AISLE 3: TECHNOLOGY

I feel Q is a long lost brother of mine as we share the same passion for the technological edge found in creative genius. I love gadgets that make my life easier and more enjoyable. Over the past 20 years I have been on the front line of travel on average about seven months each year circling the globe in pursuit of the new travel story. The keyword here in this life scenario is connectivity and this is perhaps one of the most aggressive areas on growth in technology. How to stay connected to family and friends is essential in this day and age. So whether you are a traveling on business or are about to embark on a journey that you wish to share with others, you might want to consider some of the tools that I have found to be most important when establishing home away from home and connecting with others. What brings you home?

COMPUTER

Apple iPad

On a recent trip to Japan with an art group I noticed that many of the travelers brought the new iPad. I watched, learned and asked questions. I try not to buy the first generation of any product, but the iPad will become a powerful tool in connectivity in the future. I can already see applications on a professional level where an iPad is given to each couple at the beginning of the trip as their travel companion. No need to print out my Nightly Newsletter - a greener approach to travel. I will be looking at the next generation of iPad and reporting back to you in TOKU TALK™.

E-READER

Kindle

If you are looking the best electronic reader in the market, the new Kindle received top marks from my family, friends, clients and most of the media.

KINDLE

"The Kindle 3 is ingeniously designed to be everything the iPad will never be: small, light and inexpensive… Now, the Kindle is almost ridiculously lightweight; at 8.5 ounces, it’s a third the weight of the iPad. That’s a big deal for a machine that you want to hold in your hands for hours... certain facts are unassailable: that the new Kindle offers the best E Ink screen, the fastest page turns, the smallest, lightest, thinnest body and the lowest price tag of any e-reader. It’s also the most refined and comfortable." ‒ New York Times Read full article

CAMERA

FUJI INSTAX Mini 25

I like to carry and instant camera when traveling and for the Pollaroid generation the Fuji Instax Mini 25 takes crisp, credit card-sized photos for that retro shot.

FUJI INSTAX Mini 25

Stylish design. Light weight compact and easy to use - goes with you anytime, anywhere. The attachable close-up lens allows you to shoot from a distance up to 35cm away, creating enlarged images. With a high-quality Fujinon lens in combination with the INSTAX Mini Film, superior images are just an instant away. Electronic Shutter 1/3 - 1/400 sec., Image Size: 2.13" x 3.4"

A fun place for cool camera products is The Photojojo Store online - check it out!

DIGITAL IMAGE STORAGE AND PRINTING

What do I do with the hundreds of digital images that I took on my most recent trip? Do I store them on my computer? Do I use Snapfish, Shutterfly or Kodak Gallery? I am sure we have all asked this question before now that we live in a digital age. I came across a simple and easy reference chart that reviews the services of the seven companies noted above in the header bar. Just click on the image above and you will be directed to another website in a new window with more details. In the future I plan to do my own review, but for now I am listening to the words of others.

ACCESSORIES

Over the years I have grown to appreciate the products of LaCie. They combine both design and technology. They develop products that are not only beautiful to look at, but also performance driven. In my hunt for better connectivity while on the road, LaCie makes my digital life much better. Back in 1992, LaCie started working with some of the world's great designers like Ziba Design, Porsche Design, Karim Rashid, Ora-Ito and Philippe Starck. One visit to their website and you will see the creative genius at work at LaCie. Here is a sampling of two products available at their online store. You might want to consider their online outlet too where you can sometimes find incredible deals in designer technology.

Are you sick and tired of tangled cables on the road? Next time you need to upload, you might want to consider these bright computer cables with a smart design. Starting at $12.99 USD (click on the image for more details)

Once you buy that iPad you will have to invest in some color coordinated coverings for your new best friend. This is essential to keep the face of your new iPad looking new. Starting at $29.99 USD (click on the image for more details)

The days of lugging around a bulky LCD projector are numbered. Never pay for another On Demand Movie at your hotel while traveling again. This year Microvision introduced SHOWWX Laser Pico Projector that can beam movies on a wall or screen directly from your iPod or other enabled mobile device. Click here for more details: SHOWWX Laser Pico Projector

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AISLE 3: TECHNOLOGY