In today's digital age, the amount of gadgetry available to the public seems endless, leaving you with many options while you wait for your flight. Each year devices seem to get smaller and smarter, making it more convenient to pack many entertainment options. These days it isn't uncommon to download more than 100 books to an electronic gadget, or carry more than 20,000 songs in your pocket.
1. Mobile Phones
Mobile phones aren't just used to make calls. The new smart phones have internet capabilities, cameras, GPS, video cameras, games, television and mp4 players built in. This makes your mobile phone an essential everyday item, and an entertainment "go to" while waiting for your flight.
2. MP3/MP4 players
The MP4 player is the latest advanced version of the MP3 player. These tiny handheld music devices can store thousands of digital music files of your favorite songs and albums. The newest MP4 players are so advanced that some have video camera and digital camera capabilities built in. MP4 players are more the norm than the exception when scanning travelers waiting on their flights.
3. The Kindle
In 2007, Amazon introduced its first electronic book reader. The Kindle is a mobile handheld device that allows you to download books or subscribe to numerous magazines and newspapers. It can hold up to 200 books, magazines, newspapers or blogs. Smaller than a paperback novel, this new gadget is a virtual library that fits easily into your back pocket. Since Amazon introduced the Kindle, there are now many other electronic book readers on the market. Scanning the book stores within the airport terminal is a good way to bide your time while waiting for a flight, but with the Kindle you have a virtual book store at your fingertips.
4. The Node Explorer
Node is the UK based company that created the Explorer, a virtual tour guide. While waiting on your flight you can run down the list of places and sights you want to see upon your arrival. Once there, the Explorer uses a built in GPS system to track your whereabouts and provides a detailed and informative tour of your surroundings. No more wandering aimlessly through museums and parks without information about what you are seeing. With Explorer, your memories will now come equipped with more knowledge and history.
5. Universal Translators
Getting lost in translation? With the new handheld Universal Translators you don't have be intimidated by not understanding or speaking a foreign language. These electronic devices are so cutting edge that no matter where you are in the world, or what language you need translated, a built in voice recording feature allows you to speak into it, or let others speak. With a touch of a button, it translates that phrase into your native tongue. It's a simple solution to crossing the language barrier.
6. Laptop Computers
Laptop computers are now built smaller and lighter for everyday people on the go. These personal computers were built with travelers in mind for writing a document, surfing the web, watching a movie, playing games or finishing up a project, while passing time in the airport lounge.