With savings up to 25% off Amazon.com’s normal prices, this is a great time to pick up an uberwatch at a terrific price. We’ve already made Mrs. TTR aware of this sale in advance of Father’s Day.

Casio Pathfinder Watches up to 25% Off

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Cisco stated it will “support current FlipShare customers and partners with a transition plan,” although it hasn’t yet released details. Fortunately Flip is far from the only option for fans of shoot-and-share video, so those with a need for cameras that slot in between smartphones and full-on camcorders. Three of the top five sellers in Amazon.com’s shoot-and-share category are Kodaks:

#1: Kodak PlaySport Zx3 HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera Bundle

#4: Kodak PlaySport Zx3 HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera

#5: Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

As long as people demand these products — and we think they will — manufacturers will continue to make them. Look for deals as merchants seek to clear out their inventories. Hopefully Kodak will innovate in this space despite losing its biggest competitor. Point-and-shoot cameras, also facing intense pressure from smartphones, may see improved video capabilities as manufacturers attempt to fill the Flip vacuum. We believe that smartphones use will grow in terms of video shot and shared, but there will be a need for simple non-phone devices for some time (think students and such).

At some point every driver is confronted with a car that just won’t start due to a dead battery. Maybe an interior light was left on, the battery won’t hold a charge, or the alternator is on its last legs. If you carry jumper cables and have other vehicles nearby, you can get a jump and be on your way. But what if you’re alone and don’t have time to wait for help to arrive?

Fortunately there’s a range of portable battery jumpers, many of which include air compressors to inflate tires and the capability to power devices such as mobile phones. While a bit pricey, the Energizer 84020 12V All-In-One Jump-Start System with Built-In Air Compressor and Power Inverter stood out, and should earn a spot in your garage or trunk.

Background

Our requirements for a portable jump starter are as follows:

• Sufficient cranking power for typical passenger vehicles
• Simple to use, even for non-techies, with features such as over-charge prevention and reverse-polarity indicators
• Air compressor
• Power for devices such as mobile phones
• Work light

Some units can power AC devices for hours, serving as “mini generators” for use at construction or camp sites. These tend to cost and weigh considerably more, and are beyond the scope of our needs. Others are more portable and less expensive, but can start only 4-cylinder cars. These weren’t strong enough for us.

The Energizer 84020 leans toward the high end of the range, with sufficient power, many features, and good ergonomics. For a full list of features visit the manufacturer’s product page.

Pros

• Exceptionally user-friendly design with clear labels and logical controls
• Can be left plugged in to AC power indefinitely
• Audio alarms for reverse polarity and shorted clamps
• 200 watt DC/AC power inverter with cooling fan
• Power outlets placed on front of device for easy access; protected by rubber covers
• 250 PSI air compressor
• Small LED work light thoughtfully built into handle

Cons

• Relatively low cranking power for the price
• Shortish 29-inch booster cables, meaning the unit must be placed very close to the battery (at least the LED light can illuminate the area)
• Tire pressure gauge of limited use
• Does not ship with 3-prong extension cord required to charge device from AC outlet
• Not returnable to Amazon.com

Recommendations

The Energizer 84020 will jump start most passenger cars, its most important function. It also inflates tires and powers portable devices. For heavy-duty use with larger vehicles, consider the Clore Automotive JNC660 1700 Peak amp 12V Jump Starter. Also remember to carry the unit with you — a jump-starter can’t help you if it’s in your garage while you’re on the road.

A less-expensive alternative is the PowerStation PSX Multi-Purpose Vehicle Jumpstarter, which is widely available at Costco for ~$65. Buying it at Costco means you can return it if necessary. We keep one in Mrs. TTR’s car, and have used it several times.

Snapshot

See larger image Energizer 84020 12V All-In-One Jump-Start System with Built-In Air Compressor and Power Inverter (Automotive) List Price: $149.99 USD

Many of my auto racing colleagues love the GoPro HD Motorsports HERO Camera, which mounts securely on many surfaces without scratching them. Its protective case can take a beating, and the video quality is surprisingly good and vibration-free. We’ll review it after we hit the track. In the meantime, please share your experiences in the comments.

See larger image GoPro HD Motorsports Hero (Camera) List Price: $239.99 USD New From: $399.99 In Stock Used from: $195.00 In Stock Release date November 25, 2009.

Vapur Water Container

Many of the hints in this New York Times article should be familiar to you. Select clothes that can be worn during the day and evening, preferably made of fast-drying 50-50 cotton-poly blends, minimize the pairs of shoes, and roll your clothes (with no wrinkles) before packing.

We’ve used the roll method for years, and websites like Lifehacker have post after post on the subject. Other similar websites are OneBag and One Bag, One World.

Some of the hints, however, might not be as well known. Many pilots pack food in ziplock bags, since they often arrive at airports before restaurants open. We always carry Clif Bar Minis for quick energy when we’re tempted by airport fast food, and Vapur water containers that we refill at water fountains once past security screening.

Eagle Creek Switchback Max Wheeled Travel Pack

One issue that was briefly mentioned in the Times article is the challenge of packing electronics, especially those with different chargers. We address this with the following tactics:

• Leverage smartphone capabilities to replace other gadgets. Our iPhones negate the need to carry media players, GPS devices, point-and-shoot cameras, Flip-style camcorders, gaming systems, netbooks, even laptops for leisure trips, and books and magazines.
• Use a universal charging system, like the Solio Universal Hybrid Solar Charger with iGo tips for each device.
• Carry a carry-on/daypack combo, such as the Osprey Meridian Wheeled Convertible or the Eagle Creek Switchback Max Wheeled Travel Pack. Pack all your electronics in the daypack, so if you board a regional jet with small overhead compartments and are forced to gate-check your carry-on, you can at least keep your electronics with you. REI carries these packs among loads of other travel goodies.

How do you pack light, especially with electronics? Please share your tips in the comments.

Reviews of eagerly-anticipated smartphones are often breathless regurgitations of hardware specifications and benchmark test results. As the first phone to utilize Verizon Wireless’s new 4G network, the HTC ThunderBolt 4G Android Phone boasts jaw-dropping speed, demanding reviewers add more network speed test tables and graphics to their already overly-complex articles.

Travel Tech Review takes a different route, focusing instead on real-world usability concerns. Does the ThunderBolt solve your problems better than other smartphones? Do 4G speeds allow you to accomplish more? How is the device to live with?

Background

Pick up the HTC ThunderBolt and you’re immediately impressed by its size and surprised by its weight. It is a large smartphone, nearly as big as the Dell Streak 5 Android Tablet (we recently reviewed its big brother, the Dell Streak 7). It feels solid and is comfortable to hold, like an old corded telephone handset that could tuck between your shoulder and ear.

This phone is no old handset, though, and you certainly wouldn’t want to carry on a long conversation with it tucked against your shoulder. Bluetooth headsets are much more convenient (we like the Jawbone ICON series), and corded ear buds provide superior sound. Either way, calls are generally clear and free of drops, although the volume through both the earpiece and headsets could be louder, as it can be difficult to hear the other party when you’re in a noisy environment.

High-quality voice calls are, for the most part, a result of Verizon’s networks, and the company is heavily promoting its new 4G (using LTE, or Long-Term Evolution) network with the ThunderBolt, the first of many 4G Verizon smartphones to come. That the LTE network is so new (and underutilized) likely explains the extraordinary data transfer speeds reported by owners in the 39 markets in which Verizon offers LTE (expanding to over 145 by year’s end, according to the company; check here to learn if your market is on the list).

With the network-focused Verizon marketing and speed-centric ThunderBolt reviews, it’s too easy to overlook the other aspects of the device. Most shoppers interested in such a smartphone expect it to do far more than make and receive calls. The ThunderBolt has both front and rear cameras, with the former shooting at a relatively low 1.3 megapixels (it’s intended mostly for video calls), and the latter a much better 8 megapixels. The rear camera benefits from a dual-LED flash, although many owners have complained that the flash is so bright it washes out subjects when shooting at night. The rear camera also records 720P high-definition video.

As a media player the ThunderBolt is immensely aided by its large 4.3″ screen (measured diagonally). HTC labels it “Super LCD,” although more familiar is the term “WVGA.” Although it is larger than the iPhone 4′s 3.5″ screen, its resolution is inferior: 480 x 720 pixels, compared with 640 x 960 for the iPhone 4. This generally translates to shaper, richer images and text on the iPhone.

For a hand-held device the ThunderBolt is quite adept at playing videos and movies and such. HTC thoughtfully integrated a kickstand into the back of the unit, allowing viewers to prop it up in either portrait or landscape orientation. But this kickstand also covers the two external speakers, so sounds are quite muffled without the kickstand extended.

Why would you want to keep the kickstand retracted? To use the USB port for syncing or, more likely, charging. As illustrated in this photo from a disappointed Amazon.com reviewer, the ThunderBolt’s design makes it nearly impossible to use the kickstand while charging the device. And as you’ll soon learn, charging the ThunderBolt is very, very important.

Of course the ThunderBolt offers GPS services, including Google’s handy turn-by-turn directions app. Many users, however, opt to turn off the GPS capabilities in order to reduce the load on the battery, which leads us to the ThunderBolt’s Achilles heel.

Its battery life is abysmal. Not just inconvenient, but horrendous. In his review in The Wall Street Journal, Walt Mossberg claimed to see 7 hours of typical usage before his ThunderBolt ran out of juice. Many, many others, however, squeeze only 4-5 hours out of the standard 1400mAh battery before seeking a recharge. The ThunderBolt cries out for a more powerful battery, but the device is already large and heavy, and a bigger battery might turn off too many shoppers. As it is many owners quickly invest in additional batteries, such as this Seidio Innocell 1600mAh unit that fits in the existing slot, or Verizon’s 2750 mAh battery that is so large it comes with a new back cover for the phone. Another option is a hand-cranked USB charger, like the Etón Scorpion we recently reviewed.

Such poor battery life forces owners to make ridiculous compromises, like disabling GPS, reducing screen brightness, drastically limiting email and calendar syncing, and turning off UI animations and vibration notifications. Each of these measures reduces the ThunderBolt’s functionality. One obvious step is to disable LTE, using only 3G or the integated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. But it’s exceptionally difficult to do so, requiring owners to dig through hidden system settings or installing a 3rd-party app. Neither HTC nor Verizon saw fit to include a simple airplane-mode-like 3G/4G toggle.

Granted, disabling 4G on Verizon’s first 4G phone in order to conserve precious battery life might not make a lot of sense, but that’s the type of choice the power-hungry device forces owners to make. Verizon’s advertising is all about speed, but this speed comes at a price.

Make no mistake — the ThunderBolt is lightning fast. No other smartphone comes close to its network speeds. Heck, many home broadband connections aren’t as fast as Verizon’s LTE network (for now). Even Amazon.com’s product description promises that “Enhanced security lets you tap into most VPN networks with less waiting, and faster responsiveness enables you to upload 10 MB presentations back to your team in less than 25 seconds.” Digging beyond the marketing hype reveals another real-world gotcha: the version of Quickoffice included with the ThunderBolt doesn’t allow for editing of PowerPoint documents, so it’s unclear how many 10 MB presentations you’ll need to send to your team.

Speaking of applications, HTC and Verizon loaded up the ThunderBolt with 15 additional apps that you can’t remove. Some are of dubious value: Let’s Golf 2 and City ID are trials, Blockbuster might not exist as a company much longer, and Rock Band isn’t even an app — it’s just a shortcut to a website from which you download the trial. All of these eat up valuable screen real estate.

HTC further modified the standard Google Android 2.2 user interface with its own Sense UI. Some owners like the HTC layer on top of Android, while others believe HTC’s enhancements just get in the way of Android’s way of doing things. Those who prefer Android devices over, say, iPhones and Blackberries due to the former’s typical tight integration with Google applications might be frustrated by Sense UI. This is yet another reason to use the ThunderBolt at a retail store before purchasing it.

While putting the ThunderBolt through its paces you may also notice:

Pros

• Fastest data network connectivity available on a U.S. mobile phone
• Large 4.3″ WVGA display
• Four easy-access capacitive touch buttons below the display (home, menu, back, search; iPhone 4 has only a home button)
• Standard $30/month unlimited data plan… for now
• Support for Adobe Flash, allowing users to view much more Web video than iPhone owners
• MicroUSB port for chargers and external storage (unlike the iPhone’s proprietary 30-pin connector)
• 8GB of internal memory, and 32GB more on the included microSD card
• FM receiver (although you’ll need attached earbuds, as the wire acts as an antenna; earbuds are surprisingly not included)

Cons

• Size and weight (30% heavier than iPhone 4); many businessmen may find it too heavy to comfortably keep in dress shirt pocket
• Shockingly bad battery life
• 25% higher price (with a contract) than other comparable smartphones (although a 16GB iPhone 4 is $2oo, a 32GB one will set you back $300)
• No HDMI port, meaning you can’t easily show the screen on a TV

Recommendations

As with any first-generation device, early adopters will feel the most pain, but they’ll have bragging rights until the next/better/faster one comes along. And one always does. Be sure to understand how you’ll use the ThunderBolt. Make a few calls, type an email, surf the Web, look up contacts, take and share photos, input an address for turn-by-turn directions, etc.

Unless you have a compelling need for speed and you live in a Verizon 4G market, TTR suggests you wait a bit. More Android devices are hitting the market each month, and the iPhone 5 is expected around September. Other devices will have better battery capacity and management. What good is a screamin’ fast smartphone if you’re so worried about making it through the day on one charge you disable all the cool features?

Road warriors who need super-fast network access may wish to consider laptop-connected 4G USB modems such as the Sprint 3G/4G USB Device U301, Verizon Wireless Pantech UML290 4G USB Modem, and AT&T Sierra Wireless Lightning USB Aircard Modem.

Snapshot

See larger image HTC ThunderBolt 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) (Wireless Phone) List Price: $699.99 USD Used from: $74.89 In Stock Release date February 13, 2011.

Although this product is decidedly low-tech, it is a constant companion whether traveling for business or pleasure. Always within reach, the Rhodia Classic Staplebound 3.0″ x 4.75″ Graph Notebook is handy to quickly jot down notes, look up travel reservation numbers, keep a brief journal of the day’s events, and capture any morsel of information when firing up Evernote on the iPhone isn’t practical.

Background

Our requirements for travel notebooks are simple:

• Sized to easily fit in back pocket; preferably fit travel wallet, too
• Graph ruled
• Sturdy

Initially these requirements were exceeded by the Moleskine 3.5″ x 5.5″ Cahier Pocket Squared Notebook, which includes 16 perforated pages (great for leaving notes) and a small receipt pocket inside the back cover.

The Moleskine’s weaknesses quickly became evident, however, as the cardboard cover ripped, requiring multiple repairs with carefully-placed tape, and the cover eventually began to separate from the binding, necessitating even more delicate repairs. It just wasn’t suited to the repeated flexing that occurs in our back pockets. It was, however, a joy in which to write.

The Rhodia notebook features a stronger cardboard cover that has thus far held up better than the Moleskine. It’s slightly smaller (3.0″ x 4.75″ for the Rhodia versus 3.5″x 5.5″ for the Moleskine) and has far fewer pages (24 versus 64), but this lower capacity might contribute to the Rhodia’s superior condition, as it must be replaced before it becomes horribly dog-eared.

The Rhodia’s limited capacity means that if you misplace it, you will likely lose less information (similarly, we preferlower-capacity memory cards for digital cameras as noted in our review of the Nikon D3100 Digital SLR).

Another benefit of the Rhodia’s size is that it fits into the passport pocket of our beloved All-Ett travel wallet, resulting in a single, easy-to-carry package for your important travel documents.

Once at our destination we typically remove the Rhodia from the All-Ett so we don’t have to pull out our wallet to capture a note (for security it’s best to keep your wallet hidden, and the All-Ett fits snugly in a front pocket), but it’s convenient en route.

Not to be neglected is the Fisher Bullet Space Pen, as constant a companion as the Rhodia notebook. Nearly indestructible, with excellent writing characteristics and easy one-handed operation, the Bullet Space Pen is among our top travel accessories.

While used notebook are retired to a drawer, the information is always accessible thanks to Evernote. When a notebook is filled we scan each page, upload to Evernote, tag each appropriately, and then downloads the notes to our iPhone. One must have an Evernote Premium account ($5/month or $45/year) to download notes for off-line iPhone access; we believe Evernote Premium to be well worth it (check our list of favorite travel apps).

Lastly, just write your contact information inside the front cover with a permanent marker, stick a few small Post-It Notes inside the cover, and you’re ready for the road.

Pros

• Perfectly sized for the pocket or wallet
• Sturdy cover and binding

• Lacks features such as perforated pages and receipt folder
• Lower value than other travel notebooks ($0.08/page versus $0.05/page for Moleskine)

Recommendations

Travelers have two excellent options for small travel notebooks. Those who prefer to keep the notebook in a pocket or wallet should consider the Rhodia Classic Staplebound 3.0″ x 4.75″ Graph Notebook. If you want a slightly larger notebook try the Moleskine 3.5″ x 5.5″ Cahier Pocket Squared Notebook.

Snapshot

Related articles

• Proving Moleskine Is Just A Style: The Piccadilly Notebook (blackcover.net)
• Meet The New Evernote 4 for iPhone (iphone.appstorm.net)
• Moleskine announces hybrid notebooks for the iPhone and iPad (gadling.com)

Some say our fear of drained batteries borders on a phobia. The condition manifests itself in many ways, including purchasing and lugging around spare batteries for various devices, packing AC adapters, protecting our iPhone with a case that contains an additional battery (Mophie Juice Pack Air), reducing screen brightness to almost unreadable levels, disabling useful but power-hungry features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and overfilling our packs with low-battery angst.

To treat this condition TTR has tried solutions such as the Solio Classic Universal Hybrid Charger, which contains a very nice 1650mAh Lithium ion battery but is slow to charge. Ideally we would like an emergency charger that can be tossed in a pack and used anytime, anywhere. A hand-cranked device makes the most sense, and TTR has found and tested its preferred solution: the Etón Scorpion NSP100OR Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio. Hand crank? Check. Solar charger? Check. Bottle opener? Uh, check.

Background

1. Hand-cranked USB charger
2. On-board storage for USB cable(s)
3. Rugged design
4. LED flashlight
5. Solar panel

The Etón Scorpion met four of these requirements. Alas, it has no storage for a USB cable, so TTR affixes an iPhone USB cable (they’re cheap, so buy three) around the Scorpion with a length of paracord. It somewhat makes up for this shortcoming by including an AM/FM/Weather band radio and the aforementioned bottle opener.

The packaging was minimal and thankfully easy to open. No owners manual is included; some instructions are printed on the cardboard package backing, but these are inadequate (the manual may be found here in its entirety). Completely missing from the manual and the Scorpion product page is how to charge USB-connected devices via the hand crank or solar panel. After a wide-ranging search TTR learned that one must press the Mode button, cycling through FM, AM, and Weather Band, before landing on Cell, at which point the hand crank will charge USB devices. The manual also fails to note that the solar panel will not charge USB devices.

Rugged Design

Somewhat surprising is the substantial size of the Scorpion. Including the clip it’s nearly 6.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 2 inches deep, and it weighs almost 11 ounces. The black rubberized material makes it easy to grip — an important feature when cranking — and stable on most surfaces. Rubberized ribs on the edges and corners protect the LED flashlight and solar panel when the Scorpion is placed on a flat surface. The rugged appearance might lead one to believe the Scorpion is water proof, but it is merely water resistant (or, as noted in the specifications, “IPX-4 splash proof from all angles”). We can see where water could enter the battery compartment, which is protected by a cover affixed by only one screw; this screw is located at the extreme end of the cover, leaving the other end slightly raised from the unit.

Although the Scorpion’s design is similar to the popular Etón FR160B, its buttons are recessed. When cranking the Microlink FR160 it feels like you could snap off the buttons; at the very least you turn the radio tuning knob, an inconvenience if you’re trying to charge the battery for radio use. The Scorpion’s rubberized buttons are flush-mounted, and we did not accidentally press them when cranking.

A rubber cover protects the USB and headphone output ports and DC and AUX input ports. In our tests the cover fit well and stayed securely in place. The telescoping radio antenna extends nearly 8 inches when fully extended. While it’s not as rugged as a rubberized whip antenna, when retracted it is well protected. The antenna also swivels, so you can find the best angle whether you place the Scorpion on its side or back. The aluminum carabiner feels sturdy, although the Scorpion bounced around so much we had to secure it to a backpack with paracord.

Broken Handle

The Scorpion’s ruggedness ends at the crank. Indeed, in our tests the rotating handle broke after less than 20 minutes of use. It is attached to the arm via two plastic tabs; as this component transfers a lot of force, we believe the handle should be attached to the arm with a metal screw. This failure provided an opportunity to test Amazon.com’s return process, during which we set up a product exchange in less than five minutes, at no cost (Amazon.com even pays for shipping via USPS).

Charge Test Results

Since our top requirement is charging USB devices, we tested the Scorpion with an iPhone 3GS. In our test state — airplane mode enabled, screen brightness at 50% — the Scorpion increased the iPhone battery charge, as indicated by the default battery strength indicator, by roughly 1% for every 90 seconds of vigorous cranking. We define “vigorous” as 2-2.5 revolutions per second. TTR was pleased with these results.

Starting with the Scorpion’s battery fully depleted, one minute of vigorous cranking resulted in the following:

In direct sunlight the solar panel needed 6 hours to fully charge the battery.

Other Features

The three-bulb LED flashlight is surprisingly bright, and the beam sufficiently wide to illuminate a trail. The Scorpion’s rectangular design and rubberized corners make it easy to position the flashlight to light up a small work area, although we prefer headlamps (such as the top-rated Energizer Trail Finder 7) for this task.

Radio reception and speaker performance are acceptable. The Scorpion is not a primary entertainment device, so don’t expect booming bass from the single speaker. But for listening to weather reports and such the speaker is fine. Our favorite radio feature is the digital tuning. Although you can’t save a station as a favorite, you can quickly seek/scan by holding down the tuning buttons.

The LCD display is small and can be difficult to read, but a larger display would require more power, so TTR accepts the compromise. The battery icon indicates when it is charging.

The bottle opener seems to be a “we have space, so put it here” feature. The rubberized grips make it easy to use, and it worked as a bottle opener should. TTR would have preferred Etón use that space for a small storage compartment for, say, a USB cable or a 3.5mm male-to-male cable for use with the AUX input.

Pros

• Hand-cranked USB charging works as advertised
• Solid, easy-to-grip design with recessed, rubberized buttons
• Relatively bright and long-lasting LED flashlight
• Solar charging for flashlight and radio
• Respectable battery life for flashlight and radio
• Digital radio tuning

Cons

• Fragile handle
• Insufficient instructions
• Inability to charge USB devices with solar power

Recommendations

The Etón Scorpion Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio is a useful addition to your backpack. The ability to charge USB devices with a few minutes of exercise is its top function; the LED flashlight, AM/FM/Weather radio, and solar panel are handy features. Despite the seemingly fragile handle, the Scorpion has earned its spot in our gear bag; should budget allow we will place one in each vehicle, too.

Unless you always carry the appropriate USB cable with your mobile device, you should attach a spare to the Scorpion so it’s always available.

If our second unit breaks as quickly as the first, TTR will lower the rating from three stars to two. Overlooking the handle design, the Scorpion’s features and design earned it four stars, with demerits for its insufficient instructions and inability to charge USB devices with solar power.

Snapshot

See larger image Et�n SCORPION Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio - Orange (NSP100OR) (Electronics) List Price: $50.00 USD New From: $51.95 In Stock Used from: $41.02 In Stock

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