Feature Articles

Top Must-Have Travel Gadgets 2009 - Bon Voyage!

By Kenny Yeo - 23 Aug 2009

For Road Trip Maniacs

Road Trip Maniacs

The Road Trip Maniac Mostly likely petrolheads in disguise, these holiday-goers are willing to go the distance as long as they are the ones behind the wheels. They love driving and consider it part of the holiday, and as such no destination is too far. The only question is how to get there? As such, GPS navigation devices are critical. But while the designated driver is busy chomping down the miles, the passengers too need some form of entertainment, and this is where gadgets like portable media players come in handy. Here are some top recommendations for this troupe.

 

Holux GPSmile 62

For drives up North, a personal GPS navigation device is a must, and few can match the features that the Holux GPSmile 62 provides. The Holux GPSmile 62 comes preloaded with maps of Singapore and Malaysia and has helpful features like Reality Junction View to help drivers take the correct expressway exit. It also has a powerful search function, which will help you locate that hotel of yours.

Price: S$399

 

Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60

With the likes of Garmin, a leading brand in GPS navigation devices providing the know-how and experience behind the nuvifone G60, it's a given that this smartphone will never be at a loss for directions. A full-touchscreen device with anti-glare makes it great when map hunting under the afternoon sun while the intuitive interface makes it easy to use as a GPS navigator. Not forgetting its smartphone features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, all built on top of a custom operating system. Together with a bundled car kit, the nuvifone G60 is a GPS navigator with the trappings of a smartphone.

Price: TBA

 

Olympus TOUGH-6010

Waterproof, shockproof and freeze-proof, the Olympus Mju TOUGH 6010 is the digital compact camera for the rugged traveller who needs something to keep up. Waterproof up to 3 metres, you can use this camera to safely take pictures of yourself beside the pool, river and sea. Being shockproof up to 1.5 metres means it can stand up to the rough and tumble life, whether you're camping in the great outdoors or taking a bumpy ride through the mountains. And since it can stand temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius, you won't have to worry about it freezing in snow cold weather.

Price: S$498

 

iRiver P7 Portable Media Player

When you're taking a break from the driver's seat, it's time to indulge in some movie moments with the iRiver P7 portable media player. The iRiver P7 is well-suited for those who wish to enjoy some movie time on the road with its 4.3-inch screen. Strap on more with its expandable microSD memory to store all the movies and music, and you're all set for the long road trip that awaits.

Price: S$299 (8GB), S$399 (16GB)

 

Nokia 3720 Classic

Ruggedized phones aren't very pretty in most cases. Well, Nokia is looking to flip that perception with the 3720 Classic if you're looking for a stylish piece for the road. Besides its sleek looks, this mobile talk-piece is water, dust and shock resistant as well. Fashioned with durable materials in a range of colors, you need not worry about drops and tumbles anymore while you're on the move. Expect to find a 2.2-inch screen, Bluetooth and a 1GB microSD card.

Price: US$175

 

Panasonic Toughbook CF-F8

If you have the cash, and the need for a decent, rugged and reliable notebook for those rough journeys, look no further than the Panasonic ToughBook CF-F8. With its unique handle design and lightweight appeal of just 1.67kg, the CF-F8 is a notebook to behold with its elegant design. Lastly, if it so happens you're one of the clumsier folks around, well, this notebook will survive most drops without even blinking. After all, it's not called a "ToughBook" for naught, aye?

Price: S$3644

 

Road Fun iPhone App

Instead of asking "Are We There Yet?" and bugging the hell out of your folks and friends, kill the time by playing games that have been made especially for road trips. For example in the game "Name That Tune", you have to hum/sing/whistle while your mates try to guess the name. Points are then awarded and it continues till a winner emerges.

 

Price: US$0.99 for iPhone and iPod Touch

 

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