CES, the yearly technology extravaganza in Las Vegas, offers the gadget and gear lover an almost endless array of new toys to drool over. This year seemed focused on thin laptops, sleek tablets and smart TVs. But what about tech for the traveler, especially ones who already have all the laptops and tablets that they could want? I went searching through the products released at CES and found a few that could help keep your devices powered and connected while you're on the road, even better than ones I've seen in the past. Keep reading to see what I found.
Griffin Technologies has two devices that really stood out this year. First is their Powerblock Micro, which is a tiny USB charging plug that, in addition to charging smartphones, also supports more power-hungry devices like the iPad. As someone who hates having to take the larger iPad power block on the road, this charger could save space by allowing you to only have to bring one charger for all your portable devices. My only question, it may charge an iPad, but does it do it as quickly as the bigger brick?
Griffin Powerblock Micro (for iPads)
I'm also a huge fan of portable batteries, after all, there's never a plug around when you need it. But taking batteries and charging plugs just takes up valuable space and weight in your bag. Griffin has released a new generation of their Powerblock Reserve device, which acts as a charging plug and battery, all in one. I couldn't find the dimensions, but if it is going to get considered for inclusion in my bag, this device needs to be comparably sized to a standard battery or smaller. Neither of the Griffin products are for sale yet, but will be soon.
Griffin Powerblock Reserve
Although I don't typically associate them with travel-related gear, RCA also showed up with a compelling power plug, a unique-looking dual USB charging station
RCA Dual USB Charging Station with Clip
My next find is not a something you'd use frequently, it's more for emergency uses or, for hikers and other folks who are traveling away from the power grid. The PowerTrekk is a fuel-cell device that uses water to create electricity for your phone or other USB-powered device. The replaceable pucks react with the liquid to produce enough power to fully charge a smartphone. Water is recommended, but it's reported that beer or its by-products will also work in a pinch. See the video on this page to see some demonstrations.
PowerTrekk Fuel Cell Charger
Have you ever been in a hotel room that didn't have Wifi, but it did have a network cable to hook up to? Maybe you don't have a computer, or a computer that has a network port, or, maybe, you just want to use your computer on the bed and the dinky cable in the room only stretches a few feet. D-Link's new mobile router can help you out in all these situations. This little device plugs straight into the wall, connects to an available network cable, and quickly creates a Wifi network for you to use. Hey, guess what? It can also charge your phone via USB.
D-Link DIR-505 Mobile Router
Since mobile device charging seemed to be the travel theme of CES 2012, what do you think will be on tap for next year's show? I hope to try some of these devices out when they're released so we can find out if they are as helpful as they seem. Did you see any other devices from CES that would be helpful for travelers? Share your thoughts below in the comments!
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