Hands-On Review: Sony Reader Touch Edition
When the Kindle e-Reader became Amazon’s hottest item, other companies began to take notice. Among those companies—now competitors—is Sony, with the competitively-priced Reader Touch Edition that’s sized just right for travelers.
The Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 is one of Sony’s three entries in the fast-growing field of electronic books. With a 6″ grayscale screen made by E Ink, the standard for readers, the Sony slips into a jacket pocket and is only 0.4″ thick. It weighs in at just over 10 ounces.
One feature that gives Sony bragging rights over the similarly-sized Kindle is a touch screen. I found the screen responsive in changing or bookmarking pages with just a finger swipe. Pages can also be “turned” with hardware keys.
Adjusting the font size is easy and you can take notes with a virtual keyboard or stylus.
The controls are simple and intuitive. The built-in memory will hold up to 350 of your favorite books and even more can be stored on two expansion cards.
Books are available from Sony’s Reader Store. Also, more than one-million free titles are available from Google Books. A built-in dictionary is included.
But you’ll need to connect the Reader Touch Edition to a computer to add books, since it does not have wireless shopping capabilities like the Kindle Wireless Reading Device. On that feature, it’s advantage, Kindle.
The Reader Touch can also play MP3 and unprotected AAC audio files. And it can display pictures, though I’m not sure why you would want to look at your favorite photos on a grayscale screen.
One annoying thing about the Sony Reader Touch Edition is it cannot be used while it’s charging, which is done through a mini-USB port. Sure, a battery charge lasts a long time—about 7,500 continuous page turns, or up to two weeks of normal use. But when I’m around batteries, they always seem to run down at the worst possible times.
Overall, this Sony e-Reader performs well and boasts a solid set of features at an attractive price, $299.99 retail. Some discounts can be found at online merchants, including Amazon and Buy.com. Three color choices are available—black, red, or silver.
Of course, there are other ways to read e-books—on cell phones and other portable devices, including Apple’s upcoming iPad. Based on what I saw at the 2010 International CES, a lot more readers with new features are on the way in the coming months.
Who’s going to be the big winner? It’s too soon to say. So stay tuned.
Posted by JohnG in Kids and Family, Travel Light on February 23rd, 2010
Portable Speaker Kit From Eagle’s Nest Outfitters
We’re suckers for portable travel speakers here at the Practical Travel Gear blog because hey, music is best when it’s shared. If you’re in a nice luxury hotel with an iPod/MP3 dock that’s easy enough, but it’s not so likely when you’re paying $20 a night for your digs or you’re camping somewhere.
Speakers for travelers have to be easy to pack though, which leads to all kinds of variations on size and weight reduction. This version takes the case approach: the speakers are built into a case that also holds your music player and cords. It zips up tight so your player is protected in a semi-hard case. When you’re ready to crank the tunes, you unzip it, turn both the player and the speakers on, and you’re set.
Eagle’s Nest Outfitters is a company best known for its great hammocks that pack up small. I’ll be reviewing one of those when this damn snow stops and the flowers start blooming in the south. They put out a line of accessories you would want to take along for your chillin’ time though and this is one of those.
As with most all of these portable speakers, there’s a major trade-off when it comes to sound quality. Labeling this as a “Hi-Fi Speaker Case” doesn’t make it so. On the plus side you get the separate stereo channels you don’t hear with the likes of the one-speakers solutions we have reviewed (see links at the end). On the minus side, the usual lack of bass response is joined by noticeable distortion, especially at a volume level that goes past halfway. On a sliding scale, electronica sounds best, followed by country/Americana, classic rock, and jazz. Anything dominated by a heavy bass and vocals mixed way up front—like rap—ends up sounding pretty lousy, even after tweaking your iPod’s EQ.
The thing is, they’re not alone in these deficiencies. For 25 bucks and eight ounces of weight, what can you reasonably expect? This “hi-fi” speaker case is not going to fill a large room with crystal-clear sound. What it will do is accompany your campfire weenie roasting or provide some musical accompaniment as you play backgammon in a cheap guesthouse room. For most of the time when you’re traveling, that’s good enough. It uses two AA batteries too, which makes things easy. The specs say the batteries will last 7 to 12 hours and I’m already at 11 in my testing, with rechargeable batteries I’ve used at least 20 times already, so this set of speakers is definitely efficient.
Shop for the Eagle’s Nest portable speaker case at Rock/Creek,
Related reviews:
Sony Ericsson MS410
iHome IHM7 mini speaker
X-mini capsule speaker
Posted by Tim in General Gear, Kids and Family, Travel Light on February 17th, 2010
Review: AltusLumen Lightgear Gre Light
A battery-operated light is an essential tool for every traveler. And AltusLumen’s Lightgear Gre 18-in-1 LED Flashlight, which also includes a handy survival tool, could easily be crowned the Swiss Army Knife of lights.
LEDs are making a huge difference in lighting. They’re compact and bright, plus the bulbs remain cool and save energy. The Lightgear Gre shows what can be done with a creative design useful for all types of travelers, from business road warriors to camping families to mountaineers. It’s also handy to have around the house when storms knock out electricity, which happened to me just a few days ago.
First, the Lightgear Gre doesn’t look like a conventional flashlight. Folded in a hard plastic and recycled aluminum case, it’s made to slip into a pocket or backpack for easy carrying. A patented swivel cover works as a stand for the light and allows it to be used, hands-free, six different ways—shining up, down or sideways, or even hanging from a tree as an area light.
The four LEDs are surprisingly bright. In fact, the user guide warns against looking directly at the light.
The light is powered by four AAA batteries. The manufacturer says one set of batteries will last six hours. My testing showed slightly more than six hours of continuous operation was no problem. A warning light near the on-off switch flashes when the batteries are getting low.
The light throws a broad beam, very different from a flashlight. There are dozens of possible uses and I could even see some applications for making videos.
The Lightgear Gre is weatherproof for use even in the rain. A carrying case is included.
But there’s more. Also tucked into the light case are an aluminum whistle and a 10-in-1 stainless steel survival tool. The survival tool includes a can opener, knife, screwdriver, ruler, cap opener, wrenches, saw and a direction indicator.
My colleague, Tim, reviewed a slight different version of this light and questioned its eco-friendly claims in our recent end-of-the-year roundup. If I could change one thing—and this is a minor point—it would be the battery cover. I’d prefer a snap-on cover instead of one requiring a screwdriver to open. But if you don’t have a screwdriver handy when the batteries need replacing, you can always use the survival tool.
The Lightgear Gre sells for $29.90 on AltusLumen’s website. It’s available in three colors—green, yellow and semi-transparent—and is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
If the company’s environmental claims are important in your purchasing decision, weigh them carefully. But from a performance standpoint, this light could be useful to many travelers.
Other lights reviewed on Practical Travel Gear:
Posted by JohnG in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, Travel Light on February 16th, 2010
Beyond Coastal Sun Care – Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Face Screen, Moisturizer
I avoid using sunblock that a) smells like a pina colada, b) washes off too quickly while swimming or c) dries my skin out. Beyond Coastal sun care products fit the bill as far as my “don’t” criteria go. In fact, Beyond Coastal sunscreen, lip balm, face screen and moisturizer are chock full of good stuff: natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, safflower oil, green tea and Vitamins A, C & E. And there’s none of the bad stuff: products are fragrance free, petroleum-oil free, paraben free and they’re made with no harsh, drying chemicals.
Another big bonus for folks who do a lot of ocean swimming on their vacations: Beyond Coastal natural formulas won’t harm marine environments. And the sunscreens come in 2.5-oz containers for carry-on travel.
I tested Beyond Coastal products during January trips to Jamaica and Lake Tahoe. Here’s the skinny (retail prices are from GearPipline.com, for the 2.5 oz variety, where applicable):
Daily Active Sunscreen: SPF 15 I used this version of the sunscreen — on my face and body — for walking around town. Like its marketing message promises, the silky lotion goes on smooth and absorbs quickly. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, just as all the other Beyond Coastal sunblocks do. I like it. $9.99
Active Sunscreen: SPF 30 This is what I used on my face for skiing and snowshoeing on sunny days, and what I put on before playing in the ocean. With the higher SPF, it obviously protects you longer before having to re-apply. Like its sister SPF 15 lotion, it’s non-greasy and fragrance free. $9.99
Natural Sunscreen: SPF 30 My husband rubbed this sunscreen all over his face, arms and chest one day while were in the Caribbean. When I saw him afterward he got a, “Dude. “What’s with the ghost look?” This formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxides (the products above do not), so it leaves behind a white sheen unless you rub it in really, really good. It’s the least favorite Beyond Coastal product I sampled (since I’m pale enough as it is), but I’d wear it on a snorkeling trip since the natural ingredients are safe for reefs and marine life. I’d also use this sunscreen on my kids — they don’t care what they look like, and I appreciate the natural ingredients on their sensitive skin. (There is a Beyond Coastal made-for-kids product with extra cocoa butter and shea butter.) $11.99
Natural Lip & Face Screen: SPF 30. This solid product comes in a handy little 1-oz tin. Its active ingredients are also zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and it’s peach-white color and waxy consistency don’t translate very well on the face, since it leaves that white residue behind. I’d only use this product if I were outside skiing under harsh conditions (lots of wind) or planning a day-long excursion on the water and wanted extra protection for my nose, lips and ears. $9.99
Natural Lip Balm: SPF 15. I love, love, love this lip balm. It does have some zinc oxide in it (but no whiteness on my lips!) for natural protection, but it also has a citrus flavor that makes it good enough to eat. The mix of oils, butters and even honey in this product create a consistency super smooth and soothing; I just feel like my lips are uber-protected when I smear this stuff on them. It comes in an oversized .25-oz tube ($4.99), as well as a standard .15-oz tube ($2.99).
After-Sun Moisturizer. I find most tiny-bottle, freebie hotel moisturizers are too runny and they smell too perfumey, so I always pack my own. This product has all sorts of awesome hydrating and nourishing ingredients: Vitamin B5, algae extract, safflower oil and aloe, among others. And it’s thick, but not too thick. Yummy stuff. $9.99
Search this store locator to find Beyond Coastal products in your local neck of the woods. Also check out Backcountry.com, where different combinations of ideal-for-travel trial-size kits are sold.
Related posts:
Posted by Kara in Travel Light on February 12th, 2010
A Cell Phone Booster that Works: Wilson Sleek
An unusual testing ground for a cell-phone booster
One of the world’s most important wetland areas might seem like an unusual place to test a cell-phone booster. But swampy Caddo Lake, surrounded by moss-draped cypress trees and straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, is mighty tough on mobile phones.
So that’s one of the places I went to test Wilson Electronics’ new Sleek Universal Cell Phone Signal Booster. There could be no better test than driving down Pine Island Rd., where I’ve spent a lot of time and always had trouble making calls. Sure enough, my phone soon showed no signal. Nothing. Zip. Completely out of touch.
I stopped in a dreaded “dead zone,” not too far from Caddo landmarks like Mill Pond, Alligator Thicket and Hell’s Half Acre. Then, I plugged in the Sleek amplifier. Just like magic, my phone began showing three and four bars (instead of none) and I was able to make calls like I was back in civilization.
Simply put, the Sleek works. And it works well.
The Sleek is scheduled for release in March, but the folks at Wilson invited me to try one before it hits the stores. Basically, the Sleek is a small amplifier, made for cars, that boosts both the received signal and the signal being transmitted back to the cell tower.
It can (and did) increase a cell phone’s received and transmitted signals by 10 to 20 times. That can mean the difference between a mediocre signal and a very strong signal, which means fewer dropped calls. Or if a phone shows no signal, the Sleek may be able to provide enough of a boost to actually make calls.
I did some further testing in other areas and found the Sleek would typically increase the signal strength displayed on my HTC Tilt2 by two to four bars (out of five). Then, I put the phone in test mode so I could see the actual received signal strength. The Sleek consistently increased the received signal by at least 10 times. Better signals also mean improved battery life.
It can be used with all cell-phone models and providers, except the iDEN/Nextel network.
All this works in a very small package that only takes minutes to install. The light and compact amplifier is built into the back of a cradle that holds the phone. The cradle is adjustable to fit different sizes of phones.
An adhesive mount is included. Wilson also offers other options, including a mounting arm that fits in a cup holder and a suction-cup mount that attaches to the windshield. These mounts are very handy if you also use your smartphone for GPS navigation.
The Sleek is powered by a lighter plug. The cradle also includes a mini-USB port which can be used to charge your phone. The amplifier is connected to a small, magnetic-mount antenna which attaches to the top of your car.
The phone must be in the cradle for the amplifier to work. But you should be using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device while driving anyway, right? If you need a Bluetooth headset, check out a couple of my faves: the Motorola Endeavor HX1 and the Plantronics Discovery 975.
(If you’d prefer an amplifier that works without placing the phone in the cradle, Wilson also offers the Signalboost MobilePro that connects wirelessly to the phone. It can be used in a car or hotel room to boost voice or aircard signals and a home adapter kit is also available. The phone needs to be within two or three feet of the amplifier, but it provides similar performance gains to the Sleek.)
Wilson Electronics' Chief Operating Officer Joe Banos demonstrates the Sleek at the 2010 International CES
The Sleek sets a new price point for cell-phone boosters, with a retail of $129. The actual street price may be close to $100. The Sleek is expected to be available through major online retailers and some brick-and-mortar stores.
Wilson products are made in the U.S. and the company offers free tech support, by phone or e-mail, from its manufacturing facility in Utah.
The Sleek will also include a 30-day, “no questions asked” return policy.
Wilson has been making cell-phone amplifiers for years, but the Sleek is a breakthrough product because of its small size and attractive price point. Other than not working on Nextel/iDEN networks, what’s not to like? In a world filled with advertising hype, it’s nice to find a product that delivers as promised.
If you do ever visit Caddo Lake, it might be a good idea to leave the cell phone behind and enjoy the scenery. But if you do need to make a call there, or in thousands of other places where signals are weak, the Sleek could have you saying, “I can hear you now” instead of watching your phone search for a signal. And that could be worth more than a case of mosquito spray at Caddo.
More on Caddo: Caddo Lake is included in the Ramsar designation of the world’s most significant wetland areas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department operates Caddo Lake State Park and Wildlife Management Area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also recently opened the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Caddo is also a favorite place to visit for musician Don Henley of the Eagles.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on February 8th, 2010
