High tech for travelers

By Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe Staff, 02/24/02

		Destinations  Where they went  Travel gear  Student travel  Sensible traveler

A word with you

This translator by Lingo not only shows you the word you're looking for, it also tells you how to pronounce it. Type in what you want to say and voila! it translates the word or phrase into 10 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean). The device also provides the correct time in 200 cities, and acts as a databank for storing up to 32K worth of information. It weighs only 6 ounces, and measures 5 3/4-inches long by 3 1/2-inches wide, and only 3/4-inch deep. It costs $179 at L.L. Bean (telephone 800-221-4221) and is on sale for $159 at Lingo Direct (877-546-4677). It's also available online at www.llbean.com/traveler, www.lingodirect.com, and www.officedirectinc.com.

Lap land

Make it easier to get your work done while you're out of the office. The Lapstation opens up to provide a stable, 25- by 16-inch work surface -- large enough to hold your laptop computer, PDA, phone, and, of course, a cup of the caffeinated beverage of your choice. It folds for easy storage and portability, and at about 15 inches by 18 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches, it isn't much bigger than a laptop itself. Available for $95 from Colorado Pen Direct (800-766-7367); and online at www.coloradopen.com. www.intrigo.com, and www.ebags.com.

Leading the charge

This portable, rechargable power source can jump-start your car, run your 12-volt DC gadgets and provide a light when the electricity goes out. It comes with AC charging cords, a DC power inverter/charging cord, a 12-volt power port, a 110-volt power outlet, and a set of heavy-duty booster cables. The battery holds an 8- to 12-hour charge for about six months. It costs $99.95 at Brookstone stores; through the Hard-to-Find Tools catalog (800-926-7000); and online at www.brookstone.com.