Having trouble leaving behind your techie toys? You’re not alone.

We all love our handheld gadgets, whether its in the form of an iPod, label maker, or universal remote.

Here are the must-haves to take with you on your next trip. From water filters to road apps, these are the perfect travel companions.

Water Filters

Sometimes we don’t travel to places with the freshest running water, whether it’s a small town in who-knows-where, or a camp ground near your home. The SteriPEN has the answer. This water purifier uses ultraviolet light to clean your water, making it safe to drink. It does it in a matter of seconds, so when you’re thirsty, yo’re ready to go. It takes care of 0.5L of water in under 50 seconds, 1L in 90 seconds, and can provide about 100 cleanings per battery.

steripen.com

Electronic Translator

If you travel a lot but aren’t very savvy with foreign languages, consider the Global Talking Translator. For under 50 bucks, this mini-translator speaks 11 languages and contains 7,700 travel-related phrases–just enough for you to get by without shelling out a lot of dough. It can speak it for you or help you out to say it on your own, complete with basic and necessary phrases such as “Good morning!”, “Where is the hospital?”, “What time does it open?”, “I would like to reserve a table.” and “I have a reservation.”

gadgetshack.com

Solar Charger

We sure do love the sun and might as well take full advantage of its power. The Solio solar charger is perfect for camping, but also handy for a trip abroad to tackle different electricityoutlets . This small powerful plug fans out into three different solar panels, able to charge all your devices.

solio.com

Handy Camcorder

This tiny HD camcorder lets you record your vacation with awesome quality. Its about the size of your hand, but can record up to 120 minutes of high definition video on 8GB of built-in memory. It’s great for touristy areas, when you don’t want to carry anything bulky with you. At under $250, it’s a steal.

theflip.com

Map Apps

Simple, yes, but you just need to know how to get there. Driving directions, street view, business listings… It’s all there, right on Google Maps’ app for your phone. It works on a variety of devices–Blackberrys, iPhones, Android and others–and you’ll find your Googling everything you’re looking for… And finding it in a matter of seconds. A must have, whether you’re on bike, foot, air, sea or car. Either way, you need to know the directions.

google.com

The long awaited launch of the third Kindle has been worth it. A year and a half after Kindle 2 was developed, Amazon has announced that the third installment is better than ever.

This Kindle includes an enhanced display, with faster navigation to boot–at a rate of 20 percent faster than before. The model is 15 percent lighter and 21 percent smaller than the previous versions, but still has the full 6-inch screen size. It weighs in at just 8.7 ounces.

The internal storage of the newest version has also been increased; it can now store up to 3500 books; older versions could only hold 1500.

The Wi-Fi and 3G version costs $189, and the Wi-Fi-only model is a modest $139, better priced than its competitor readers. It is now available to preorder, and starts shipping on August 27th.

Get it now.

With stainless-steel casing, an all-glass front, and a size that is 25% thinner than the 3Gs, it also looks pretty sharp, too.

The new version features volume controls on the side of the phone, as well as a microSIM tray. Along with these comes a front-facing camera, microphone on the back, connector for easy docking, a speaker, a sleep/wake button, and a jack for your headset.

The phone also has a chic antenna system, supporting its wireless capabilities: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

Highlights of iPhone 4

Retina Display

Better than any LCD display, the new iPhone includes a display that is 326 pixels per inch; in other words, 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 960 by 640 pixels… Better than the human eye can see. What does this mean? The best damn display on any handheld electronic, period.

Gyroscope

This allows for six-axis motion sensing, similar to that of a game controller and thus, a whole new world of gaming.

Camera and iMovie

With a 5 megapixel camera matched with a  backside-illuminated sensor, photographs will be better than ever before. It can also record HD video at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second. It doesn’t end there: you’ll be able to edit and upload right on the iPhone with the handy iMovie app.

iBooks

Similar to the iPad version, the apps can synchronize across devices so you always have your book in the palm of your hand. .

Video Calling

With the front-facing camera, video calls are in order. Called “FaceTime” video, users can use their phones to talk face-to-face.

Pricing and Availability

Launched last week, the new iPhone 4 is available in either black or white, and is priced at $199US for a 16 GB model and $299US for a 32 GB model.

Apple is planning on continuing to sell the iPhone 3GS 8 GB for $99.

Do you have the new iPhone? What else do you love about it?

The answer? If he has an iPhone, chances are he loves it.

So what’s better than to, well, make it even better? Here are our top dad-inspired iPhone apps… And the best part? Some are even free.

iHandy Level (Free)

Got a handyman on your hands? This free app uses the iPhone’s Accelerometer and Proximity sensor to assist dad in his around-the-house projects. From leveling pictures to laying floor tile, it is the perfect addition to his toolbelt. You can also upgrade to the iHandy Carpenter (at $1.99) which includes five handyman tools. Other features include a protractor, level, ruler and more!

GolfCard ($7.99)

Some dads golf… A lot. And once he uses a GolfCard, he’ll never go back to that old fashioned pencil and notecard method. This app can keep track of scores, compare games to previous rounds, and keep your game in check throughout the season. It also includes a GPS range finder, which can find local greens and track ball distance. Once back at his computer, he can upload the results and email his scores to his friends/opponents,  or share them on the golf social networking site, Oobgolf.com.

Sports Radio ($0.99)

This app allows dad to tune in to over 6,400 sports radio stations around the world, listening to all of his favourites without even leaving the room. It also includes  Facebook and Twitter integration, so he can update his friends. With station pre-sets, stations from across the globe, and an easy-to-use interface, you just might never hear a peep from dad again.

iFitness ($1.99)

Perfect for dads who are delving into a healthier lifestyle, this app is like a built-in personal trainer. It includes over 110 fully-illustrated exercises with step-by-step text, options to build your own routines, goal-based preset routines, and muscle-based organization.

Hundred PushUps ($1.99)

Does dad already have a good fitness base? Consider challenging him to checking out his upper body strength with a six-week training program. Eventually building to a hundred pushups, your dad’ll reap the benefits of following the program, charting his progress, and increasing his strength. There are also others available, such as the Two Hundred Situps, Two Hundred Squats and Twenty Chinup applications.

TravelTracker with TripIt ($7.99)

Businessmen dads will appreciate the convenience of the TravelTracker. With a touch of a button it’ll download you trip details, such as flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, as well as meetings, activities, notes and reservations. It even works offline, if you’re in an area that lacks sufficient coverage. Use it to also customize packing lists, record travel expenses, and email your itinerary to colleagues.

NYTimes App (Free)

No dad’ll want to miss their favourite newsbites, and the NYTimes App is a great one to get it from. Includes an easy-to-use, sophisticated interface, access to daily latest articles, a customizable toolbar, and simple syncing.

The breach exposed an exclusive email list, including thousands of big-name folks in finance, politics and media. Names such as New York Times Co. CEO Janet Robinson and Diane Sawyer of ABC News made the cut, among others.

There’s more. According to Gawker, it was possible that 114,067 user accounts have also been hit, and every iPad owner may need to watch out. A recent update confirmed this from AT&T.

The breach exposed subscribers’ email addresses and  associated IDs used to authenticate the subscriber on AT&T’s network. The data was gathered from Goatse Security, which obtained it from an easily-accessible script on AT&T’s website. And according to Gawker, the route to getting it was pretty easy:

• Get data from AT&T’s website
• Provide associate ID as part of an HTTP request
• Script would return the associated email address
• Figure out the associate ID with some easy linking using Internet sources from folks who aren’t terribly private
• Send a”User agent” header in their Web request
• Write a PHP script

Okay, maybe not so easy for your average Joe, but a simple procedure for those in the field.

And so, AT&T exposed far too much info, definitely not a plus for the telecommunications company.

Since the onslaught of the breach, The New York Times contacted their staff with a request to turn off the iPad network and AT&T sent out an apology, explaining they are “continuing to investigate and will inform all customers whose e-mail addresses and ICC IDS may have been obtained.” And of course, they go on: “We take customer privacy very seriously and while we have fixed this problem, we apologize to our customers who were impacted.”

Read the full story from Gawker, along with the latest update: AT&T Fights Spreading iPad Fear

Folks have found that the new service (too openly) publicizes private information.

One law school student decided this week to take the Google Buzz backlash to a whole new level. So much so that on Wednesday, a class-action complaint was filed in San Jose, Calif.; specifically, a federal court against Google Buzz from Eva Hibnick, a 24-year-old Harvard Law School student.

According to Hibnick, the automatic opt-in for Gmail users to use Google Buzz  unlawfully shared personal information without permission. The suit cites the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Federal Stored Communications Act and California common and statutory law.

Read the full article from ABCnews. Fisher Investments On Technology

At just 1.5 pounds and 0.5 inches thick, it’s easy to take everywhere you go – especially with a ten hour battery life and built in 802.11n wireless network, as well as an optional 3G model when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Inside, there is also an enhanced, custom designed A4 chip allowing for extreme productivity – this is combined with your choice of a 16, 32 or 64GB flash storage, for your collection of files, photos, movies, apps and more. Although it seems to be lacking specific connectors (such as a USB), it does include a 30-pin dock connector. And the built-in speakers allows for movie watching and music listening with ease (headphone jack is included).

Built In Apps

The new iPad can easily run about 140,000 apps available at the app store. It also comes with many of the applications that we already know and love, including updates to Safari, Mail, iTunes and more.

iBooks

It also acts as your own personal reader, with an LED-backlit screen display allows for reading in dim lighting. Five of North America’s largest trade book publishers, including Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan and Hachette, have signed as head suppliers of the new iBook store.

The Environment

The new iPad is designed with specific features to be earth-friendly, including BRF-free, PVC-free, and mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free display glass. It is also made of  a recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure.

We’re waiting in anticipation to see what its like – so far, it looks great, but its missing a lot of potential. With its lack of camera, wireless sync, multitasking, and no flash, support, we’re not sure if the price tag correlates with what it delivers.

How much?

The Apple iPad Wi-Fi models, set to launch in March, start at $500 for 16GB version, $600 for 32GB, and $700 for 64GB (US Dollars). The 3G, penned in for April, begins at $630 for 16GB version, $730 for 32GB, and $830 for 64GB (US Dollars). International pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

Specs

Size/Weight

• Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
• Width:  7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
• Depth:  0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
• Weight: 1.5 pounds (.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

Display

• 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen
• Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
• 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
• Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously

Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Processor: The Apple iPad is powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip

Battery and Power:

• Built-in 25Whr rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
• Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
• Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system

See more at apple.com

National Geographic Kids

Based on the classic – and uber informative – magazine, this educational website features games, videos, stories, activities and more! Your kids will explore for hours, and get creative by personalizing their own webpage and taking care of their own virtual pet.

Sports Illustrated Kids

Rainy day and can’t kick around the soccer ball? Let your kids loose on SI Kids, where they can do everything from view the Kid Reporter videos to create their own magazine cover!

Disney Playhouse

Who doesn’t love Mickey, Pooh, Handy Manny and the gang? Visit Disney’s classic site for games and activities, music, stories, and more!

TVOKids

This interactive site includes many games, including a daily reading challenge and a ton of other activities to keep the mind rolling.

Owl Kids

Based on the popular magazines, this site devotes itself to an online version of Chirp, Chicakdee and Owl, filled with activities, games, puzzles, and reading fun!

Sesame Street

Sunny days keep those clouds away! We remember our first days with this classic TV program and now its interactive on the web. Filled with a load of  educational games and videos, kids can easily search and engage with their favourite characters. They can also customize it with their own My Street page.

Seussville University

From Hop on Pop to Green Eggs and Ham,  the most memorable Seuss characters and books are included in helping your child with their basic reading, math, science, and reasoning skills.

The World Almanac for Kids

Kids can log in and read through sixteen chapters that cover everything they can imagine, from Harry Potter to the environment to notorious criminals.  The online version of the New York Times best seller includes  games, quizzes and printable puzzles.

Here are our favourites from this year’s highlights. Check out more at www.cesweb.org.

Sony Bloggie

Sony’s new pocket-sized camcorder steps above the rest, with 1080p HD quality, and 5-megapixel still photos. Featuring 30 frames per second and 4x zoom, it rounded itself out with image stabilization and face detection. We also love that its equipped with a 270-degree swivel lens for self portraits and supports both SD cards and Memory Sticks – a Sony first.

Panasonic’s 152-inch TV

Yep, it’s just that big. Panasonic’s 152-inch plasma display is complete with full HD 3D video (1920 x 1080 pixels per eye). It’s really, really big.

Project Natal

Xbox 360 gamers will be giddy with glee with Microsoft’s new  hardware that allows easy digital world interaction. Controllers are replaced with bodies and voice, revolutionizing computer and non-gaming possibilities in the near future.

Lenovo IdeaPad U1

With tablets becoming all the rage, this one is no exception. The new computer from Lenovo appears to be a regular laptop, but unlike others, the 11.6-inch screen can be removed and used as a separate tablet. Convenient and, frankly, cool.

The value-priced car has recently been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. The 2011 version features European styling, a lowered grille and larger, 19-inch (48-centimetre) tires.

With the looks of a three-door hatchback, the new Aveo is actually a  four-door, with hidden rear-handles that keep the design sleek and sporty.

The Aveo stays on the light side with a 138-horsepower, 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that gets 40 miles per gallon (17 kilometres per litre). Although not super tough, this delivers more than the current 138 horsepower.

We hope to do a hands on review in the coming months.