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Gadget's and Gizmos

By David Schwoegler

DIAMOND-LOGO LOCKS - New TSA-approved luggage locks can secure baggage checked on commercial airlines. Using technology developed and licensed by Travel Sentry, the locks sport a bold red-an-white diamond logo and feature four-dial combinations that users can reset.

When TSA inspectors spot the Travel Sentry logo, they should recognize the lock and open it—not cut it off—using a special tool and codes. Tamperseal’s “Search Alert” model includes a sentry port that changes from green to red whenever TSA or any unauthorized user has opened the lock.

Individual locks cost under $10 and are available in colors from luggage and travel stores, or on line at http://www.brookstone.com  and http://www.tamperseal.com. A manufacturer’s warranty covers instances should a TSA inspector cut the lock anyway. Meanwhile, Atlantic Luggage and Samsonite are developing hard-side cases using Travel Sentry lock technology.

CAN’T AFFORD A GPS? - Talking Road Whiz is a compact, portable electronic travel information dispenser for Interstate drivers. Looking and sized like a hand-held calculator, the $39.90 Whiz uses three AAA batteries and provides visual, as well as “real voice” audio instructions.

Inside, its compact electronics contain distance, directions, times and details for over 80,000 services nationwide—including information not on maps. Just enter the state, highway number, direction and mile marker, and Road Whiz spews information on gas stations, restaurants, hotels, rest stops, hospitals, campground and more—such as step-by-step driving directions and times between 250 cities.

Purchase at Office Max, selected Target and Discovery Channel stores, at http://www.talkingroadwhiz.com, or call (800) 274-0971.

Downside: There’s no 12-Volt adaptor or software upgrades available.

NOW THERE CAN BE WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE - For globetrotters, backpackers, and serious campers the pocket-sized MIOX Purifier by Mountain Safety Research kills viruses, bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidium in drinking water, using only salt and two dry-cell batteries.

Combine salt and water in unit. Shake, push a button, and wait. Electricity from the batteries breaks the saline solution into sodium, chlorine and ozone that purify up to a gallon of water. Produces no chemical aroma or taste like chlorine and iodine methods. Winner of POPULAR SCIENCE’s “Best of What’s New” for 2003, the MIOX Purifier was used by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Costs about $130 at outfitters and numerous on-line sources.

EYES IN THE SKY MAY BE WATCHING YOU – Global Positioning Systems or GPS can be a two-edged sword for travelers. These wireless satellite communications links, combined with the proper on-board driving software, can help plan a trip, plot your route, navigate side-trips along the way, redirect you when you’re lost, or help recover a stolen rental car.

But they can also furnish your rental-car provider with a record of where you’ve been and how fast you traveled along the way. The result may be a feeling of invaded privacy—as well as hearty surcharges for speeding, or driving the vehicle across a state line in violation of the rental agreement.

There is legislation afoot in California for mandatory disclosure of electronic customer-tracking equipment. Until then, the best you can do is ask specifically about GPS tracking whenever you pick up a rental car to see if it includes an electronic pathfinder that can also snitch you off.

STROLL ABOARD WITHOUT A STROLLER - Traveling with small children has gotten easier thanks to a unique folding travel seat designed by a seasoned flight attendant and mother. Called “Ride On Carry On,” this child seat—complete with seat-belt  and headrest/tray-table—attaches quickly and easily to any wheeled carry-on bag 18-22 inches high.

The device holds a child from 8 months old to 40 pounds in weight. With no stroller to unload, fold and check at the Jetway, the child is wheeled right onto the aircraft and down the isle to a seat. Once there, the Ride On Carry On is removed from the luggage in seconds, and folds for storage in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat. For information call 800-290-6250 ext. 1835, or visit http://www.rideoncarryon.com

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