Travel Smart

The LT Guide to gadgets that make travel time as productive as office time

Blackberry 8800

Most professionals today cannot live without email, and Blackberry Smartphones are the undisputed kings for handling electronic correspondence. But traveling overseas with one can be challenge, especially because mobile telephony networks vary from country to country. That’s where the Blackberry 8800 series comes in. These so-called “world phones” can be bought unlocked and are compatible with all the major cellphone networks in the world. While not as much fun as the Apple iPhone — you want entertainment, carry an iPod Touch — the Blackberry, at $200, gets the job done securely and without a fuss. Here’s a tip: data charges can add up quickly when you are overseas, so try limiting your email and Web browsing to times when you can connect to WiFi networks, which can be found at hotels and other places and are often free. For more information on the Blackberry 8800, go to blackberry.com/8800

Toshiba Netbook

By now most people are familiar with netbooks, which offer small size and long battery life but sacrifice computing power. Computer maker Toshiba’s Mini NB300 is no different but unique features are garnering kudos from many of the major technology reviewers, including CNET and PC Magazine. Weighing under four pounds, the svelte Mini is an affordable $400 and is aimed at professionals who travel. It has the ability to connect wirelessly with almost any network device, and this Mini’s unique “sleep-and-charge USB port” can be used to charge a cellphone or iPod even while the lid is closed. Expect about seven hours of real life use before the Mini NB300 needs a charge. For more information, go to laptops.toshiba.com.

iPod Touch

There are few gadgets on the market today that are as useful as they are entertaining. The iPod Touch is one of them. Here are just a few of the things you can do with one: listen to music; surf the Web; read a book; manage your agenda; watch a video. You can  compose or edit documents and email them. Apple does not tout the Touch as much as its cousin, the iPhone. However, the Touch can run nearly all the same applications and, starting at $199, or $399 for the tricked-out 64-gigabyte version, it is a great tool for managing your trip and having some fun while you’re at it. The iPhone is great runner-up, with the added ability to make calls and to take photos. The price is good, too, starting at $99 in the United States, but the iPhone ties you to cellphone providers for a minimum of a two-year contract.

Callpod

Despite longer battery lives, all these gadgets need to be charged eventually. Instead of carrying around a power adapter for each, consider getting an Callpod, which can charge up to six devices simultaneously  from a single electrical outlet. The company claims the Callpod is compatible with more than 3,000 devices, including cellphones, cameras and iPods. It weighs less than 2 ounces and can charge from 110 volts to 240 volts; optional wall plug adapters let you use the Callpod worldwide. The cost is $60. For more information, go to callpod.com.