15 tools for a high-tech summer

By Jason Hiner June 20, 2010, 2:26 PM PDT

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Geek out for summer

Now that summer has arrived, many of you will be heading to the beach or the lake or just getting away from the office. Here are some great technologies that can help you make the most of it.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

1. Fitbit

Summer is a time to get more active and healthy. Fitbit can help by monitoring your activity and sleep patterns and wirelessly uploading the data for you to analyze.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

2. Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G

You never know if you’ll have Internet access (or how good it will be) when you’re traveling. The Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G is the premier mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that will allow you to use the cellular network for mobile Internet no matter where you travel. It even works in the car.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

3. Callpod Fueltank Duo

If you’re a true tech geek then you probably carry a bunch of devices and chargers. You may run out of power without access to an outlet at some point. That’s where a device like the Callpod Fueltank comes in. It can give your devices a charge when you don’t have access to an outlet.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

4. Garmin Nuvi GPS

Pictured here is the Garmin Nuvi 3750, which is amazingly thin and very robust and easy to operate. While some are opting to use their cellphone GPS for directions, a hard core road tripper will probably want a dedicated unit. Garmin also has less expensive models than the sleek 3750 (which costs $349).

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

5. FloTV personal television

If you want to keep up with TV during your road trip, the FloTV device might be a great way to do it. Check out TechRepublic’s review of FloTV as part of our Geek Gifts 2010 series.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

6. Amazon Kindle

The easier way to take a bunch of books with you without packing a big bag and to buy extra books right from your lounge chair is to use the Amazon Kindle e-reader.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

7. Apple iPad

You can also read books on the Apple iPad, although it’s not as good in full sunlight as the Kindle. However, if you’re under an umbrella or inside then the iPad can do a lot more than just read books. With it you can watch movies, surf the Web, flip through photos, write journal entries, and a lot more.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

8. Nintendo DSi XL

Nintendo’s handheld game system has lots of software, including plenty of educational titles like Brain Age.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

9. Flip SlideHD

The best and easiest way to capture video of your vacation is with a Flip. The Flip SlideHD is the newest model, but there are also cheaper Flip video recorders as well.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

10. Sony waterproof digital camera

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 is waterproof up to 10 feet and is also dust-proof and shock-proof, making it a great beach camera.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

11. TriSpecs Bluetooth sunglasses

Here’s a Bluetooth headset built into a pair of decent sunglasses. It can switch between music player mode and cell call mode.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

12. Myvu Media Viewer sunglasses

Myvu is a futuristic pair of glasses with a view screen on the lenses. It connects to an iPod/iPhone or Zune (or other compatible devices) and then allows you to watch video content from those sources on your glasses.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

13. Oregon Scientific Personal UV Monitor

This handy little device provides information of UV levels and an exposure timer.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

14. Dyson Air Multiplier bladeless fan

If you’re heading somewhere that doesn’t have air conditioning then you may need to bring your own fan, and there is none better than the new Dyson Air Multiplier, which is also especially safe with kids because it has no fan blades.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

15. Rubik's TouchCube

You also need to have some serious fun when you’re on vacation. For geeks, the Rubick’s TouchCube is one way to do it. Check out TechRepublic’s review of FloTV as part of our Geek Gifts 2010 series.

See the companion blog post for a list of these 15 with links.

By Jason Hiner

Jason Hiner is Editorial Director of CNET and former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic. He's co-author of the book, Follow the Geeks.

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