015_TTGB gadgets 4/11/08 16:21 Page 15
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lifestyle
Paul Revel looks at travel-friendly gadgets, services and products
L55473
Porsche-designed lap top case
L55474
a35a35a35a35a35 Dane-Elec Zpen digital pen a35a35a35a35a35
A cream leather laptop case designed by Porsche... well, it’s This little device really caught my eye. An electronic pen
got to be good, hasn’t it? Well, yes and no. It depends what gizmo that can convert my handwriting into a text
you – or your client – want to project. If you’re going for the document? What a
“My laptop case costs more than my laptop” look, then this great idea. Of course
one’s for you. If, however, you’re more about projecting a we’ve seen similar
“Times are tough in the credit crunch” look, then avoid. technology before –
Traveller’sL50552
USER FRIENDLY: It looks beautiful, no denying that, writing on a PDA
but user friendly it ain’t. For a start it’s way too heavy and
choice: what
screen, software for
for a second it needs a shoulder strap. For a third, it has a
would you like
scanners and voice
clunky handle that doesn’t provide great grip, so you need recognition – which works with varying degrees of success.
to hold it very tight and close. Also, the colour means it will
to see reviewed
But this is the first example I’ve seen featuring ink on paper,
scuff up pretty quickly. I think that the look is ideal for a on this page? and a little, featherlight unit which clips to the top of a
woman executive, but the practicality – the weight – is not.
Email prevel@
page and reads the pen with its infra-red eye as you scribble.
L50552
POSITIVES: Lots of useful zip pockets inside and out,
ttgbusiness.com
L50552
REALITY: It sounded to good to be true – and, sadly,
large interior in soft black felt, a lovely finish and looks the reality doesn’t quite live up to the idea. The problem
amazing. It’s going to be durable and long-lasting as it comes with the handwriting conversion software – it doesn’t
has a rigid finish (hence the extra weight). read enough of the text correctly. My writing is appalling,
L50552
SUMMARY: This will definitely suit but I also tried it out on my better half, who has annoyingly
certain types of business traveller. If you neat script, and it wasn’t much better. The tedious recognition
have money to burn and want to look training programme needs patience – something I must be
stylish in your travels then this is the lacking as the results were no better. Others who tried it had
business: no vulgar logos, just a cool, better results, but still say careful, neat writing is needed.
super-subtle design. If money and
L50552
PRACTICALITY: It also acts as a 1GB flash stick and
practicality are important, then avoid. plugs into a USB port, so you can open your hand-written
However, as my partner said to me: “I’d pages on screen. They look pretty good, and there’s
definitely buy it if I had the money.” potential for quick transmission of sketches.
a44 Porsche-design laptop, £750. a44 Costs from £72 on 7dayshop.com and amazon.co.uk
www.porsche-design.com a44 www.danedigital.com
wellbeing
Reviewed… will cost £129 to send to the It uses FedEx and tracks
L50552
Here’s a service that US, and other items from items a minimum of six and
could take much of the grief golf bags to skis can also be up to 20 times en route.
out of flying – all those sent using this service. Customers can check the
hassles associated with An ex-UK delivery to real-time progress of their
luggage. And there are Euro-destinations is £85, luggage online.
plenty. From struggling with but other worldwide It also highlights excess
suitcases in taxis or on destinations can be a lot weight fees on some low-
public transport, to long more (UK-Australia is £319). cost airlines – Ryanair
queues at check-in, to eye- So it’s not cheap, but FL charges £12 per kilo on
watering excess baggage points to the size of excess luggage over 15kg – so
fees and, of course, luggage baggage out the benefits of a 30kg suitcase would cost a
going missing and waiting at security for valuable mindboggling £180 in
the carousel…. possessions – the firm excess baggage fees.
With the service from First highlights its record for a44 For more information,
Luggage, a 30kg suitcase safety and reliability. visit firstluggage.com
....Travel reviews: Hotels in the Baltic region, and Air Baltic p51
ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
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