destinations Archive

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

The perfect gifts for hi-tech travellers

By: Linda Shepertycki / Pack Smart

22/11/2008 12:00 AM | Comments: 0

THE holiday season is fast approaching and with that comes the stress of finding the ‘perfect gift.’ Not to worry. If you’re buying for someone who loves to travel, any one of these items will be a sure winner for that lucky person on your list.

Blackline GPS snitch

The wireless tracking and vehicle security device fits in the palm of your hand, is portable, and protects your belongings through real-time. Aptly named, this technology enables you to stay in touch with your loved ones by using web-based tools provided online, and helps you recover your vehicle if it's stolen by sending you an e-mail or text message. It's perfect for sharing your road trips with friends and family, and it's free for them to track you -- a great way to improve safety while on the road. Plus, the battery lasts up to seven days before requiring a recharge, or you can just leave it plugged into the car charger at all times.

Price: $299 with monthly payment service fees for tracking set at $14.99 per month or $169.99 per year. Available at Future Shop and www.gps-snitch.com

Future Sonics: atrio professional earphones

You're going to love these little earbuds -- especially if you're trying to ward off the tedium and the annoyances that come with being contained in an airplane or vehicle for hours on end. Many travellers bring their iPods and MP3 players with them, but they're not much good if you can't hear clear, crisp sound. Many of the earphones that come with these devices can't power much sound over the drone of engines and other noise. If you really want to enjoy high quality sound, you owe it to yourself to pick up a pair of Future Sonics. Here are the specs: 20Hz-20,000Hz response, sensitivity level of 112dB @ 30Hz -26dB ambiant noise rejection. They may look like typical earphones, but wait until you try them. Not only do they offer a great listening experience, they come with a case and a velcro strap to attach to your belt or whatever you want to attach it to. Silicone and foam sleeves are also included to accommodate just about any size ear canal. If you think your iPod's earphones sound great, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

Price: $199 at www.futuresonics.com

The 10th reader to e-mail me gets the earphones for free.

Powerstick

Don't forget the stocking stuffers! This is a perfect gift for anyone who owns a device that requires charging. Powerstick is a USB-powered portable charger suitable for all your favourite electronics, such as cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, digital cameras, bluetooth headsets and even the new 3G iPhones. It comes with 10 adaptors and can be charged from USB ports found on laptops, desktop computers, airplanes, or car stereos. Once charged, simply transfer it to your favourite gadget. No disposable batteries or wall chargers are required. I'd recommend it for anyone who travels or anyone who wants to get rid of a bunch of chargers.

Price: $69.99 at Best Buy Canada

The 47th reader to e-mail me gets it for free.

Kena Kai datasafe passport wallet

Give the gift of security with this stylish passport wallet designed to protect you from identity theft. With todays technology, thieves don't have to come near you to get what they want. They can now pickpocket your vital information from as far as 20 feet away. New passports, credit cards, driver's licences and debit cards contain a wireless chip that transmits your personal data. Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) transmits continuously and can be read through wallets and purses with readily available off-the-shelf card readers programmed to intercept these transmissions. You could counteract the potential theft by wrapping your valuables in aluminum foil, or you could simply purchase this beautiful Italian leather passport wallet with multiple layers of radio-frequency shielding material. With seven credit card slots, and an additional three pockets for your boarding pass, passport and receipts, the passport wallet will make travelling less stressful, knowing your personal data is not being electronically stolen. Further more, Kena Kai gives 10 per cent of every purchase to a charitable cause. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to purchase a product that gives back.

Price: $79.99 at www.thesassytraveler.com The 55th reader to e-mail me gets it for free.

If you would like to share information about a travel product, contact me at linda.shepertycki@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 22, 2008 E2

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