From the functional to the quirky, check out the latest gadgets for globetrotters, including high-tech tools, simple problem-solvers and some out-of-sight apps.
 LIGHTWEIGHT ILLUMINATION
Making PowerPoint and video presentations in foreign countries and in unfamiliar conference rooms can be a hassle, but the process was made easier (and lighter) with the introduction of 3M’s new Mobile Projector MP220. With 50 lumens of brightness, two-hours of battery life and 2 GB of internal memory, you can actually store presentations on the projector–no laptop needed. Also recently released, the MP410 projector weighs less than a pound and projects a 300-lumen HD image of up to 80 inches. It is the company’s first AC-powered mobile projector and measures a tiny 24 cubic inches. www.3mmobileprojector.com
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 MUNCHY MULTITASKING
If you’ve ever been trapped in your office or a lunchtime meeting without silverware, stashing Dineink Pen Cap Cutlery in your desk or purse may help stave off future hunger pangs. This ingenious plasticware set will make sure you are never without a plate-to-mouth delivery device again and is a great tongue-in-cheek gift for workaholic planners. www.spoonsisters.com
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 TAG, YOU'RE IT
Cute and quirky Retro Luggage Tags will make your suitcase stand out on an airport carousel and put a smile on your face. If you love scooters, music, sushi or solving Rubix Cubes, tie these onto your travel luggage.
www.letravelstore.com
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 FLEXIBLE FITNESS
Yoga mats are difficult to stuff into suitcases for long-haul travel, but Yoga Paws can be easily stashed in a purse or carry-on and are perfect for yoga and Pilates, so globe-trotting planners and attendees can practice their downward dog from Denver to Delhi. Worn over the palms of hands and the balls of feet, the paws provide the needed grip, ventilation and traction. Stretch netting allows them to accommodate hands and feet of various sizes. www.spoonsisters.com
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 WIRE TAMER
Tired of headphone cords getting trapped and tangled while you’re on the road? Spooled–Wound for Sound will keep musical accessories tidy and organized. Wrap the cord around the silicone spool, stash the ear buds in the center for protection and never experience the frustration of untangling your headphone cords again. www.spoonsisters.com
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 LEAN ON ME
Created by a polio survivor, the Swany Walkin’ Bag makes travelling easier and more convenient for people with limited mobility or those suffering from injuries. You can sit on or lean against the suitcase and the spinner-style wheels make it easy to maneuver. The aluminum handle supports up to 250 lbs. The bags come in a variety of sizes, ranging from carry-ons to the larger 24-inch size. www.walkinbag.com
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 TECHY TYPING
The laser Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard projects a keyboard onto any flat, opaque service and is compatible with any iPad, iPhone, or Android phone. The device takes up less space than a traditional portable keyboard, and its invisible infrared sensor detects finger placement and can keep up with typing speeds up to 400 characters per minute. The keyboard comes with a USB/AC adapter and the rechargeable battery lasts up to 2.5 hours. www.hammacher.com
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| ASTOUNDING APPS |
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 Twoppy is a free social event experience app, with additional premium add-ons and features available that include dashboard images and custom event icons. Touting versatility and speed of set-up, the free version creates a distinct Web address for your event so users can visit it easily, and allows planners to add key social media information including Facebook fan pages and Twitter hashtags. Event organizers can also upload custom map images and add locations to event schedules.
www.twoppy.com
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 The Double Dutch Flock app promotes attendee interaction before, during and after events and can be branded and personalized for trade shows, conferences and meetings. Planners can utilize the agenda and photo feed, and ratings on speakers and activities capture quantitative data and provide feedback. Double Dutch, a small San Francisco start-up, also created Pride, an app for cross-functional work groups and small teams. Pride allows users to log tasks, check in to activities and generate productivity reports. www.doubledutch.me
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 TripAdvisor released an iTunes app version of its classic SeatGuru website, which allows users to search for flight fares and examine annotated seat maps for more than 100 airlines. The seats are ranked from green, indicating “good”, to red, meaning “should be avoided”, taking into acount legroom and other amenities. www.seatguru.com
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