What is your top "must-have" travel gadget?
Feb 2, 2012, 4:05 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
I suspect the list would be different for travel within the US vs. international travel. I find tablets to be fine for travel within the US but for international travel, I find my netbook more useful.
At hotels outside the US, the rooms may not always have wifi as some only have wired ethernet connections. So a tablet will not be able to be used for an internet connection nor a smartphone. Here is where a 2 lb. netbook comes to the rescue.
At hotels outside the US, the rooms may not always have wifi as some only have wired ethernet connections. So a tablet will not be able to be used for an internet connection nor a smartphone. Here is where a 2 lb. netbook comes to the rescue.
Feb 2, 2012, 10:06 pm
#33
Formerly known as MLW20
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: AA LT GOLD, Delta, UA/Continental & many others
Posts: 635
I could not live without my digital cameras on a trip. That said, a camera is a given not an extra item for almost anybody going on a trip.
I'd say my headlamp, iPad and noise cancelling headphones are top 3 on the list.
I'd say my headlamp, iPad and noise cancelling headphones are top 3 on the list.
Last edited by MichaelWTravels; Feb 3, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Feb 2, 2012, 10:56 pm
#34
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Plano, TX
Programs: AA Plat, USAir Gold
Posts: 30
My iPhone. It may not be the best at everything but it can play music, movies, watch my slingbox, surf the web, wake me up, tell me where I am, and make calls all while fitting in my pocket.
But I always have the following with me every week when traveling:
-iPad
-Laptop
-Noise canceling headphones
-3' extension cord with 3 plugs on the end (that way there is always space for you at the one plug at your gate)
But I always have the following with me every week when traveling:
-iPad
-Laptop
-Noise canceling headphones
-3' extension cord with 3 plugs on the end (that way there is always space for you at the one plug at your gate)
Feb 2, 2012, 11:29 pm
#35
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Love my MacBook Air 13.
Love my T-Mobile G2 (I prefer Android to iphone and really prefer having Swype and a physical keyboard).
I often take Shure earbuds rather than noise-cancelling headset due to size.
Universal power adapters.
No iron shirts.
Love my T-Mobile G2 (I prefer Android to iphone and really prefer having Swype and a physical keyboard).
I often take Shure earbuds rather than noise-cancelling headset due to size.
Universal power adapters.
No iron shirts.
Feb 3, 2012, 8:05 am
#38
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska 100K - MM, defender of shoes on the carpeted bulkhead 4ever, AA LT PLT, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia
Posts: 7,441
iPhone plus charger and converter.
iPad is great but heavy.
I still use my iPhone headset. I have nice small nc headphones, but I usually leave them at home.
iPad is great but heavy.
I still use my iPhone headset. I have nice small nc headphones, but I usually leave them at home.
Feb 3, 2012, 10:49 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink <glub> Beverage: To-Go Bag™ DYKWIA: SSSS /rolleyes ☈ Date Night: Costco
Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre✓ Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset
Posts: 12,509
When I'm composing text, I need to see it as I go along. I was like this even before email - put me down in front of a typewriter and I'm good to go. Dictation not so much. There's just something about keyboards with me.
Feb 3, 2012, 9:21 pm
#41
Formerly known as MLW20
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: AA LT GOLD, Delta, UA/Continental & many others
Posts: 635
Since then, I always bring a headlamp. They don't take up much space and are good for a couple of reasons. We've had hostels/ hotels lose power in various countries and the headlamps were a huge help. I also like them for reading late at night. They are much better than leaving the room light on and keeping my wife up.
Feb 4, 2012, 8:01 am
#42
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
ATT still offers an international blackberry plan to some corporate customers.
Feb 4, 2012, 8:04 am
#43
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
I suspect the list would be different for travel within the US vs. international travel. I find tablets to be fine for travel within the US but for international travel, I find my netbook more useful.
At hotels outside the US, the rooms may not always have wifi as some only have wired ethernet connections. So a tablet will not be able to be used for an internet connection nor a smartphone. Here is where a 2 lb. netbook comes to the rescue.
At hotels outside the US, the rooms may not always have wifi as some only have wired ethernet connections. So a tablet will not be able to be used for an internet connection nor a smartphone. Here is where a 2 lb. netbook comes to the rescue.
Speaking of MiFis, I just saw two companies that have interesting MiFi plans that are a hybrid between PAYG and contract. Tru and Ting bill you for what you use with a small base fee.
Feb 4, 2012, 8:52 am
#44
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 381
Single thing my android phone. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. Good pictures, does everything and came unlocked.
I have to travel with a laptop, so my Toshiba Portege R830. Not much more weight than a airbook with DVD (must have for work and some movies
).
Next Kindle then Canon S95 and of course my Sonicare Diamondclean toothbrush.
Oh yeah I carry red key chain light. Useful for having to negotiate a strange hotel room with out waking up to much. Also useful when looking in bags when you don't want to disturb others.
I have to travel with a laptop, so my Toshiba Portege R830. Not much more weight than a airbook with DVD (must have for work and some movies
). Next Kindle then Canon S95 and of course my Sonicare Diamondclean toothbrush.
Oh yeah I carry red key chain light. Useful for having to negotiate a strange hotel room with out waking up to much. Also useful when looking in bags when you don't want to disturb others.
Last edited by BadTime; Feb 4, 2012 at 8:57 am Reason: add light
Feb 4, 2012, 5:55 pm
#45
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta/Marriott
Posts: 4
In order of importance:
1. iPhone
2. Kindle / Kindle Fire
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X220
4. Verizon MiFi 4510 (4G LTE WiFi Hub)
I am thinking of plunking down the money for good noise canceling headphones.. so I imagine in another week or two this list might be ordered differently..
1. iPhone
2. Kindle / Kindle Fire
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X220
4. Verizon MiFi 4510 (4G LTE WiFi Hub)
I am thinking of plunking down the money for good noise canceling headphones.. so I imagine in another week or two this list might be ordered differently..