PDA With A Travel Twist
Incorporating Palm OS 5 and Garmin global positioning system technology, the iQue3600 "Super PDA" not only allows users to look up appointments or contacts, but also locates addresses and routes travelers to them with voice-guidance commands. The product includes a voice recorder; a rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery, which charges in the USB HotSync cradle or while connected to the A/C power/charging adapter; built-in 32 MB of memory for downloading map data and other Palm OS-compatible software; and an expansion slot for flexible memory storage and additional software. The $589 tool is not compatible with MacIntosh computers, and the two versions—North American and European—are for sale only in their respective regions. For more information, log on to www.garmin.com or call Kansas City-based Garmin International Inc. at (913) 397-8200.
Passengers On The Offensive
The Knee Defender, a small block of plastic that enables airline passengers to prevent the seat in front of them from reclining, has ignited some debate within the airline sector. While the Federal Aviation Administration said the Knee Defender does not violate any of its regulations, individual carriers, including Northwest Airlines, have said they will ban the $9.95 tool from all flights. American and Delta airlines also have noted their concerns, specifically regarding the safety and comfort of their passengers. Users place the Knee Defender at the top of either arm of their lowered tray table and slide the product down until it is against the seatback in front of them, effectively stopping any reclining attempt from the person in front of them. A Northwest spokesperson said the carrier has tested the product on several seat types and found that if a passenger tries to force the seat to recline, the tray table can break. If the seat or tray table is damaged, it could affect emergency evacuations. For more information, log on to www.kneedefender.com.
More Mobile Power Without An Outlet
SideWinder is a battery-free, pocket-size mobile phone charger that provides "as much—if not more—power" than a plug-in wall charger, according to the company. The $24.95 charger weighs about two ounces and requires no alternate power source. For convenience or in an emergency, travelers can plug the cable into their mobile phones and crank the generator. According to Bozeman, Mont.-based Innovative Solutions and Technologies, two minutes with the generator yields up to six minutes of talk time. If travelers wind the generator while speaking, they can talk "indefinitely." Additionally, an LED flashlight is built in and provides five minutes of light from 30 seconds of cranking. The product, which supports phones from Audiovox, Ericsson, Kyocera, Lucky Goldstar, Motorola, Nokia, Qualcomm and Samsung, can be ordered by logging on to www.sidewindercharger.com or by calling the company at (800) 379-4944.
Heady Music, Phone Experience
Skullcandy's Portable Link is the "first" headphone set with technology that enables travelers to continue to enjoy their CD, radio, MiniDisc, iPod or MP3 player while on their mobile phones. When the user's phone rings, it does so directly into the headset. The music is not switched off during the call, but remains in the background. If the music is too loud, users can reduce the volume or turn it off with the volume control button. The $29.95 product is available for five different mobile phone adapters. For more information, log on to www.skullcandy.com.