Travelers debating whether to buy an iPad to take on the road should take a peek at the apps and functions described by Jim Karlovsky on The Globe Less Traveled. He lists 21 useful functions the iPad provides travelers.
The wifi and Internet connections didn't impress. I don't travel to stay in touch. In fact, it's the opposite. In any case, there are Internet cafes and I can always pay to activate my smartphone overseas.
But then I kept reading and got to part about language translators and offline maps. This got my attention.
He writes about Jibbigo, a language translator. You type in or speak a phrase and the translation is spoken aloud for the person you're trying to communicate with. It's also written on the screen. Within seconds. That's kind of cool.
Then there are the offline maps and transit schedules. "Offline" is a magic word when traveling with electronics. Who knows where or when you will find a connection?
So it's nice to know there are several apps for searching maps of the world. Down to the street level. Who knew?
Read about all 21 suggestions for travel apps, including exchange rate calculators, online guidebooks, books and magazines and more, that get packed into the one device. Sure saves a lot of suitcase space.
For some solo travelers, an iPad is a way to pass some time if you're feeling lonely or don't want to wander out into the dark alone. You can read books and watch movies and listen to music on it.
Not my thing, but I know many people enjoy that quiet time in a hotel room after a busy day of walking, museum-going, sight-seeing and the like.
I've thought about, still think about, buying an iPad for travel. My hesitation? The concern that the pricey "toy" gets lost or stolen. Or simply left somewhere. Plus, I have a lot of what I need on a small, lightweight smartphone and a netbook.
I can't justify the cost of the iPad as a travel gadget.
This does not mean I don't get iPad envy. Particularly when I see someone using one on a plane or a train and I'm sitting with a stack of newspapers and magazines.
Images courtesy of jibbigo.com
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