Product Reviews
We have personally tested and used all of the
travel related products listed below. Note: some but not all of the products reviewed below have been sent to us as samples.
Also visit our
BOOKSTORE
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TECHNOLOGY |
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The
Samsung NP-N130 is a cool 10.1" netbook that
is ideal for using while on the road. Netbooks are already
popular in Europe and Asia and have slowly caught on in North
America. The small size and low weight are big factors in
netbooks' increasing popularity. This model is a good choice for
travelers or anyone who wants a compact affordable solution to
be able to use for communication and work while on the road.
This model comes standard with a 160GB Hard Drive, a 1.6GHZ Atom
processor and 1GHZ ram but we strongly upgrading to 2 gigs of
RAM to help increase the overall speed. Other ad-ons we highly recommend to use with this
netbook are a USB antenna to boost wireless signals and a small
wireless USB Mouse and an external Disk drive. Because of its
small size |
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can be carried around in a day pack when traveling.
Click here
to purchase the Samsung NP-N130. |
Hazel
Mail is a slick new service that updates the "old style"
process of sending postcards by using the Internet rather than sending a
physical paper postcard. Simply bring up their website,
www.hazelmail.com and
upload one of your travel photos, write your short letter, and fill in the
address information. This costs merely $1.50 to send to most locations in
the world. For the time it takes to track down a postcard in a foreign
country, write it by hand, acquire stamps and find a post office, this
service is well worth the reasonable cost. Hazel Mail cuts down on costs and
keeps this an environmentally friendly service by contracting with printers in
various regions of the world so that the postcards are sent locally. During
a recent trip to Hawaii, within several minutes we had fired off postcards
to friends back in the states as well as International destinations. Its
that easy!
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Yak Pak sells a
variety of laptop and netbook sleeves in various colors, sizes and
styles. This company was actually conceived "on the road" by founder
Stephen Holt while he was in a remote part of Tibet in the late
1980's. Different themed sleeves are available. The sleeves are
available in both foam and neoprene (same material as used in
wetsuits) versions with easy 3/4 sleeve zipper access. This is an
excellent light weight way to carry your labtop or netbook around
especially if you tend to travel light. They are also a safe way to
store your computer while its not being used. |
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Yak Pak also produces handbags, backpacks and unique bags
made from recycled billboards. The 15.6" sleeve (an image of ours is shown
above) retails between $24.99 - $29.99. The 10.2" sleeve retails between
$19.99 - $24.99.
To purchase visit:
www.yakpak.com/ |
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The Checkmate II Laptop Case
is designed to be extremely
travel friendly. This was one of four new airport security
checkpoint-friendly laptop cases offered by Staples office supply store
beginning in November 2008.
Staples is the only office supply retailer to carry the Samsonite cases. The
cases range in style and price to meet any traveler's budget.The Checkmate II as well as the other cases are designed so that you should
not have to remove your laptop when you go through airport security. The
case has a laptop only compartment that completely unfolds to lie flat on
the X-ray belt. Once it has passed through security the laptop
compartment can be easily zipped up. The |
| Checkmate II Laptop Case comes with
a three year warranty. Visit any
retail Staples office supply store or online at:
www.staples.com |
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Xtreme 24-7
Power Pack, Fuel Cell Charger
Fast, affordable,
portable and easy to use. What more do you need in a
charger! This is a wonderful invention that has a variety of uses.
This is the perfect gift for a traveler or for anyone who wants an
instantaneous emergency backup power supply. Medis Technologies
provides a compact portable fuel cell charger that is easily used to
charge cell phones. We have accumulated a number of cell phones over
the years and tested this charger on them all. Each fuel charger
comes with a number of small adaptors that will certainly connect to
most mobile phones and other hand held applications. This charger
uses a liquid "fuel" that is safe for the environment and
furthermore, everything in the cell can be recycled at the end of
its life. Replacement fuel cells are priced extremely affordably.
The beauty of this charger |
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is it is "plug and play". In other words,
no pre-charging is needed. Pull it out of the box and follow the
simple 1-3 step instructions and you are ready to charge. It has a
long shelf life and can sit around prior to activation for extended
periods of time.
Medis also produces an "Emergency Kit" which includes a variety of
adaptors, the fuel cell and a flashlight which hooks up to the fuel
cell. The one fuel cell will provide several days of charge for the
flashlight, while providing hours of charge time for handheld
devices. (Charge times vary depending on the device). For more
information and to purchase this product visit:
www.medistechnologies.com |
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FOOTWEAR |
| Kuru
Shoes. We recently wore a pair of these
shoes on a trip to Hawaii. While being new these shoes
hardly needed breaking in and wore wonderfully on hikes in
the diverse microclimates of Maui. From running beachside on
the edge of the surf to hiking at 10,000 feet on the upper
slopes of Haleakala these shoes held up very well to the
different rigors. Kuru shoes are lightweight, extremely
comfortable, and very
breathable (especially nice in humid climates). While
lightweight
may often mean non durable - these shoes seem well
constructed and meant to last.
Men's travel shoes:
www.kurufootwear.com/travelshoes. General purpose men's
shoes:
www.kurufootwear.com |
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FASHION |
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Cinzia
Design, Sport 4 is the latest of Cinzia's trendy
sunglasses from their Sport Collection. Cinzia was founded
in 2002 but has a long optical history behind its products;
it is a division of US based Europa International, Inc.,
which was founded in 1977. The company was founded by
Cynthia Shapiro (also the lead designer); |
| Cynthia has more than
30 years experience within the optical fashion industry.
The Sport 4 glasses are the latest in the evolution of Cinzia's
sport line and are currently available in the Spring 2009
collection. These glasses seamlessly blend fashion with form. They
are modern, functional and great for everyday outdoor activities,
yet sophisticated enough that they can certainly be worn for events
more elegant and social in nature. |
The Sport 4 is available in black and bronze colors, each comes with
spring hinges and high quality polarized lenses. Oh, and these
glasses come with a real cool sporty looking case to!
Besides Sunglasses, Cinzia also produces a number of reading
glasses. Their reading glasses are not boring and austere sometimes
typical of these types of glasses, rather they have warmth, style
and are chic in nature. In addition look for a number of fashion
accessories including stylish mini-handbags.
You can even request a virtual eyewear consultation via their
website. For this consultation and for more information about their
sunglasses, visit:
www.cinziadesigns.com |
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Porsche
8457 These very cool looking luxury titanium
sunglasses will invite glances from the glamour of Beverly Hills to
the Fashion streets of Milan. As the frames are made from titanium
they are extremely lightweight and durable. Not one to just use numbers in the naming of cars, all
their sunglass have their own model numbers. Can't afford a
Porsche?... while still expensive as far as sunglasses go, these are
certainly much more affordable then the car of the same name! |
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| Each pair comes with a nice black padded stylized carrying
protective case. All Porsche Design products are found at select locations
worldwide including their own retails outlets. Porsche Design was founded in
1972. For more information please visit Porsche Design:
www.porsche-design.com |
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WINE |
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Vino Amici Wine MummyTM
is the perfect item for wine lovers who travel - and how many
wine lovers do you know who do not travel!? Each Wine MummyTM
is an innovative black sealed padded bag that zips at the top. This
is the perfect way to protect your valuable wine when transporting
it or checking it into your suitcase when flying. It is large enough
so that it holds a variety of wine bottles all the way up to a
Champagne bottle size. It is 7x17 inches in size. It is also
reusable. We have several of these 'mummys' and when not traveling
we currently store several of our most valuable bottles of wine in
these. Not only do they provide protection but they also keep out
the
light.
Wine MummyTM
is currently available in several multi-packs at very affordable
pricing. For more information, or to place an order, visit
www.winemummy.com.
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ACCESSORIES |
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 Vizini - Where better to test out
a product meant to be worn in the sun then the sunny state
of Hawaii. We took a Vizini on a recent trip to the big
Island to test it out - from sea level to the top of Mauna
Kea the Vizini worked as advertised! It is small and
lightweight; simply slide in the straps on your sunglasses
and voila you have shade without having to wear a cap. |
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Since the Vizini is strapless
and is a stand alone visor you won't mess up your hair. It
works well with thick framed or wire framed glasses. For
more information visit:
www.vizini.com |
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The
"Shoul" by Casual Essentials, takes its
name from Shawl and Shoulder and is a one size fits all
shoulder wrap for a woman's shoulders. Once you put this
shoulder wrap on, it stays on. It is basic yet very
functional, small and easy to pack for travel, soft and is
very lightweight.
It is surprisingly warm and because it is
so easy to put on an off it is a very versatile solutions
for changing temperatures.
The shoul comes in a variety of colors and two types
including Acrylic and a Cashmere blend. The shoul wrap
appeals to women of all ages and men take note; this is a
"mistake proof" gift as one size fits all. It also comes
with its own carry on metal clip.
You can purchase directly via their website here:
www.theshoul.com |
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My
Little Steamer, Go Mini - Never iron
again and…Be wrinkle-free and on-the-go with the fabulous
Joy Mangano "Go Mini" - My Little Steamer! This is a small
portable device that because of its size is ideal for travel
(or for use around the home for that matter).
We recently
tested this and were pleasantly surprised by how fast the
water starts boiling and producing steam (2 minutes or
less)! Why lug
around a big iron when this compact steamer does the job
quickly and efficiently. An 8 foot long cord helps with
longer range use. To order your mini steamer,
click here. |
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Booklight
in a CoverTM is a handy little
device that provides light for reading (Three AA batteries
required). It is cordless, clipless and clutter free. Often we find
ourselves traveling in situations both during the day and at night
with very little ambient light. This is the answer to reading under
low light conditions! Merely slip a small book into the cover
pockets, pull up the LED light from the cover spine. This light
automatically turns on once you have the arm fully extended. This is
the ideal gift for travelers who enjoy reading. Specific book covers
are made for either soft or hard cover books and they come in a
variety of attractive colors. A built in bookmark is also available.
Once you are finished push down on the retractable light arm to put
it back in place. Once in place it becomes almost a part of the
spine of the cover and can easily be transported without worry of
breaking it. Because this light is compact and meant just for a book
you don't have to |
| worry about disturbing others in various low light
situations, i.e. Red Eye Flights, Camping etc.
The Periscope Booklight is found nationwide at Barnes & Nobles
bookstores or by visiting:
www.periscopelight.com |
Microfiber Firm Support Travel Socks.
Ames Walker specializes in medical socks, therapeutic shoes,
supports, braces and other footwear accessories.
These particular socks are excellent for helping prevent Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT) a type of blood clot that can result from extended sitting
in small places, i.e. economy class on an aircraft. More information about
DVT can be found here:
www.economyclasssyndrome.net
These socks are recognized by The World Health Organization in regards to
reducing the risk of DVT. The socks apply decreasing pressure from the ankle to the knee
which forces
blood to the leg’s inner veins. This in turn reduces the pooling of blood and maintains proper flow rate of blood to the heart and lungs.
The travel socks are available in men’s and women’s styles in multiple sizes
(S, M, L & XL) and colors and cost only
$9.95/pair. Ames Walker has a printed and online catalogue. To order or to find out additional information go to
www.ameswalker.com
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OTHER |
mySpaShop.com offers a variety of
wonderful tropical smelling products including hand and body
lotions, bath and shower gels, massage oils and
body-hand-foot scrubs. We sampled a number of products from
JAMU which specializes in a number of Balinese influenced
products. Why not bring the exotic smells of the tropics
into your own house. We recommend the Jasmine
Frangipani body, foot and hand scrub. With a mix of Jasmine,
frangipani, turmeric and rice this exfoliates and cleanses.
Seventeenth-century Bali and its ancient beauty rituals are
now at your fingertips with mySpaShop.com. In Bali, experience
the royal Balinese wedding ritual of Lulur,
beginning with a JAMU massage of Jasmine Frangipani oil and ending
with a yogurt splash, shower and flower bath. The JAMU lulur scrub
is infused with antioxidants that leave the skin with a bright,
Asian-inspired radiance.
To purchase, visit:
www.myspashop.com
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Loaded Questions is a great game for the
entire family whether stuck in the car on a long road trip, crammed
in an airplane or just sitting around at a campground. This card
game tests players on how well they know each other with thousands
of questions designed to spark laughter, creative discussion, and a
lot of curiosity along the way. The game is divided into four
categories including Hypotheticals, No-brainers, Anything goes and
Personals. The On the Go version features a convenient handled
‘suitcase’ box, custom spinner eliminating the possibility
of lost die, and a consolidated answer and score pad in one. 250 new
questions are included. You can find the game nationwide on the
shelves at Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit
www.loadedquestions.com. |
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About
Dave's Pick