Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard
The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard connects to PDAs and smartphones to allow you to do high-speed data entry without wearing your thumbs smooth. The matchbox-sized device projects a full QWERTY keyboard onto any flat surface and runs for 120 minutes on a rechargeable battery – an unfortunate limitation for those in seats lacking outlets. Does it work as well as a real keyboard? No, but it’s a great conversation starter.
Price: US$139.99
Philips PET723 portable DVD player
The Philips PET723 looks slick and can play just about anything: DVDs, MPEG4 or DivX on discs or SD memory cards. The downsides are the screen, which is only 7 inches, and the fact that it can’t be connected to an iPod. Also, its rechargeable battery will run for "up to" two hours, which means it might well run out of juice if you’re flying economy class – precisely the place you are most likely to use it. That said, it beats the in-flight movie.
Retail price: US$88-US$122
Available from multiple vendors
Shower Shock
Sometimes a hectic schedule does not afford enough time to take a shower and drink a cup of coffee, both key to recovering from jetlag. Alternatively, you might just be lazy. Either way, consider Shower Shock caffeinated soap. The all-vegetable based glycerin soap is perfumed with peppermint oil and infused with caffeine. Shower Shock Travel Edition lasts for about 4.5 showers and dispenses around 200 milligrams of caffeine per wash (compared to the average cup of coffee’s 65-175mg of caffeine). Skin absorbs caffeine, so putting the bar of soap in your mouth is unnecessary.
Price: US$2.99
N.A.P. Travel Flight Kit
This three-piece set comes with inflatable u-pillow, plush eye mask with adjustable strap, and conforming earplugs – all color-coordinated. While any one of these items can be purchased separately, it’s easier to buy them all together. Pop a pill or slosh back a glass of wine, and check out for the remainder of the flight.
Retail price: US$30.00
Shure SE310 sound-isolating earbuds
These small earbud headphones don’t take up all the space of other noise-canceling headphones but still deliver high-quality sound and resistance to ambient noise. The SE310 model, which features a high-definition microphone and speakers, comes with multiple eartips to ensure a comfortable fit. However, the advantage of earphones that fit snuggly in your pocket amounts to one big disadvantage elsewhere: These earbuds are so inconspicuous no one will appreciate how much you spent on them.
Price: US$249.95
Available from multiple vendors
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