It seems like I always need to look up just one more thing on my computer and most of the time, I think it’ll be a lot quicker if I don’t bother to turn on the light. That would be fine if I could actually type in the dark with any degree of accuracy, but I can’t. This doesn’t deter me though, as I will continue to misspell each word that I’m trying to type at least twice.
Wouldn’t it be so much easier to just turn on a light? Yup. Am I going to do it? Nope. That’s what the Mantis Multi-Purpose LED Light (Latest Buy, $35.95) is for. Yes, I know that it’s technically a light but it’s not an overhead light so it doesn’t count in my book. This clip-on light features 11 LED lights that can provide up to 30 hours of majestic glow for your keyboard. Also boasting two flip-out legs with rubberized end pieces to prevent slipping, the light can stand up to be used on just about any flat surface. Did you want to read a book whilst traveling without disturbing your neighbor’s sleep cycle? It’s not a problem because this portable light is battery operated for your convenience.
Yet another magical product for the lazy generation. Amen.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Clip on task lamp brightens workspace
-11 LEDs provide illumination
-Approximately 30 hours of light
-2 levels of brightness
-Clip allows light to rotate
-Rubberized end pieces prevent slipping
-Battery operated
-Portable
-2 flip out legs
One time I was driving from my place to a friend’s house after work, which was about a three hour drive, and I really had to pee. I mean, really had to go. I was probably about 10 miles or so from his house, but I didn’t think I could even make it that long so I pulled over at the next exit and hoped there would be a bathroom nearby. Well, I was in luck because I found a bathroom, it just happened to be in a sketch city gas station. The minute I got in there, I knew I would have preferred to pee my pants. Not only was it disgusting, but I almost got trapped in there and I had left my phone in the car. All signs immediately began to point to panic.
Obviously I (barely) survived, but it made me think twice about randomly selecting public facilities. Since you can’t always choose the cleanest restroom, it pays to be prepared for the worst with the Public Toilet Survival Kit (Perpetual Kid, $4.99). Although this kit won’t make the bathroom any less creepy, it will prepare you to deal with its grossness. Inside the metal tin you get a toilet seat cover (a luxury that gas station bathrooms do not have), two antiseptic wipes (in case you touch anything), and a pair of latex gloves. Better safe than sorry!
The only thing missing from this kit is a mini roll of toilet paper. Chances are, if you’re in a nasty ass bathroom, there isn’t anything but a tiny scrap of toilet paper mocking you from the naked cardboard roll. Do yourself a favor and stash some in this kit.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.75″ x 2″ x 1″ (metal tin)
-Always be prepared for public restrooms
-Includes 1 toilet seat cover, 2 antiseptic wipes, and 1 pair of latex gloves
-Great for travel
When traveling, it’s important to pack light. Not only will it save you a few bucks when it comes to checking baggage, but you also won’t have to cart around a bunch of junk that you’re never gonna wear/use. However, packing light doesn’t mean you should compromise on the essentials. What are the essentials? Well, that all depends on you.
If you’re a gadget fiend, then you’ll want to make sure that you have every piece of mobile media you can carry. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that you have the power source for your media, or else you’ll be a sad panda by the end of day two. The FlipIt! USB Stealth Charger (ThinkGeek, $13.99) is the perfect gadget companion for the traveling geek because it takes any traditional power source and uses it to your advantage. How does it do that? The device fits over a standard outlet and leeches power from the device being charged there, converting it to USB power that can in turn be used to charge your iPhone, iPod, or any other mobile device. Because it works with an in-use power source, you’ll be able to power your electronics just about anywhere even if all the available outlets are taken. Take that, overcrowded airport gate!
I’d keep an eye on this baby though – it’s just the type of awesome technology that someone will try to shiest from you when you’re not looking.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 2.35″ x 1.3″ x 0.67″
-USB charger for mobile devices
-Leeches power from in use power lines
-Supplies 1000mA (1A) at 5V
-Contact pad rotates 270 degrees for easy access
Have you ever found yourself out and about, wishing you could sit down only there were no available seating surfaces? Most of us would just tough it out or make do with the options available. I once sat on a freezing cold curb in Chicago for a solid three hours because it seemed better than standing. True story.
If you simply must have a chair at a moment’s notice and you don’t want to actually cart around a chair with you at all times, then the Pocket Chair (Things You Never Knew Existed, $9.98) is for you. In case you can’t already tell by the name, it’s a chair…that fits in your pocket! Now, don’t get your hopes up; it’s not like you’re gonna be able to fit a La-Z-Boy in your pocket. Is it a pathetic excuse for a chair? Yeah. Is it a million times better than not having a pathetic excuse for a chair? You bet. As long as you don’t expect to be sitting on a cloud, you’ll be fine.
This chair allegedly supports up to 250 pounds. Who wants to test that out?
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 9.25″ x 6.25″ folded
-Capacity: Up to 250lbs
-Chair that fits in your pocket
-Includes chair and carrying case
-Study lightweight steel
-Stitched nylon canvas seat
I try to be responsible and keep all my important documents in one place so that in case there’s some sort of emergency like an earthquake or hurricane, I’ll be prepared. That being said, my most important bits of information aren’t exactly safe in terms of theft. Gee, I wonder if someone could steal my identity if they had my passport and every other bit of residential proof they need to become me on paper? Well, the joke’s on them because I’m gonna start locking that shit up.
You can stick all the important documents you like in a fireproof safe or in a safety deposit box at the bank, but nothing is as securely portable as the Mobi Safe (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $13.95). Just large enough to protect the essentials, this safe comes complete with a 4-digit combination lock and a vinyl coated aircraft steel cable. So you could even tether this safe to your wrist if you felt that such a drastic action was necessary. Personally, the combo lock is enough peace of mind for me.
Why trust a sketchy hotel safe when you can lock up your cash in this thing instead?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Portable safe
-Holds small objects like phone and cash
-4 digit Combination lock
-Vinyl coated aircraft steel cable
