Summertime and the travelling is easy – as long as you pick up a few useful gadgets to keep you safe and organized along the way. Our collection of helpful road trip gadgets will keep you connected, relaxed and stress free so you can enjoy your vacation. Get prepared for your next road trip!
Get rid of the hidden key
Send an eKey to your housesitter, dog walker or neighbour watering the plants with a Weiser Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt Lock. Using Bluetooth technology, Kevo automatically connects to any connected smartphone or fob and unlocks the door with just a touch. Smart positioning technology allows Kevo to determine if you are inside or outside to help prevent unauthorized entry.
The Kevo SmartKey Deadbolt Cylinder surpasses the most stringent lock picking standards UL 437, par 11.6. It’s also got BumpGuard to prevent lock bumping. Download the Kevo mobile and web app so you can send, disable and delete eKeys while viewing a history of lock activity so you know who has been in and out of your home while you are away. Easy to install, Kevo can replace your existing deadbolt lock and fits any standard door with no additional screw holes needed. Compatible with the Apple iPhone 4s generation and up; 5th generation iPod touch and newer; 3rd generation iPad and newer; and iPad mini and newer. No power or internet required!
Keep an eye on things
Don’t spend your trip worrying about what is happening back home. The Swann 4 Camera DVR Security System will give you peace of mind. The system is equipped with four high resolution 700TVL cameras that have powerful night vision up to 25 metres 82 feet. The Swann DVR9-4200 9 Channel 960H Digital Video Recorder and PRO-642 Cameras capture every detail. Indoor and outdoor recording is at 30fps per channel (270fps total) for images four times sharper.
You can watch live or playback HD video of your home on your smartphone and tablet using an HDMI connection or VGA port. The system uses H.264 video compression for efficiency and the TruBlue blue-lit 960H DVR provides widescreen DVD-quality video viewing. Each channel is independently configurable, so you can record 9 channels for more than 28 days. Incident video is easy to external storage via a USB, eSATA, or network connection.
The Q-See 4-Channel offers real-time surveillance so you can keep an eye on what’s important to you while you are away. The QC304 has connections for up to weatherproof four cameras (two are included in to kit) that can be set at any angles using the sturdy camera mounting brackets. These brackets allow for precise positioning but also protect the cables by safely routing them behind.
With an effective pixel resolution of 728×488, the QM6010B cameras record detailed images that you can access from securely from any Internet connection in the world or from your 3G capable smartphone or tablet. A 500GB hard drive gives you the space you need to store your recordings. See everything at home while you are away.
The Dropcam Pro Wireless Video Monitor Camera lets you peer into your home you’re on the road. This cloud-based WiFi video monitoring service records crisp full HD video day and night with camera equipped with pro optics.
Dropcam records sharp and crystal clear HD video with a 130-degree field of view and the8x zoom lets you get closer in on the action. A two-way talk feature lest you communicate with people and pets, so your pet sitter can easily check in with you. Stream safely with bank-level security and receive motion and sound notifications directly to your mobile device.
Easy to set up, Dropcam mobile and web apps let you watch recordings remotely from your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can review and make clips from up to 30 days of recording. Turn your camera on and off based on your location. Even better — it will be waiting for you to use after the vacay.
Stay connected in the car
Charge in the car with the Adreama DC Duo USB Car Charger. The top port can charge your mobile phone and the bottom port can charge your tablet. It’s compatible with all mobile phone and tablet brands.
The Rocketfish micro USB charging bundle includes a combo charger and micro USB cable for your mobile devices. This is a two-in-one charger; plug it into your vehicle or into any electric outlet inside. The kit includes a car charger, wall charger, and micro USB cable all linked together for easy transportation. Compatible with any mobile phones and devices with micro USB connectivity, including select Samsung phones and tablets.
Find your way to paradise
Never get lost on the open road with the TomTom World Traveller Edition. This handy GPS unit let’s you Canada, the US, Mexico and Western Europe like a local. Find your way around the highways as well as the points of interest using the 12.7 (5in) touchscreen.
The easy to see maps, images and texts can also be put into a Split Junction View so you can see two views at once and never miss your exit. Get real-time travel with IQ routes that gives the fastest and more accuratre route to follow. The TomTom Help Me! Emergency Menu finds local emergency services when you need them most. Comes with Lifetime Maps so you always have most up-to-date maps every few months. Use the windshield mount to keep your TomTom route front and centre.
Stay connected at the cottage
No point installing security systems if you don’t stay connected to view what’s happening. The ZAGGsparq 3100 Portable Backup USB Charger keeps all your essential devices charged. You can charge two different gadgets at a time thanks to the two different USB ports. The built-in prongs mean no need for separate cables and the rechargeable lithium polymer battery means fast charging for your device. An on/off button lets you conserve power and the five LED lighting system shows you how far along you are with getting recharged.
Save space with the ultra slim NuPower Stix Battery Bank. This 2800 mAh universal power bank has a DC 5V 1A input/output voltage for easy and efficient charging on the go. Give a quick battery boost to your cell phone or wireless headset when you need it. Compatible with mobile phones, cameras, MP3/MP4 players, and more. Comes with a 30.48 cm (12 in) USB recharging cable.
Peace and quiet
You’ve arrived. Sit back, relax and listen to some music. Drown out the cacophony of outside noise around you with the Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones. These headphone use advanced Bose technologies electronically sense the sounds around you and instantly reduces those frequencies so you hear less chatter and more music.
The over-ear headphones are equipped with specials ear cushions for a comfortable fit and even more insulation from unwanted noise. An inline remote and mic gives you more control over your Apple devices so you can adjust the volume, manage track selection and voice applications without even moving out of your chair. You can even switch between your music and calls. The fold down design means a compact travelling companion. Compatible with most iOS devices.
Check out all the other great Best Buy travel products to make your vacation easy.
By Shelagh McNally, Technology, Home & Lifestyle
I’ve been covering technology since 1992 and I’ve seen a lot of technology come and go. I enjoy following the trends, spotting the winners and losers and teaching consumers how to get the best products and services for their needs. My work has been published in the National Post, Reader’s Digest.com, Yahoo, Miami Herald and other North American publications and websites.
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