Gearing Up
I’m the first to admit it’s a bit twisted to talk about the gear we’re buying for this trip so soon after I’ve written about how good it feels to get rid of our belongings. What can I say? I’m a walking contradiction.
Not to mention a gadget freak.
So here are some of my “finds” – gear that may or may not be useful on our trip.
The ASUS eeePC (below left) is an amazing little computer – not big enough to be a workhorse laptop – but definitely more useful than a Blackberry-type device.
The Nokia E61 (below right) is a very nice unlocked quad-band phone. I’ve installed a MaxRoam world SIM card and TruPhone software that provides the option of low cost international calling over wi-fi networks.
The Leatherman Wave. 18 Tools. A Million Solutions. Say No More.
Dani found the SteriPen – a UV device that will sterilize water. Not something to use every day, but when you need it, you really need it.
This little gadget is truly amazing – the Aiptek HD video camera. It shoots nice quality HD video and fits in the palm of your hand. Best of all – it cost just $140.
Finally, there’s the IronKey, an encrypted USB flash drive that comes preloaded with Firefox. It facilitates safe web surfing in Internet cafes and helps to protect your passwords. It may not be foolproof, but it does give another level of protection.
And, it is worth noting, the picture also contains the best pen on the market today: The Pilot G-2 Gel Pen. Combine it with a Moleskine notebook and you become a bonafide travel writer.
12 comments
“gadget freak” hahahaha… it’s not your fault that there are so many new cool stuff every day!
we’ve just bought the little tiny Asus too! and some other gadgets that will soon be in our site..
the SteriPen is a great idea! and they have a dealer in NZ, yay! thanks for finding it, Dani. =)
ooo fancy. I need to get one of those little video recorders. Price sounds good too. I look forward to seeing how the video quality comes out.
Those are great gadgets!
10 days is so excitingly close. I am really looking forward to following your journey.
I think we’re getting our computer delivered today, and I’m excited, especially since I don’t know the first thing about it. I handed that job off to Jeff, and he completely handled it. It was kind of nice. A Steripen is on our list, and I’m going to look into the IronKey.
That ASUS laptop looks interesting. I’d like something smaller than my laptop (and lighter) to lug around.
Did you *research* your steripen options? We are just looking into them now – wondering if you have anything to add other than “we found this one” 😉
ie do they do more than simply boiling would? can they handle a large quantity of water? how long can they be expected to last ( a long time I hope given the price of them!)….
Rachael:
Here’s a link to a pretty typical review:
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001822.php
And here’s the device specs:
http://www.steripen.com/steripen_products.html
I suppose we won’t know for sure till we field test it – but it has certainly gotten good reviews and word of mouth.
Is Lloyd sending you off with one of our new favs: the colorful silk covered moleskine? They are great… we bought all the last ones from our local plaza art store.
http://www.fineartstore.com/Catalog/tabid/365/List/1/CategoryID/13178/Level/a/Default.aspx
Wow leatherman, nice. Great gear, and the truth is half this stuff will replaces a whole category of things you’ll need on the trip, so I still think it counts as downsizing!
That pen sounds like something that fell out of a Star Trek episode. Cipro can be had for cheap in Asia if it fails you–hopefully not.
I think about all the bottled water I drink out here, a shame really. Take a look at these guys, they made me think as I’m on my third bottle today: http://www.junkraft.blogspot.com/
The other toys are very cool too. Your leatherman will serve you well. Can I add something else to your bag? We find these handy: http://www.orikaso.com/ A nice tip from our friends over at vwvagabonds.
The only thing left to get is a good sherpa!
Just wondering what software you use to edit your videos on the little PC? 🙂
@Megan- We’ve edited our videos on a MacBook using iMovie… I highly recommend both! –Craig