Lightening Luggage
Constructed with an exclusive polycarbonate frame, the new Avenger Lite collection of luggage weighs 25 percent lighter than standard baggage designed to fit in airplane carry-on portals, according to its manufacturer, Pathfinder Luggage. The 26-inch Avenger Lite wheeled suitcase, for example, weighs only 12 lbs. Pricing varies based on luggage style—the Avenger Lite series is available as boarding bags, totes, rolling duffels, garment bags, rolling wardrobes and expandable uprights. For more information, contact Pathfinder at www.pathfinderluggage.com or (949) 250-9088.
Hand-Crank Charges Cell Phone Batteries
IST Designs' SideWinder Charger allows travelers to manually charge mobile phones with a hand-crank, without requiring an electrical outlet. The crank produces all necessary power. According to IST, two minutes of hand-charging leads to more than six minutes of available phone use and an additional 30 minutes of standby time. The 2.5-oz. SideWinder retails for $24.95. For more information, log on to www.istdesigns.com.
Translator Spans Five Languages
The 5-Language European Translator can provide 210,000 total translations to and from English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and includes 5,000 conversational phrases groups in categories including business, travel and directions, eating and drinking, shopping, hotel, emergencies and more. The translator, offered by Franklin Electronic Publishers Inc., also includes a euro currency converter, a calculator with metric and other currency conversions and a databank to store names and phone numbers. The translator's retail price is $24.95 and includes a CR2032 lithium battery. Carrying cases are sold separately. For more information, contact Franklin Electronic Publishers at www.franklin.com.
Vibrating Clock Rousts Slumbering Travelers
Deep-sleeping travelers can employ the Shake Awake alarm clock to wake them up when regular alarms and wake-up calls can't do the trick. The Shake Awake clock vibrates when the alarm is activated and is small enough to fit under a pillow or a mattress. Also applicable for the hearing impaired or when traveling with a roommate on a different schedule, the Shake Awake clock sports a large time display, a snooze feature and a metal clip to secure attachment. The clock costs $24.95 and can be purchased online or at retail establishments. For more information, contact Shake Awake parent firm EVS Holding Co. at www.shakeawake.com
Protecting Ever-Slimmer Laptops
A new line of laptop computer carrying cases contains a unique internal design, in which an internal compartment flexes to cradle the contours of the laptop, securely nestling the computer in place and providing an additional layer of protection against drops and bumps. Brenthaven's Core line of laptop bags can expand up to three inches from its fully flexed position and can accommodate most laptop sizes. The bags include two additional compartment cases to carry accessories or files. Prices vary. The Duo 15 Backpack, for example, costs $149. For more information, contact Brenthaven at www.brenthaven.com.