Travel Toys
Rob's entry:
This is a blog entry that I've been meaning to do for quite some time. During the course of traveling, I've collected a fair amount of what one might term 'travel toys'. These are aids to enhance the traveling experience, and typically only make sense while on the road.
For example, I'm typing this up while on a train with my pocket pc (PPC), but more on that later.
CAMERA
Photography
Of course there is the obvious picture-taking aspect for taking a camera.
Map and document recording
One major use of the camera equipment on our European cycling trip was photographing maps. It was typical that a city or regional map would be posted when we entered a town or area, and have a quick means of copying it in case we got lost was invaluable. Sometimes we'd photograph maps that were for-sale, for some reason, no one seemed to mind that we did.
We also photographed any printed material that was good to have (like camping guides, things to read later, tourist info, etc.) but didn't want to carry along. Photographing materials also provided the opportunity to save some paper resources for the supplier.
We travel with a Fuji S603 and Kodak Z650, but of course there are hundreds of camera choices available.
PHOTOBANK-PORTABLE HARD DRIVE
Photo Storage
Memory cards (SD, CF, SM, etc.) from the camera (or any other device) directly plug into this unit for data dumping (copying). Virtually unlimited photo storage was possible with 40 or 80 gigabytes of capacity. Shooting at 6 megapixels at mild jpg compression (which should be adequate for most purposes) would provide approximately 17,000 or 35,000 photos (or 100,000-200,000 photos at 1MP moderate compression- you get the idea). The true value in this device is the total independence from a computer during shooting. In other words, I shot thousands of photos (copying and erasing the memory card many times) without ever needing a computer to dump images. Something like this is needed for traveling light, long-term, in remote areas.
Electronic data archive
An additional feature of a large-capacity photobank is the ability to store anything electronic of interest. For example, I have the data contents of my home computer hard drive on the photobank. Unfortunately a computer is needed to access the data once it is stored there, but if it is important enough, public computers can be located and your data travels with you. Beware of sensitive data however, in case the drive is lost.
Backs up PPC data
Lastly, the photobank has an SD port, so backups of the PPC is possible without needing a computer.
This particular model is a Smartdisk Photobank PB80 (80 GB). I'm not too sure about the quality of these devices, they seem to work OK, but have had some minor problems in the past. While perhaps a good value for what it does, there are better banks with more features (like picture review, etc.).
SHORTWAVE RADIO
Long term travel in foreign lands is sometimes lonely, or at least isolating. One can often find English (or other languages depending upon the popularity) broadcasts. At the very least, international news is readily available twice per hour from many stations such as the BBC, Radio Netherlands, Radio Canada, Voice of Russia, and many, many others. While ill and traveling, the shortwave kept me company for many long hours.
This particular model is a Sony SW-1 which I use for travel in areas that I'm more likely to lose it, and a Sony SW-100 when I'm more confident of hanging on to it.
Download schedule info for PPC file
Free shortwave schedule information is available on the internet in forms that easily download to the PPC. This makes searching by time, country, language, station, frequency, etc. very easy and paperless.
POCKET PERSONAL COMPUTER, or PPC
PPC
This one is the ULTIMATE! Anna says it is my mistress! Options for usage are limitless. Alarm clock, world time, data management, electronic books, maps, GPS, word processing (I use mine to draft homestay request letters for emailing), MP3, WMA, and WMV player, games (when bored or isolated), crude quick-camera, calculator (real RPN and scientific can be found), and a multitude of (often free) software. For example, someone has taken the time to enter the metro transit systems for about 350 cities worldwide for PPC use. In the 'old days' (i.e. few years ago), I'd take dozens of tapes to listen to on long bus rides on short trips. Now with a 1 GB memory card, I can take along what about 20 90-minute tapes could hold. There are endless podcasts (many also free) to download (even while traveling). The photobank can be used to store listening material if desired.. I download all my favorite science programs for listening during long travel periods like planes or trains. And of course, there is a whole world of music, both for free and pay.
Though it is possible to use it as a telephone (not really possible outside the US however) and WiFi with a plug-in card, it is quite useful without these features. As files are all Microsoft compatible (Word can create txt and rtf, and Excel create xls files for example), storing and writing data via a card reader and public computer (internet cafe for example) works well. For example, while at a public computer, you can copy the text from an email to the storage card, and extract text from previously-written entries to email out. This saves time spent on the computer allowing any time for writing and reading.
Mine is an Audiovox Verizon PPC 6600, The telephone speaker didn't work right, so a friend sold it to me cheap. As many consider this more of a phone rather than PPC, they often sell cheap on eBay.
Keyboard
The external keyboard makes the text entry legitimate on the PPC, especially if one knows how to type. Without it, in my opinion, text entry is too crude and awkward. While entry isn't anything like a full-sized keyboard, it comes close to a laptop or notebook. Remarkably, most all keyboard shortcuts work such as crtl functions, alt-tab, etc. The heavy multiple use of the basic keys makes entry a little tedious at times, but the basic 26 character alphabet entry is all there. The infrared wireless interface makes connection effortless, but is perhaps a little slow if you are a fast typer. Believe me however, the keyboard is far superior to any other options for ultra-portability and high productivity.
My model is a French version Palm keyboard with the appropriate US drivers new from ebay for $16 including shipping. Though five of the keys are switched, the proper US driver makes it type like any QWERTY layout.
Power pack
While traveling and camping, recharging is sometimes an issue. Almost all European campgrounds have electrical outlets in the toilet rooms, but I've never been too keen to leave my PPC behind for several hours to recharge. I am OK with recharging standard AA cells in a charger left behind however. A great alternative is to recharge AA cells, then use those to charge/power the PPC in the tent. The cells and holder also allow for extra run time when batteries are low.
I scored mine off eBay for less than USD$20 including many other useful accessories for powering the device.
CRANK FLASHLIGHT
Of course there is the obvious usage of light, with the added bonus of never being out of batteries.
Power adapter options
Some models however offer output ports, intending to power a cell phone in an emergency. I've rigged up adapters to charge the PPC, photobank, and batteries with the generator.
My model is a totes, and I bought it new at a garage sale just before going to Europe for $1. Though a cheap model, it has worked great, used it almost every night, and wouldn't be without one.
BINOCULARS
Nothing too special about these binoculars, other than they perform OK, are fairly small, and were not too expensive (new about USD$75). These particular ones are a Nikon Sportstar 8X25.
WATER FILTER
This item is a real winner when traveling in the developing world. In addition to major convenience (not always having to track down bottled water), there is both an environmental and economic advantage. Anybody traveling in such areas as Mexico will undoubtedly notice the huge proliferation of empty plastic bottles in the streets, along the roads, filling the trash cans, etc. Filtering and purifying your own water avoids contributing to this ongoing problem. Finally, one can filter a liter of water for pennies, a fraction of what bottled water sells for.
DATABANK WATCH
This is a blog entry that I've been meaning to do for quite some time. During the course of traveling, I've collected a fair amount of what one might term 'travel toys'. These are aids to enhance the traveling experience, and typically only make sense while on the road.
For example, I'm typing this up while on a train with my pocket pc (PPC), but more on that later.
CAMERA
Photography
Of course there is the obvious picture-taking aspect for taking a camera.
Map and document recording
One major use of the camera equipment on our European cycling trip was photographing maps. It was typical that a city or regional map would be posted when we entered a town or area, and have a quick means of copying it in case we got lost was invaluable. Sometimes we'd photograph maps that were for-sale, for some reason, no one seemed to mind that we did.
We also photographed any printed material that was good to have (like camping guides, things to read later, tourist info, etc.) but didn't want to carry along. Photographing materials also provided the opportunity to save some paper resources for the supplier.
We travel with a Fuji S603 and Kodak Z650, but of course there are hundreds of camera choices available.
PHOTOBANK-PORTABLE HARD DRIVE
Photo Storage
Memory cards (SD, CF, SM, etc.) from the camera (or any other device) directly plug into this unit for data dumping (copying). Virtually unlimited photo storage was possible with 40 or 80 gigabytes of capacity. Shooting at 6 megapixels at mild jpg compression (which should be adequate for most purposes) would provide approximately 17,000 or 35,000 photos (or 100,000-200,000 photos at 1MP moderate compression- you get the idea). The true value in this device is the total independence from a computer during shooting. In other words, I shot thousands of photos (copying and erasing the memory card many times) without ever needing a computer to dump images. Something like this is needed for traveling light, long-term, in remote areas.
Electronic data archive
An additional feature of a large-capacity photobank is the ability to store anything electronic of interest. For example, I have the data contents of my home computer hard drive on the photobank. Unfortunately a computer is needed to access the data once it is stored there, but if it is important enough, public computers can be located and your data travels with you. Beware of sensitive data however, in case the drive is lost.
Backs up PPC data
Lastly, the photobank has an SD port, so backups of the PPC is possible without needing a computer.
This particular model is a Smartdisk Photobank PB80 (80 GB). I'm not too sure about the quality of these devices, they seem to work OK, but have had some minor problems in the past. While perhaps a good value for what it does, there are better banks with more features (like picture review, etc.).
SHORTWAVE RADIO
Long term travel in foreign lands is sometimes lonely, or at least isolating. One can often find English (or other languages depending upon the popularity) broadcasts. At the very least, international news is readily available twice per hour from many stations such as the BBC, Radio Netherlands, Radio Canada, Voice of Russia, and many, many others. While ill and traveling, the shortwave kept me company for many long hours.
This particular model is a Sony SW-1 which I use for travel in areas that I'm more likely to lose it, and a Sony SW-100 when I'm more confident of hanging on to it.
Download schedule info for PPC file
Free shortwave schedule information is available on the internet in forms that easily download to the PPC. This makes searching by time, country, language, station, frequency, etc. very easy and paperless.
POCKET PERSONAL COMPUTER, or PPC
PPC
This one is the ULTIMATE! Anna says it is my mistress! Options for usage are limitless. Alarm clock, world time, data management, electronic books, maps, GPS, word processing (I use mine to draft homestay request letters for emailing), MP3, WMA, and WMV player, games (when bored or isolated), crude quick-camera, calculator (real RPN and scientific can be found), and a multitude of (often free) software. For example, someone has taken the time to enter the metro transit systems for about 350 cities worldwide for PPC use. In the 'old days' (i.e. few years ago), I'd take dozens of tapes to listen to on long bus rides on short trips. Now with a 1 GB memory card, I can take along what about 20 90-minute tapes could hold. There are endless podcasts (many also free) to download (even while traveling). The photobank can be used to store listening material if desired.. I download all my favorite science programs for listening during long travel periods like planes or trains. And of course, there is a whole world of music, both for free and pay.
Though it is possible to use it as a telephone (not really possible outside the US however) and WiFi with a plug-in card, it is quite useful without these features. As files are all Microsoft compatible (Word can create txt and rtf, and Excel create xls files for example), storing and writing data via a card reader and public computer (internet cafe for example) works well. For example, while at a public computer, you can copy the text from an email to the storage card, and extract text from previously-written entries to email out. This saves time spent on the computer allowing any time for writing and reading.
Mine is an Audiovox Verizon PPC 6600, The telephone speaker didn't work right, so a friend sold it to me cheap. As many consider this more of a phone rather than PPC, they often sell cheap on eBay.
Keyboard
The external keyboard makes the text entry legitimate on the PPC, especially if one knows how to type. Without it, in my opinion, text entry is too crude and awkward. While entry isn't anything like a full-sized keyboard, it comes close to a laptop or notebook. Remarkably, most all keyboard shortcuts work such as crtl functions, alt-tab, etc. The heavy multiple use of the basic keys makes entry a little tedious at times, but the basic 26 character alphabet entry is all there. The infrared wireless interface makes connection effortless, but is perhaps a little slow if you are a fast typer. Believe me however, the keyboard is far superior to any other options for ultra-portability and high productivity.
My model is a French version Palm keyboard with the appropriate US drivers new from ebay for $16 including shipping. Though five of the keys are switched, the proper US driver makes it type like any QWERTY layout.
Power pack
While traveling and camping, recharging is sometimes an issue. Almost all European campgrounds have electrical outlets in the toilet rooms, but I've never been too keen to leave my PPC behind for several hours to recharge. I am OK with recharging standard AA cells in a charger left behind however. A great alternative is to recharge AA cells, then use those to charge/power the PPC in the tent. The cells and holder also allow for extra run time when batteries are low.
I scored mine off eBay for less than USD$20 including many other useful accessories for powering the device.
CRANK FLASHLIGHT
Of course there is the obvious usage of light, with the added bonus of never being out of batteries.
Power adapter options
Some models however offer output ports, intending to power a cell phone in an emergency. I've rigged up adapters to charge the PPC, photobank, and batteries with the generator.
My model is a totes, and I bought it new at a garage sale just before going to Europe for $1. Though a cheap model, it has worked great, used it almost every night, and wouldn't be without one.
BINOCULARS
Nothing too special about these binoculars, other than they perform OK, are fairly small, and were not too expensive (new about USD$75). These particular ones are a Nikon Sportstar 8X25.
WATER FILTER
This item is a real winner when traveling in the developing world. In addition to major convenience (not always having to track down bottled water), there is both an environmental and economic advantage. Anybody traveling in such areas as Mexico will undoubtedly notice the huge proliferation of empty plastic bottles in the streets, along the roads, filling the trash cans, etc. Filtering and purifying your own water avoids contributing to this ongoing problem. Finally, one can filter a liter of water for pennies, a fraction of what bottled water sells for.
DATABANK WATCH
I've had a databank watch since the early days! Not only are they very useful for everyday life (can you believe that some watches ONLY tell time?!?), they are exceptional for traveling. Useful features include world time zones, chronograph (stopwatch), countdown alarm, 150 entries for alarms (with alpha-numeric message) up to a year away and telephone numbers (also alpha-numeric), graphical display of upcoming alarm/messages, calculator (use this all the time), and even tells the time (day, date, etc.). I think this is one of the best watches for traveling, and would be interested if anyone knows of something better. The PPC is very good also, but the databank is always right on your wrist!
POWER
Universal adapter plug
This gadget is the swiss army knife of power adapters! Maximum flexibility is built in to virtually eliminate the need to carry a set of individual plug converters. Of course, this device does NOT convert the electricity, but as many newer electronic devices are designed to be operated between 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, all that is needed is the mechanical conversion of the plug. Some surge suppression is included. This one came off eBay for about USD$8 including shipping.
High capacity batteries & rapid charger
I've elected to avoid the ultra fast chargers (15 minutes) as they are fairly heavy, hard on the batteries, and more expensive. This model is rated around one hour (depends upon cell capacity), and I think is a good balance between speed, weight, cost, and harshness to the batteries (compared to a 14-hour charger, it is still hard on the cells however).
Though many of these items are very useful in themselves, the real elegance comes with multiple related uses. For example, the camera can record images for use on the PPC, the PPC holds shortwave radio schedule information, the flashlight generator recharges the photobank, PPC, etc., the photobank holds all electronic data, and so on. Hope you found these toys and information useful for your life!
posted by Rob and Anna @ 5:20 PM
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