Technology On Vacation FeatureTechnology On Vacation Feature

TECHNOLOGY ON VACATIONTECHNOLOGY ON VACATION

Getting away from it all can get even better when you bring your technology along for the ride. Check out our helpful tech tips for great vacations – from packing to getting there to keeping the kids happy along the way.

6 Vacation Apps Before you go, try these helpful apps. (Don’t forget to send us a postcard.)
Backyard Getaway Make your backyard the perfect summer vacation spot (no reservations required).
Rugged Technology Live on the edge or lounge in the lake. We found tech that can go with you.
TV To Go Want to watch TV when you're away from your TV? You've got options (Lots of 'em).
Tech 101: Digital Photo Basics Think taking pictures is simple? Well, it is, but now what?
Summer Movies We watched WAY too many films about summer and found a theme (seven actually).
Stay Connected on Vacation Can’t bear to go off the grid? Here’s how to keep plugged in while traveling.
Tech 101: GPS Basics Wondering where you are? Where you're heading? GPS to the rescue.
Tech Tips for International Travel Heading overseas? Here’s what to pack in your gunny sack.
Before You Go Here’s your technology checklist (so you don’t leave home without it).
Are We There Yet? The answer is NO. But here’s how to keep the kids entertained along the way.

APPS FOR THE ROADAPPS FOR THE ROAD

Kayak

iPhone, Blackberry, Android and more: Get flight, hotel and car rental info in a snap with KAYAK’s free travel app. The app also includes KAYAK Trips so you can easily manage your itinerary from anywhere.

I want this app!

uPackingList

iPhone, iPad: uPackingList is a free app designed to turn packing into fast and convenient activity for any journey – business trip, vacation, family picnic, fishing, theme park etc.

I want this app!

Road Trip Lite

iPhone: Turn your iPhone into a road trip expense tracker and keep tabs on gas prices, fuel economy, even repair costs. Road Trip Lite is especially useful for groups to divvy up road trip expenses.

I want this app!

Urbanspoon

iPhone, iPad, Android: If you enjoy food and slot machines, then Urbanspoon is your best bet. This free app helps you find great restaurants based on your cravings. Just shake it until you find a restaurant that looks promising.

I want this app!

Google Sky Map

Android: Discover the night sky just by pointing your phone to space. By using your Android phone's orientation sensors, Google Sky Map can show you a star map from a campground, backyard or creepy truck stop.

I want this app!

My Vacation

iPhone, iPad: Tired of crummy, over-priced postcards getting lost in the snail mail? Now you can create picture perfect postcards on the road and send them to your friends (and frenamies) from your iPhone.

I want this app!

Layar

Android, iPhone 3GS: See beyond the map. By using a combination of your phone’s camera and GPS data, the Layar Reality Browser can identify your location and literally show you the sights you may be missing.

I want this app!

Yelp

Android, iPhone, Blackberry and more: Not sure what to do in your chosen destination? Try Yelp. It’s the fun and easy way to find reviews and see what's great (and not so great) in the city you're in.

I want this app!

Trapster

iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and more: Even the most cautious drivers can sometimes make mistakes. Trapster® is a FREE app that alerts you to speed traps, red light and speed cameras, police check points, and more. But don't speed.

I want this app!

GPSed

iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and more: Record your trips anywhere on Earth using your mobile device. Tracks are traced on Google Maps and stored in an online archive. All you need to start tracking is a mobile device with a GPS receiver.

I want this app!

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FREE WI-FI FOR ALL!FREE WI-FI FOR ALL!

Hotels

Typically, the more expensive the hotel, the more expensive the Internet access. Go figure. Luckily, many 2- and 3-star chains like Hampton, Courtyard By Marriott, Red Roof Inn, and Holiday Inn Express offer free high-speed access (it’s not always Wi-Fi, though).

Places with books

You’ll have to be quiet while you’re using it, but many public libraries have free Wi-Fi. Sometimes the local bookstore will have it too, but if you want to be sure, go to Barnes & Noble. It’s free at every location.

Want something for nothing?

Free mobile apps like Wi-Fi Finder make finding free Wi-Fi easy. But what if your phone can’t do apps, or your battery dies? Luckily, there are some common places to get a complimentary connection. Click the arrows below to find out where.

Airports

You’ll have to pay at LAX and Newark, but free Wi-Fi is an increasingly popular offering at smaller airports like Cedar Rapids and Reno. You’ll also find it in Phoenix, Orlando, Charlotte, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, even Anchorage.

Proceed with Caution

Free Wi-Fi has its drawbacks: Signal strength can be spotty, and it’s not very secure. Hackers have been known to set up fake hotspots to steal data, so be certain it’s legit, use a VPN when possible and make sure your security software is up to date.

Restaurants

Hungry for some free Wi-Fi? Most Paneras have it. Many McDonald’s do too. You also might find it at Burger King, IHOP, Krispy Kreme, Schlotzsky’s, Taco Bell and Denny’s (we suggest the Moons Over My Hammy).

Coffee shops

Major chains like Caribou Coffee, Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee & Tea typically offer complimentary Wi-Fi, but many of the independents do, too. Of course, you’ll need to buy a cup of joe (or a $9 scone) so you don’t feel like a freeloader.

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WHAT THE PLUG?WHAT THE PLUG?

Composite Video / Stereo Audio

These solid, dependable A/V cables create sound that you can hear and a picture you can see. Nothing fancy, but life would suck without them (although life would suck less with HDMI...).

Coaxial Digital Audio

Let your receiver do the job it was born to do, and hook it digitally to your DVD or CD player. This electrical connection offers a much sweeter sound. Coaxial. That’s a funny word. Coaxial.

Coaxial A/V Connection or RF

This guy has been known to hook cable or satellite to your TV. It’s also been known to make you bleed if you poke it. Much like smooth jazz, it should come with a warning label.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

They made it on digital. You watch it on digital. This high-bandwidth connection bypasses those dreaded analog video conversions (analog video conversion = eating soup with a fork).

Stereo Audio Connection

Basic 2-channel analog connection gets sound moving from your CD player to your home theater receiver. Available in white and red. Operators are standing by…in 1987.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

USB was supposed to eliminate all other cables. By the time it does that, cables will be obsolete. Until then, it gets most stuff into and out of computers, including newer TVs. No bus pass needed.

HDMI

Simply put, this convenient, one-cable solution for digital connectivity means:
High (maximum sweetness) Definition (every little detail) Multimedia (whatever you’ve got) Interface (CONNECTED).

Component Video Connection

If you’re currently using a S-video connection, this tri-colored beauty is a step up. If you’re currently using an HDMI connection, it’s a step down. Like Malcolm, it’s in the middle.

Ethernet

For wicked fast streaming and downloading, run this beauty directly between your Connected TV and your router. It’s reliable. It’s secure. Perfect for long walks on the Interweb.

Optical Digital Audio

Get clearer sound from your CD or DVD player by connecting digitally to your receiver. Optical signal means less interference, thus making explicit lyrics more explicit.

RGB Connection

It’s not just for monitors anymore. If your TV has one, connect it to your computer and play PC games on your plasma. If you have surround sound, even better (for you, not the neighbors).

S-Video Connection

The S-Video squeezes all of the color and light from your VHS, Hi8 or DVD player and pours it onto your screen. If HDMI is an option and you’re using this, it’s time for an intervention.

Switchbox

Perfect for hooking your Atari up to your Zenith. If you’re still using one, put down the Missile Command and come in for an upgrade (and bring that analog TV, we’ll recycle it).

IEEE-1394 Connection

AKA FireWire or iLink. With enough of these, you can connect up to 63 compatible, electronic devices and—theoretically—control them all with one remote. Perfect for control freaks.

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