I find that headphones are more than sufficient for my audio needs while traveling, but if for some reason you feel the need to bring a desktop-like speaker with you then the Orbit USB from Altec Lansing should fit the bill. It’s powered by the USB connection, which usually doesn’t bode well when it comes to volume levels, but its size (it fits in the palm of a generously sized hand) and something Altec Lansing calls ‘audio alignment technology’ apparently dishes out “astonishing volume.” It’s also got a small pop-up stand on the bottom, and the 16-inch USB cable winds into the base for easy transport. $49.95 according to the Altec Lansing website.

[ Altec Lansing Orbit USB ] VIA [ Acquire ]

While definitely slick looking, I think these new suitcases, that are a result of a partnership between McLaren and Samsonite, might actually venture a bit too far into overkill territory. The luxury bags, which start at $326 and will be available in the Fall or Winter, feature a high-end suspension system for the wheels which absorbs the impact of bumpy or uneven terrain to protect what’s inside the bag. It’s a clever idea and all, but until they develop a suspension system that protects your suitcase from baggage handlers, I’m not interested.

[ AME Info - Samsonite partners with McLaren ] VIA [ Born Rich ]

If you feel the need to bring something like a humidifier with you when you travel, odds are you’re not a light packer. But the Air-O-Swiss Travel Humidifier is compact enough for even those who travel with just a backpack since it doesn’t have a built-in water tank. Instead, it uses a plastic water bottle which you simply cap with a special adapter and the stick into the device. Ultrasonic technology is then used to produce a micro-fine mist which is blown into the room where it evaporates, increasing the humidity. It also comes with a handy transcontinental AC adapter and exchangeable plugs allowing it to be used in any country, and there’s even an auto-shut-off for when the bottle runs dry in the middle of the night. $59.99 from Air-O-Swiss.

[ Air-O-Swiss Travel Humidifier ]

Because of its small size and even smaller receiver, I typically recommend Logitech’s wireless VX Nano mouse for travelers not thrilled with their laptop’s touchpad. But it can be a bit pricey at times, so if you’d prefer to go with a more affordable corded model, the Elecom M-MK1UR features a handy rubber skirt that can be lifted allowing you to wind up and store the USB cable when not in use. It’s available for pre-order now from Geek Stuff 4 U in a variety of colors for about $41.

[ Elecom M-MK1UR Travel Mouse ] VIA [ Akihabara News ]

By Chris Scott Barr

As the old saying goes “when you gotta go, you gotta go.” Most of the time you are able to find a bathroom somewhere close, however, sometimes there isn’t one in sight. But on the rare occasion that you can no longer wait, and have nowhere to go, you can turn to these TravelJohn Disposable Urinals.

No, this isn’t something that you get excited about using, but I suppose it beats the alternative. For guys, we can usually find a tree or something to go behind (provided it’s not too public of a place), but girls have a much harder time. Either way, this thing would beat peeing your pants. Just do your business (number 1 only) in the pouch, and it will instantly turn into a gel. Then just toss it in the nearest trash can. You can get a box of 18 for $12.

[ Amazon ] VIA [ Dvice ]

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas and Star Trek: The Experience at the Hilton, that photo I took at CES this year won’t make much sense to you. But if you ever had the chance to eat an over-priced novelty-themed meal at Quark’s bar, or experience the ‘transporter effect’ on the Star Trek ride, you might recognize that as the front entrance to Star Trek: The Experience, which is now boarded up since it was officially shut down last September thanks to a contract dispute.

But all is not lost. According to SCI FI Wire a new contract has been signed with CBS/Paramount that will see Star Trek: The Experience re-open in Vegas on May 8 to coincide with the release of the new Star Trek movie. (Thanks again, Mr. Abrams!) However, the new trek experience will actually be moved to the Neonopolis Center in downtown Las Vegas (close to Fremont street) and it will feature a new restaurant and retail shop at opening, with new Star Trek rides being planned for 2010.

So the original Star Trek: Experience at the Hilton is officially gone forever, but like with the movies, I think the franchise can definitely benefit from a fresh start.

[ SCI FI Wire - Confirmed: New contract to keep Star Trek The Experience alive in Vegas ]

There’s no doubt about it, those ‘pillows’ they distribute on airplanes during long flights just don’t cut it if you’re in the need for some serious sleep recovery. I’m pretty sure the bags of peanuts they hand out (or used to) have more stuffing in them, so that’s why you need to start bringing your own. And what could be easier to travel with than this Take Me Anywhere suitcase pillow made by Etsy seller Olive. It comes complete with a carrying handle and a luggage tag that can be custom stitched with any destination at no additional charge. Sure, it would probably count as one of your carry-on items and sure, at $40 it’s an expensive alternative to something the airlines hand out for free, but anything that makes economy class more enjoyable is worth it in my opinion.

[ Etsy - Olive's Shop - Take Me Anywhere Suitcase Pillows ] VIA [ Cribcandy ]

By Luke Anderson

I haven’t done an excessive amount of flying in my life, but enough to discover that the seats aren’t very comfortable. It would be nice to fly First Class for once, but those seats are always out of my price range. So instead of paying big bucks for an upgrade, now you can buy a product that promises to give you the comforts of First Class, while still sitting in Coach.

Essentially this 1st Class Sleeper is a blow-up pillow that is supposed to give extra support for your lower back and shoulders while cradling your head and neck. It is only roughly the size of a fold-up umbrella when deflated, and you’ll need to bring your own hot air to fill it with. For $30, it might be worth trying if you do a lot of flying.

[ Skymall ] VIA [ RGS ]

While it’s obviously just a concept at this time (and will probably forever remain that way) the Climbing UP suitcase designed by Woo Moonhyung tackles the issue of dragging your heavy luggage across uneven surfaces and even up stairs. Instead of using a single set of wheels or casters on the bottom, the Climbing UP suitcase features a set of free-wheeling rubber belt tracks that cover the entire body of the suitcase. The design not only allows you to easily pull a suitcase up a flight of stairs, but the continuous track means you can also pull the suitcase from the front or back. And since it’s not a motorized system, there’s minimal added weight or size. It’s a pretty clever idea which actually won Woo Moonhyung the 2008 red dot design concept award. So maybe the idea might actually become a reality some day.

[ red dot design award - Climbing UP Suitcase ] VIA [ I New Idea Homepage ]

By Luke Anderson

I’m generally plenty comfortable typing away on my laptop’s keyboard, however, rarely do I find myself writing anything at great length on it. I would imagine that after a while I would long for the full-size keys on my office keyboard. Since most keyboards are too large to fit in a laptop case, you don’t see too many people carrying them around. However, this new keyboard from Atek might just fit.

The keyboard is said to have 99 full-size keys, yet still be small and light enough to pack away in your laptop bag. The 3-foot USB cord conveniently wraps around the keyboard, underneath the protective cover. For $30 I’d say its a worthwhile investment for people that do a lot of typing on the road.

[ Atek ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]