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What's New, What's Hot is Travel Weekly's look at useful and fun travel gadgets, edited by Joe Rosen. Click on the image to open a slideshow of all of the featured products for May.
Wake-Up Systems. Having trouble getting up in time for that early-morning airline departure? You might want to pick up one of these up-and-at-'em devices:
- Sound Oasis Travel Sleep Therapy System: Just the thing for road warriors, this compact clock features 18 soothing nature sounds designed to enable restless travelers to drift off to sleep. Wake-up is courtesy of four alarm types that include what is described as a jet-lag reduction sound "that helps the body synch to new time zones," as well as a self-set voice memo. Other useful features for those on the go are dual time settings for home and away, an auxiliary jack and a travel pouch. An off timer and snoozer help complete the picture. Powered by four AA batteries or an included global adapter set that works in any country. $89.99; www.sound-oasis.com.
Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock: This instrument from Hammacher Schlemmer offers three ways to gently rouse you. Thirty seconds before wake-up, the clock's light begins to glow gently, increasing in intensity over the next 30 minutes. Simultaneously, the device can release scents including pear, vanilla and lavender from four included aromatherapy beads (or you can use your own oils) to stimulate your olfactory senses. To complete this three-pronged approach to consciousness, 15 minutes before wake-up, the clock generates your choice of six nature sounds, concluding with the sound of a chime that gradually increases in volume. Shaped somewhat like a foreshortened pyramid, the Peaceful Progression, which used three AA batteries for backup, includes a snooze feature, automatic shut-off options and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack. $99.95; www.hammacher.com.- Sonic Alert SPB 100: Another device small enough for a carry-on but powerful enough to rouse the heaviest sleeper, this lightweight, battery-operated travel clock comes with a pillow vibrator that puts the shake in "shake a leg." A 90-decibel alarm will also get your attention. Try sleeping through those two. The Sonic Alert, which runs on two AA batteries, includes a travel case and a pillow strap to secure the alarm to your pillow. Other attributes are a pop-up display with convenience light and a snooze setting. $34.95; www.sonicalert.com.
For iPads, Max and Mini
- Garrison Folio Case: This practical case from BodyGuardz for the iPad 2,3 and up (and Kindle Fire), unlike Apple's proprietary case, covers both the back and front of your iPad, providing an extra level of protection. The Garrison Folio, of course, allows full access to the screen, controls and ports and its bi-fold, leather screen cover, which folds back to form a landscape stand, offers the convenient wake/sleep function. An anti-glare, anti-fingerprint screen protector is included. The case, which adds minimal thickness to your iPad, weighs only 3.2 ounces and measures 10.3 x 0.6 x 7.9 inches. $49.95; www.bodyguardz.com.
- Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case: Made with 100% premium leather, the classy Milano from MapiCases not only protects your Mini with a zip closure on three sides, it also babies the device with a fully lined fabric interior that includes two credit card slots and a pocket for flight documents and the like. Designed so that it offers complete accessibility during a flight, the Milano comes in four colors (brown, black, tan and red). One caveat: You have to remove your iPad from the case to take a photo; there is no hole for the camera. $200; www.mapicases.com.
Got something for What's New, What's Hot? Email Joe Rosen at [email protected].