THE GEAR • November 2017
Six surprisingly useful gadgets under £50
Keeping up with the latest tech developments can be an expensive hobby, but you can still supercharge your travels without breaking the bank, says gadget writer and reviewer Jonathan Looi. Here are his six essential bits of kit
The key to success
The words ergonomic and compact don’t usually go together, but they do for the Kanex MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard (£49.95). The V-shaped layout allows for ample hand room when typing – perfect for getting serious work done on the go with just a phone or tablet. The keyboard pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth with any iOS or Android device, so you can leave your laptop at home.
Lost and found
Have you ever lost anything while travelling? Tile (£23 each) is a tiny device that makes sure this doesn’t happen. Stick, clip or stash a tracking device in your luggage, key chain or passport and track its location via the Tile app, which displays the Tile’s last known location. It will sound a loud tune if within range. Tile uses Bluetooth, not GPS, meaning there are no costly usage fees, although the range is limited to 100 feet. For extra range, durability and waterproofing, try the Tile Sport (£30 each), which has a 200-foot range.
Water world
Staying hydrated is essential, but even more so while travelling, especially to combat jet lag. With a change of environment and schedule, it can be hard to remember to get the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day. The Hidrate Spark ($54.95/£40) the world’s first smart water bottle, connects with your smartphone to track your water intake. When it’s time to drink, the bottle glows as a reminder.
Ear candy
Originally designed in the 1980s, Koss Porta Pro ($49.99/£37) are still some of the best-value headphones more than three decades on. Crisp and accurate, they punch above their weight in terms of sound quality, while the foldable band means they fit in the palm of your hand.
Pillow talk
Can a travel pillow be hi-tech? With 360-degree neck support, the Evolution Pillow ($39.99/£30) can make economy feel like First. The pillow is made from memory foam with a removable velour cover, which is super-soft and machine washable. There’s even a nifty drawstring cord that keeps it securely around your neck. A must-have for your next red-eye flight.
Power up
In terms of bang for the buck, few external batteries beat the Anker PowerCore+ ($65.99/£49), capable of charging both USB-A and USB-C-powered devices. The USB-C port works with the latest MacBooks, Nintendo Switch, many new Android phones and countless other devices. With a capacity of 20100mAh, the battery can fully recharge a 13-inch MacBook Pro once, or an iPhone 8 approximately 11 times, so you’ll never again be bound to a wall outlet.
This article has been tagged Technology, Travel Tips