KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: "Travel Tech 2013" - 20 March 2013 (KING-TV)

As we hit the road this spring on adventures by plane, train, and automobile- there are various devices that will make your vacation or business trip more pleasant. Here, as featured on KING 5's New Day Northwest, are some travel tech recommendations:

Slingbox 500: No more missing your favorite TV shows while you travel! Watch your own TV, from back home, via. the internet using the Slingbox 500 and players available for smartphones, tablets, and portable computers. Pause, replay, and fast-forward your own DVR as if you were sitting in your living room. No monthly subscriptions or usage fees once you’re online! ($299, slingbox.com)

Lytro camera: The innovative camera that lets you adjust the image’s focus AFTER you get home!  It's great for travelers because it can be operated with one hand and requires just one click to capture a picture-no focusing required, so you never miss a moment. ($400+, lytro.com)

Globalgig:With a bag full of connected gadgets, you’re going to be scrounging around for a WiFi hotspot on the road. With the Globalgig international hotspot, you can stay connected anywhere there’s wireless data in the world. With flat-rate pricing and simple operation, you can ump online with up to five devices. ($99 (device) $17/mo. (1GB service),globalgig.com)

Computer Apparel Laptop/Tablet Hoodie case: Sure there are plenty of laptop cases and slipcovers out there… but this one really caught my eye. Disguised as your favorite hoodie, this case is made from soft cotton sweatshirt material. Made for laptops up to 15” and tablets such as the iPad. ($40+, computer-apparel.com)

Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt: The touchscreen deadbolt will alert you when family members, the housekeeper, or other authorized guests use their unique code to enter your house. Part of the Nexia Home Intelligence family, you can control lights and open/close blinds making your house look “lived in” even when you’re thousands of miles away.($199+, http://www.schlage.com/)

UClear HBC220: Uclear creates a wireless Bluetooth-powered conversation without cell phones or crazy radios. Simple helmet-mountable devices create a web of communications on-the-fly and is the perfect solution for staying in touch with family on spring adventures. ($250, uclear-digital.com)

What are your must have gadgets for the road? Leave your recommendations below or "like" my Facebook Page to comment!

KING5's New Day Northwest: Going Handfree Guide 3June2010 (KING-TV)

On June 10, Washington State will start enforcing driving while holding a mobile telephone as a PRIMARY offense. Previously you could be cited, but only if pulled over for another offense (speeding, burnt out tail light, etc.). The new law aims to reduce distracted-driving crashing...

Obviously the BEST solution is to talk when you're done driving... But if you need to stay connected while on the road, there are some technology solutions to make it safer.

Pairing your device via. Bluetooth is actually quite easy... most phones offer on-screen menus, and many manufacturers are offering step-by-step guides to make it simple. Of course your phone carrier's store is a good place to go if you need help (or to try on devices).

Devices are either handsfree headsets or in-car / portable wireless speakerphones. Of course sometimes the simplest solution is the wired headset your phone came with.... nothing to charge!

Some ideas....

(Originally broadcast on KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" with Margaret Larson on 3 June 20100)

BLUETOOTH HEADSETS:

Plantronics Discovery 975
$130, plantronics.com

• Minimalist design, one-touch controls
  
• Small charging case for triple talk-time
  
• Sleek elegant design, great call quality

Plantronics Voyager Pro UC
$100-200, plantronics.com

• Dual-purpose mobile phone and computer headset
  
• Perfect for office / home-office and on-the-go
  
• Clear wideband audio for crisp call quality and audio
  
• Sturdy over-the-ear attachment

Jabra Go 6430
$150, buyjabra.com

Long-range wireless (good for around-the-house use)

• Useful with mobile phone and computers (video chat, etc.)
  
• Switch between a computer and mobile phone easily
  
• Comes with travel charger and bluetooth adapter for older computers

Jabra Stone
$130, buyjabra.com

• Wraps around your ear, not on your face
  
• More comfortable to carry
  
• Easy to transport, toss in your bag / purse
  
• Designed for right ear-wearing only

Jawbone Icon w/NoiseAssassin
$75, jawbone.com

• Stylish, small headset available in six colors
  
• Tank & helicopter technology provides noise-cancelling
  
• Talks back to you (recharge me, incoming call, etc.)
  
• Fun names such as "The Ace", "The Thinker", "The Bombshell"

Plantronics Explorer 395
$50, plantronics.com

• Latest technology, easy to use with comfortable fit
  
• Simple design with volume, power, call answer/end buttons
  
• Affordable, solid quality headset for average users

SPEAKERPHONES
Built-in Vehicle Solutions
$200+

• Most new car vendors now offering Bluetooth speakerphone options
  
• Cost varies, can be a few hundred with new cars, thousands to "retrofit"
  
• Often has best call-quality- designed with car in mind
  
• Integrates with car stereo, speakers, in-dash display
  
• Some phones are more / less compatible, check with dealer

BlueAnt S4 Wireless Speakerphone
$100, blueantwireless.com

Voice-activated wireless speakerphone (speak "BlueAnt Speak To Me")

Clips to visor (no installation costs)

• Incoming text messages are read using Vlingo SafeReader
  
• Bing-optimized (movie times, stock quotes, weather, and more)

Scochse: solCHAT Solar Speakerphone
$100, scosche.com

• Announces calls as they come in for hands-free driving
• Features a simple three button design and automatic, user-friendly cell phone pairing
• Comes with a USB charging cable and car adapter charging at night and on SEATTLE days
• Includes a windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging

If you have questions, or need more information... hit me up on Twitter: @BMW or send me an email (listed above).

Thanks for watching!

KING 5 Morning News on KONG 6/16 - "Travel Tech" (26 Mar 2009)

Thursday morning, on KING5 Morning News on KONG 6/16, we talked "Travel Tech" with the latest high-tech gadgets for Spring Break travel. Watch this blog for more gadgets and look for the video clip to be posted here shortly!

MoboSteady - personal, inexpensive, "steadicam" for taking smooth video using small cameras, 3-in-1 device (steadicam, tripod, shoulder-mount). ($95, http://bit.ly/modosteady)

Casio Exilim EX-FC100 - new high-speed cameras takes pictures BEFORE you press the shutter so you never miss the shot. ($349, http://bit.ly/ex-fc100)

Nikon D90 Digital SLR - innovative digital SLR takes stunning photos and records high-definition video! (body only: $890, http://bit.ly/d90body / kit w/lens: $1150, http://bit.ly/d90kit)

Creative VadoHD - pocket high-definition camcorder records movies with built-in USB connection for easy transfer. ($195, http://bit.ly/vadohd)

SPOT satellite messenger - life-saving satellite (not cellular!) tracker tells friends, family you're okay, notifies emergency services when you're not! ($110, http://bit.ly/spotmessenger)

HP 2140 Netbook - ultra-portable computer loaded with features incl. hard-drive parking accelerometer to keep data safe during tumble. ($449+, http://bit.ly/hp2140netbook)

iPod charging station - compact charging stand with night-light, perfect for hotel rooms. ($38, http://bit.ly/revivelite)