With the unbeatable heat comes even hotter gadgets to add to your weekend getawaybags. This year, we’ve witnessed the birth of one-of-a kind devices, such as Nikon’s new camera series, and added tricks to long-time favorites like the iPhone 4. Just in time for your summer travel, BlackEnterprise.com aggregated a list of must-have tech tools that will make for a bon voyage.—Janel Martinez
With the unbeatable heat comes even hotter gadgets to add to your weekend getawaybags. This year, we’ve witnessed the birth of one-of-a kind devices, such as Nikon’s new camera series, and added tricks to long-time favorites like the iPhone 4. Just in time for your summer travel, BlackEnterprise.com aggregated a list of must-have tech tools that will make for a bon voyage.—Janel Martinezmore
Apple iPhone 4 (16GB, $199; 32GB, $299, with apple.com) Thin build: check. HD video recording: check. And nearly 40% longer talk time: double-check. A personal favorite, this phone is one you can tote with you poolside (or to the beach) to shoot a few summertime flicks, enjoy a good read via the iBooks app or show off your new tan with FaceTime, a video calling option signature to the iPhone4.Carrier:AT&T or Verizon Wirelessmore
Magellan eXplorist 710 ($549.99; magellangps.com) This touch-screen, handheld GPS is ideal for the outdoorsy types. It comes equipped with camera and voice notes capabilities. Outdoor enthusiast, particularly bikers and hikers can enjoy topographical US map viewing in 2D or 3D viewing angles, as well as global city and road maps. The maps have impeccable details, showing natural points in terrain, such as water features and urban/rural land use and rest stops where travelers can refuel. The waterproof apparatus has up to 16 hours of battery life.more
Research in Motion’s BlackBerry PlayBook (16GB, $499; 32GB, $599 or 64GB, $699; blackberry.com ) Everyone has their own tablet preference, but, whether relaxation or catching up on work is your motive, the PlayBook makes for a great companion on any stateside or international venture. At under a pound, the Playbook can easily fit in your carryon luggage. While many are excited about its over 3,000 app selections, business folks will be delighted to know that, unlike the iPad and iPad 2, it supports Adobe Flash and has Microsoft Office capabilities (via an app). BlackBerry smartphone users can even connect the tablet with their phone to access their BBM, calendar, email, to-do list and address book. Stop work and appreciate the scene by taking pictures with the gadget’s high-definition forward-and-backward –facing cameras. The Playbook is proof that big things do come in small packages. Carrier:AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprintmore
PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS ($399.95, pentaximaging.com) For adventurists looking to capture the quest—above ground or below water, this 14 megapixel waterproof digital camera can snap any image under almost any weather condition. Don’t believe us? Well, the camera is crushproof, withstanding up to 220 pounds of force; dustproof, with a design that resists dry, dusty environments; shockproof, with the ability to endure falls of up to 5 feet, and coldproof, for those traveling to sub-freezing locales. Its built-in digital shake reduction ensures photos are sharp. You can even record in HD at up to 30 frames per second. The camera’s high-tech capabilities allows for GPS functioning to track and record positional data recording with images for geo-tagging application. The camera is available in black and green.more
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 ($329.95, nikonusa.com) This lightweight, sleek, and (very) portable camera is great for capturing all those on-the-go moments. Its 18x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens makes the point-and-shoot a standout in its category, producing high-quality images from your latest excursion. The S9100 has a variety of automatic modes for easy use, but allows for some creativity with its special effects features. The 12.1-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor improves low-light shooting, so travelers can be camera-ready no matter the environment. You are not limited to still shots. In fact, the camera allows for HD recording, but if you still want to capture a still image while recording you can do so with ease. The camera is available in black, silver and red.more
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi Only, starting from $499; Wi-Fi + 3G; from $629 to $829, plus monthly data plans; apple.com) With Apple selling over 350,000 applications, it’s no surprise why this tablet is often considered the crème de la crème of tablet consoles. From reading ebooks and playing a bevy of games to FaceTime chatting with family and friends or editing movies with the iMovie app, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. Look at it as the antidote for keeping the kids under control during the long road trip—a definite possibility with its nearly 10 hours of battery life. The iPad 2 is available in black or white. Carrier:AT&T or Verizon Wirelessmore