In the past 6 months, I’ve attended more conferences than I planned for the entire 2012. Since my blogging and social media work is portable, I depend on my smartphone and laptop when I travel. I would be lost without them. My packing has become more streamlined as I travel more and learn what works for me.
With BlogHer coming up in less than two weeks, I thought I would share my favorite tech gadgets. Here are my top 5 items every tech savvy traveler should pack:
New Trent iMirror backup battery charger: I learned the hard way that I’m a power user when it comes to my smartphone. With all the tweeting, Instagramming, emailing, and Facebooking, my Samsung Galaxy S 2 smartphone runs down fast. That’s not a problem when I’m home and can easily plug it in. When I’m traveling, those outlets are a premium in the airport terminal. Instead of fighting for an outlet, I just pull out my New Trent iMirror back up battery charger. Once the battery is fully charged, I can get over 3 full charges on my Galaxy S 2 smartphone. The iMirror charges my phone to 100% in less than an hour and can charge 2 devices at once. The backup battery is compatible with most iPhones, iPads, and any devices that uses a mini-USB or micro-USB charger. New Trent iMirror retails for $99.95 but is currently $39.95 on Amazon.
Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse: I don’t use a mouse very often with my laptop, but when I want one, I pull out my wireless Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse. The travel friendly mouse stores flat and curls up when you’re ready to use it. You won’t lose the wireless USB adapter either because a magnetic stores it underneath the mouse. I feel very Star Trekkie high tech when I pull it out of my laptop case. Maybe a little hip too. The Arc Touch is a full size mouse so you won’t get any hand cramps while using it. Bonus, the mouse is also available in different colors and designs. The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse retails for $59.95.
An AC Travel Charger with USB cable has been the most versatile charger for me, a non-iOS user. Since my smartphone, my New Trent iMirror, and my Nook charges via a micro USB cable, this is my one stop wall charger. If I need to connect my smartphone or my Nook to my laptop, I can just remove the USB to micro-USB cable from the AC adapter. The only downside to carrying just this one charger is that you can only charge one item at a time. However, the iMirror can charge 2 devices at once so it’s not a problem for me. The Samsung Travel Charger pictured is compatible with most devices that require a micro-USB cable. It retails for $12.50 on Amazon.
What are your must have tech gadgets when you travel? If you’re headed to BlogHer in August, leave me a comment to let me know. If you walk past me at BlogHer, please stop and say hi!
I received the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse during a Microsoft event but was not required to review it. In fact, the fabulous Kristina Libby even gave my toddler his own wireless mouse (different from the Arc), which he loved so much, he slept with it. All other items were personally purchased. Amazon affiliate links included in this post.
