Oh! Gizmo

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 ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Like the metal plate x-ray messages I wrote about a few months ago, these ‘weapon suitcases’ designed by PinkWolf (I assume) are basically just another way to get yourself a one-way ticket to an airport’s holding cell room. The suitcases feature a faux weapon like a knife, a handgun and even an ax molded into the lid and are actually available for sale by mail order. And while I have no idea how much they cost, you’ll also need to factor in the price of the ticket for the flight you’re going to miss if you decide to bring the suitcase along on your next trip.

[ PinkWolf's Weapon Suitcases ] VIA [ NOTCOT ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Wow! Over the years I’ve traveled with my fair share of overweight suitcases, but I think the most I ever tipped the scales was around 60 lbs, and that was for a checked bag. I’m really not sure who would need to travel with 300 lbs worth of clothing and toiletries, but this carry-on suitcase’s external frame allows you to do just that. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum so not only can it bear all the weight inside the suitcase, but it can even be used as a portable seat if you don’t feel like standing while waiting in line.

The suitcase uses a set of removable zippered pouches to keep things organized and/or separated, and when empty it only weighs 8 3/4 pounds. Given its size you’d probably need to fill it with those lead-lined aprons the dentist makes you wear during x-rays to max out the weight restriction, but it sure would be entertaining to watch someone struggle to hoist a 300 lb carry-on into an overhead compartment. The carry-on is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $289.95.

[ The Aircraft Aluminum Frame Carry On ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I’m a rather easy-going and patient kind of guy, but if there’s one thing that can instantly drive me to Incredible Hulk-like levels of rage is when my ears don’t ‘pop’ after I’ve gotten off a plane. Normally the suggested yawning or swallowing is enough to solve the problem, but every once in a while there’s just nothing that works and I have no choice but to just wait it out and try and control the beast inside me. Until now that is.

This ear pressure equalizing device is basically nothing more than a small pump that creates a vacuum in the outer ear canal that gently pushes the eardrum back into its original position. You just stick the tube in your ear, push the yellow membrane and you’re done. Of course there’s always a safety concern with any device you’re supposed to stick in your ear canal, but the Ear Pressure Equalizer features a safety vent that prevents the build-up of too much pressure. And if you still don’t think it’s safe, keep in mind it was developed by Professor Burkhard Franz, founder of the renowned Tinnitus Research and Balance Clinic in Melbourne Australia. If you can’t trust a professor, who can you trust? The whole thing packs up into a package that’s smaller than most mobile phones and can be yours from Pro-Idee for an inexplicably expensive $60+.

[ Ear Pressure Equalizer ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Those giant luxury motorhomes (McMotorhomes instead of McMansions?) that come complete with fold-out balconies and retracting flat screen TVs are nice and all, but you’re pretty limited to where you can actually take one. So for true flexibility when it comes to your next ‘camping’ trip you might want to check out the Private Explorer.

It’s basically a two-seater single-engine aircraft that doubles as a miniature cottage. While it doesn’t have anywhere near the luxuries of a bus-sized motorhome, it does manage to include a bed, a dining table, a fridge, a stove, a toilet, a shower, a water pump, and a heater making it considerably more comfortable than your standard tent. And since the Private Explorer comes with the option of adding floats, instead of just visiting the lake, you can use it as your actual runway. Understandably the Private Explorer will set you back about $102,000 ($130,000 CDN) which is pretty much what a well-equipped motorhome would run you. Though I’m not sure which one would have the higher gas bill.

[ Private Explorer ] VIA [ Born Rich ]

By Luke Anderson

How many of you have ever gotten stranded in an airport due to a canceled flight? I’ve only dealt with that on one occasion, and I can tell you that it’s not fun at all. Those chairs aren’t all that comfortable when you’ve been stuck in one for 8 or more hours, and you don’t get a lick of privacy. If you’re really worried about having a place to sleep, you could always get yourself a MiniMotel.

Essentially this is a small one-man tent that gives you a small semi-private place to sleep. While at first it might sound like a decent idea, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, since you don’t know when you’re going to get stranded, you’ll need to pack this in your carry-on luggage every single time you fly, which is by no means convenient. Second, this thing will no doubt have airport security on you faster than you can say “hijack”. Finally, you should remember that after you pay $50 for this thing, you’re still sleeping on the floor.

[ MiniMotel ] VIA [ FoolishGadgets ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, while I’m not exactly thrilled with having to deal with Customs lineups and random security searches whenever I fly to the U.S., I’m more than willing to take the ‘just suck it up’ approach, instead of the ‘let’s poke the bear’ approach. So in the future I probably won’t be traveling with these custom etched steel plates created by Evan Roth which are designed to show up whenever your luggage passes through an x-ray security machine. I’m sure 1 out of 1,000 Customs officers might find them amusing, but the other 999 who’ve been dealing with travelers all day probably won’t.

[ MAKE: Blog - Metal plates send messages to airport x-ray screeners ]

By Andrew Liszewski

The addition of wheels to a suitcase is probably one of the greatest innovations in travel the world has ever seen, but even the largest of wheels used on modern luggage can easily be tripped up by curbs, stairs, or even snow. However, none of those obstacles would be a problem for the Samsonite OBAG concept designed by Rooz Mousavi. The entire suitcase is one giant wheel which not only makes it easy to steer and maneuver, but also allows it to be dragged up a flight of stairs without ever having to lift it off the ground. The handle can be collapsed like on any other suitcase making it easy to store, and while the OBAG features a set of easy to access compartments on either side, I can probably wear more clothing than this suitcase could actually hold. So while it’s a great idea with a nice design, I’ll probably just stick with my standard, tiny wheeled luggage.

[ Yanko Design - Samsonite OBAG ] VIA [ Cribcandy ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Like power outlets, there never seem to be enough hangers available in a hotel room. And while I’m not exactly the type who has to keep all of my clothes hanging neatly in a closet, it can make things a bit easier when you’re living out of a suitcase for a week or so. You could solve the problem by going the aluminum folding travel hanger route, but I think these Blow Up hangers are a better solution since they take up considerably less room in your suitcase when deflated. But when fully inflated they should be able to support most garments, and not only will the rounded shape keep your clothes in “good form”, but they’re also safe to use with that wet shirt you just washed in the bathroom sink. They’re available in a 2-pack from Bosign for about $10.

[ Blow Up Hangers ] VIA [ productdose ]