MUST-HAVE GADGETS FOR SUMMERTIME TRAVEL

As you pack your bag for your next adventure, here are some ultra neato-o tech gadgets that will make your travels even more enjoyable!

Nextbook: Powered by Google

Google Nextbook tablets.

Google has been going after other tech titans since its inception. First it was search engine companies like AOL and Yahoo. Now its computer software companies like Apple and Microsoft. Google's Nextbook is a challenger to both the iPad and the Surface utilizing speed (8 GB of memory), versatility (Google's app suite) and a great value. Walmart's price this week for the Nextbook 7" Tablet with 8 GB of storage memory is $69 and Nextbook 8" Tablet with 8 GB storage memory (preloaded with the Nook Ebook Store) at $99 blew us away. If you are thinking about something to keep around for watching videos, reading emails and playing games under the sun than this is the value of the summer. Get one before your vaca!

Versatility to the Max

Spiderpodium.

Now-a-days EVERYthing seems to revolve around some form of handheld electronic device... If you're going to take technology EVERYwhere you go, be sure you are getting the most of it with the Spiderpodium dock and podium. It's the universal multi-purpose, gadget grip, holster, dock and display podium which is compatible with most all compact handheld devices including smartphones, portable phones, portable movie players, gaming systems, GPS, camcorders and portable projectors, compact cameras, e-readers and pretty much anything else!

Wet 'n Wild

Liquid Image Explorer and SCUBA Video Masks.

Swim, snorkel, SCUBA and shoot video all without having to drag extra equipment in tow! Base Model 301 video swim masks start at $49, or upgrade your hardware to the Model 304 get VGA Video at 640x480 and 30 frames per second (FPS) - for $99. They make two versions designed for SCUBA as well. All Wide Angle SCUBA series accommodates dives of up to 130 feet/ 40 meters deep. The Models 318 and 319 offer 720P HD video and the Models 324 and 325 boast 1080P HD recordings!

Waterbuoy.

Never loses anything overboard again!!! Clip a Waterbuoy to just about anything under 2.2 pounds (1 kg) and eliminate your hydro-phobia. The patented trigger mechanism activates seconds after your beloved valuable is submersed and will quickly float to the surface before it has too long to drift away in underwater currents. It is the world's strongest mini flotation device not to mention that it is visible at night and will float for 24 hours! Don't test that!! Use it to protect your keys, fishing tackle, tools, cameras, phones and radios whenever you're out on the water.

Portable Power

With all the electronics you have stuffed in your bag you better make sure you have enough juice to power those bad boys! The pocket-sized Power Monkey charger can keep all your portable electronics, up to 5.5 volts, running strong. It has a huge power reserve and will hold its charge for up to a year!

Need a little more power for you tablet? The Power Monkey eXtreme is right up your alley. The eXtreme's large capacity lithium battery can charge your phone or tablet multiple times and even has enough oomph to charge two devices simultaneously. While both chargers include adapter plugs for recharging in 150 countries, only the eXtreme offers a waterproof, rubberized exterior with buttonless swipe controls.

Travel at the Speed of Sound

Jawbone Jambox.

Surround yourself with stunning hi-fi audio in a portable wireless speaker so compact you won't believe it when you hear it. JAMBOX is like nothing else you've ever heard... this ultra-small dome speaker has the ability to produce rich sound through extreme high (tweeter) and low (woofer) frequencies all enclosed in a wireless package that fits in the palm of your hand. And it gets better. Seriously, it gets better every time you use it. Jambox's integrated intelligence allows you to personalize it to your specific preferences and it gets smarter every time you listen. No more cords, docks or hassles - it's always ready to go.

Portable Data

For all you workaholics that just can't imagine actually taking a vacation, here's a way you can "cut the cord" and still have the peace of mind that if you HAVE to work, you can safely and securely access your computer and files from anywhere, and you don't have to travel with your laptop. iTwin offers products that allow you private browsing on unsecured networks, enables you to access blocked or geo-restricted sites/ services from anywhere, remote editing capabilities for shared files, access control and end-to-end encryption!

Technology can make or break your summer experience. Too much technology and you could miss out on the natural beauty along your journey. Too little and you'll find yourself in a pile of work when you return to the office.

Choose your gadgets carefully and feel free to add yours to our CMIT Solutions of Stamford LinkedIn page. Have safe and fun summer travels, from your IT support team.