Best Travel Gadgets

After the cold, harsh winter of 2005, this year’s summer vacation sounds better than ever. To help you get from point A to point B in affordable style, here are some of the best travel gadgets and gear of the season.

Tom Tom Go Portable GPS (Model 700)
Paper maps are a thing of the past with this portable handheld global positioning system. This easy-to-use GPS System is fully operational right out of the box. The coverage area of this model includes all of North America. The touch screen delivers three dimensional multi-colored maps and user have the option of being directed to their destination in 30 different languages with over 50 voice options! An internal rechargeable battery allows you to go cordless for up to 5 hours of continuous use. The model 700 has an internal antenna offering enough sensitivity to navigate through tunnels and between tall buildings. Blue tooth technology allows you to make and receive hands free phone call with your Blue tooth enable cell phone. Over 1 million “way points” (gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hosptitals, etc) are pre-programmed in the memory of the Tom Tom Go. The mounting hardware (included) allows placement on the dashboard or windshield. Never have to stop to ask for directions again! MSRP: $800 www.tomtom.com

The Do-It-All Diaper Bag by Lands End
New moms (and dads) will rejoice when they discover the new diaper travel bag from Lands End. The Do-It-All Diaper Bag keeps you and your baby stuff organized while you are on the go with features such as a parent pocket to hold sunglasses, cell phone and other paraphernalia adults require, an adjustable carrying strap makes it easier to tote heavy loads, and the wide-mouth design opens like a doctor's bag so you can spot what you need in an instant. For your little one, there's an extra-long 30" changing pad to protect and cushion baby during changing times. Exterior bottle pockets make you a quick-draw artist when junior's commencing to break the sound barrier. A strong 600-denier polyester fabric is triple the strength of most bags so you can count on it to still be going strong when the next bundle of joy comes along. MSRP: $29.50 www.landsend.com

Philips ShoqBox (Model#PSS110)
Just around the size of a hot dog bun, this versatile MP3 player has speakers making it ideal for use at the park, at home, in dorm rooms, and for travelers (based on its multiple functions: MP3 player to listen en-route and alarm clock to wake you up in the hotel to your favorite music or FM radio station via the built in tuner). The ShoqBox holds 60 MP3 music tracks (approximately 4 hours of music) making this little music maven a great source of entertainment for tailgating and outdoor get-togethers, too. The XSL speakers give a big sound, however, there is also a headphone jack for personal listening. Plug your laptop into the ShoqBox for killer sounding PowerPoint presentations. MSRP: $149 www.philips.com

The Pepper Pad
The Pepper Pad is what you get when you blend the best features of a PDA and a laptop computer in one compact and affordably priced package. This wireless wonder includes a power punching 20 Gig hard drive, while offering its user the ability to surf the internet in any Wi-Fi enabled hot spot area. The 8.4 inch color LCD screen in combination with the four-way directional pad/scroll wheel, and Qwerty keyboard make navigating the net and creating documents a breeze. The internal stereo speakers and SD drive make it easy to listen to great tunes and save your stuff when you are taking in the summer sun. Speaking of summer…don’t worry about using the Pepper around the pool or on the beach, it’s totally splash proof. MSRP: $849 www.pepper.com

Delphi MyFi XM Portable Satellite Radio Receiver
The palm sized Delphi MyFi is the industry's first personal XM satellite radio that you can take with you anytime, anywhere – right out of the box. MyFi provides the personal freedom to experience over 130 digital XM channels virtually anywhere. Packaged with a rechargeable integrated battery pack, antenna, remote control, headphones, home and vehicle kit, MyFi also has the ability to store up to five hours of XM programming with the press of a button. The MyFi will allow you to listen to over 150 channels of your favorite music and programming. A monthly XM satellite subscription fee (12.95 monthly) is required to activate your MyFi radio. MSRP: $299.99 www.xmradio.com

Monster Cable’s RadioPlay Wireless FM Transmitter
Just plug the RadioPlay Wireless FM Transmitter into your car's 12v cigarette lighter and the mini headphone jack on almost any portable audio or DVD player. Then select a station on RadioPlay using the one-touch FM channel selector. Find the same station on your car stereo, turn on your favorite song and you're ready to roll. Your music transmits wirelessly to your car stereo using one of eight FM radio frequencies. Monster Cable also makes the iCar Play ($69.95) to allow you to charge and play your iPod through your vehicle at the same time. MSRP: $49.95 www.monstercable.com

Travel Sentry Four-Dial Combo Lock
It's now OK to lock your bags again - these are Travel Sentry – Certified locks! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows you to secure your checked baggage with these special locks. If airport security needs to inspect your bags, they can access the contents with secured tools that do not damage the locks, then quickly send them on their way. Set these secure brass locks to the combination of your choice with the easy to read dials. The user can set these secure brass locks to any secret 4 digit combination with the easy to read dials. Each double lock set include a free lifetime replacement guarantee in the event the TSA inadvertently destroys the locks to gain access to your luggage. MSRP: $19.85 www.magellans.com

PENTAX OptioWP
Introducing the newest amphibious and sleek digital camera you’ll be able to use everywhere. Snorkel, ski, or attend a wedding, and you’ll never stop snapping with the OptioWP. This latest digital delivers crystal clear photos (5 Megapixels) both on land and in the sea with a fast .6 second start up, a quick .05-second shutter release, movie mode and a generous 2.0-inch monitor. A petite JIS Class 8 waterproof-rated exterior promises you’ll capture images under the water’s surface (submerged up to 5 feet for 30 minutes) or in the most formal settings. MSRP: $349.99 www.pentax.com