31 Jul Four Great iPad Accessories for Travel
Last summer I took what was, for me at least, an unplugged vacation: I brought my iPad and left my laptop at home. With its small size and amazing battery life, the iPad has always been a great entertainment device. Add a few smart accessories, and it can serve many of your mobile computing needs too. Thinking of leaving your laptop behind on your next trip? Here are four great iPad accessories for travel:
1. A camera adapter
With an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (compatible with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPads) or a Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader (4th generation iPad and iPad Mini), you can transfer photos from your camera to your iPad for on-the-go reviewing, editing, backing up, and sharing. Yes, yes, yes… I know all phones can take photos these days, but some of us are camera snobs. As a travel blogger, I really appreciate this capability, even though I don’t always appreciate working when I’m on vacation.
2. A Bluetooth keyboard
If you’re going to be sending emails longer than, say, five words, the next thing you should buy is a Bluetooth (i.e. wireless) keyboard. There are dozens of models available, both in the Apple store and elsewhere. I like the full-sized Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad. It comes with a carrying case that magically transforms into a sturdy stand that can hold your iPad in landscape or portrait mode. Also, it takes 4 AAA batteries, which I much prefer over monkeying around with yet another charger.
3. A back-up battery
In a perfect world, all airline seats would come with a power outlet on the end of the armrest. So would train, ferry, and bus seats. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. When you find yourself down to your last 5% of battery remaining with no recharging opportunities in sight, you’re going to need a back up battery.
On long flights or travel days, I always carry a fully charged Mophie Powerstation External Battery Charger. The manufacturer claims it will provide up to four complete charges for smartphones, but I’ve never needed quite that many.
4. Headset with microphone
Whether you need to chat with your dog sitter or the VP of Marketing, it’s handy to be able to use Skype or Facetime without dealing with a lot of background noise. Few of us travel without headphones or earbuds these days, but a foldable, lightweight headset with a retractable boom microphone does double duty since it can be used for both business and pleasure. I’m partial to the Logitech Wireless Headset for iPad, though not everyone will be comfortable with the pretty powder blue color.
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