Hot, New Travel Gadgets I Showed on ABC's World News Now. Video link right below.rs.

Don't worry - you can't see thru the real jacket!

Here's the ABC News spot: http://abcn.ws/IgZxhz

ScotteVest is famous for making clothing that can hold all your electronics without showing bulges. This newest lightweight Transformer jacket features sleeves that can be removed in a few seconds, while you’re wearing the jacket! That’s because they’re held in place with a dozen rare earth magnets! The sleeves pull off easily, even while you’re wearing the jacket. Because there’s no Velcro or zippers, you can Transform the jacket to a vest in about 5 seconds or less. It’s easy to get the sleeves back on too. You’ll hear the magnets click into place and every time I’ve done it, it seems the magnets know exactly where they should be. The sleeves and the fabric that join them are one single piece. And don’t worry want to do with the sleeves once you remove them. One of the 20-pockets in the Transformer Jacket has been specially designed to hold the sleeves! There’s even a pocket big enough to hold your iPad. Other pockets hold sunglasses/eyeglasses, passport, keys, water bottle and other essentials. So you know which pockets were designed to hold what, the glasses compartment has a useful diagram. The cloth the diagram is printed on is designed to clean your glasses. That’s a nice touch. It’s available in black, red, and grey. $160.

www.scottevest.com

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/P59xG7tqUHQ

I do a weekly show about gadgets, and two of these travel gadgets are on this edition of the Weekly Giz Wiz: www.twit.tv/dgw1361

A great gadget to hold your gadgets in flight.

Here’s an easy way to keeps all your favorite gadgets at your fingertips. The Amazing Case has custom fitted pockets that provide you easy access to your laptop, tablet, eReader, phone, books, magazines, travel documents, business cards, pens, and anything else you’ll need in the boardroom, classroom, car, or plane. It has hidden straps that let you hang it on the tray table so you can view your iPad at eye level and have everything you need close at hand during the flight. It works great in the car too, so the kids in the backseat can watch movies and entertain themselves during a long car trip. I’m looking forward to using this on my next flight. On a plane it can be difficult gathering all the items you need from your carry-on bag while people wait impatiently behind you. And it’s hard to figure out where to put everything once you squeeze into your seat. With the Amazing Case you organize everything you want in flight before you board. It even allows you to turn your tray table into your own theatre. Simply latch it around the tray table (or car headrest), pull out the tablet-viewing frame, and sit back to enjoy your favorite movie or read a digital book directly in front of you. One thing I find a little confusing is that Cabeau Travel says the Amazing Case is made of Premium Durasynth Leather – but the actual label is easier to understand – 100% polyurethane! But the case does looks petty good, and it could pass for leather. There’s a hand strap to carry it briefcase-style or use the included strap to sling it around your shoulder. Under $60.

http://www.cabeautravel.com/amazing-case.html

Update on April 21, 2012 by The Giz Wiz

I showed a product sample of the Amazing Case from the Travel Show, where it was newly introduced in March. A recent email from the company said actual production models are about 6 weeks off, and more will be available 2 to 3 weeks after those sell out. This has turned out to be a very hot item.

A Multi-Plug Adapter for those who travel overseas.

When you stay in a hotel, one of the first things you’ll most likely notice, especially if you’re a gadget freak, is that there are very few outlets for your toys. Several companies have addressed this problem for AC powered devices here in the US, but how about if you’re an International Traveler? That’s why the Conair Travel Smart All-in-One Travel Adapter with USB can save the day, and your trip. (It also can be entered into our list of products with really l-o-n-g names!)  ... The Conair Travel Smart All-in-One Travel Adapter with USB you will let you plug-in three appliances at once – and that includes four most common adapter plug configurations; grounded/non-grounded, polarized/non-polarized plugs from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North and South America. There’s also built-in surge protection. Conair makes it clear that this device is not a transformer or current converter. It’s for devices that don’t need them. But wait, there’s more. The Conair All-In-One Adapter with USB Port will also let you charge one USB device. It can charge most smart phones, iPods and iPhones, but not iPads, which requires a higher power USB charger. List price is $29.99, but do a web search and you should be able to find it at a discount. This plug is new to the market and Conair makes a wide range of travel plugs; this model is the TS238AP.

www.conair.com

Get 'steamed' on your next trip!

I’m pulling together travel gadgets for ABC’s World News Now, so I was pleased to find a really neat travel iron at the mini-Housewares NYC show. It’s handy for travel, or if you’re a student, not a bad choice for the college dorm. Heck, it would even work for folks who live in a tiny apartment, or have a county home. It’s from Rowenta, and bears the travel name: First Class. It’s also known by the far less glamorous model DA1560.  Although it’s a compact iron, Rowenta says it has all the benefits of one of their full sized irons. The First Class iron generates powerful steam at a constant rate, but there’s a 'burst of steam' button to help remove tough wrinkles. It’s a 1000-Watt iron, so don’t use it at the same time you’re using a hair dryer or other high wattage appliance. The 400 Hole Stainless Steel Soleplate offers a generous ‘steaming’ area, but you can use it without steam too. The micro-steam soleplate has a precision tip for reaching narrow edges, seams and collars. The First Class compact iron has a 3-position thermostat for use on all fabric types. Also great for travel is “vertical steam capability”, which will let you remove wrinkles in hanging garments. A transparent tank that’s built into the handle holds over 2-ounce of regular tap water. It also makes the First Class iron more compact. The handle folds flat for storage. Ideal for overseas travel too, is a dual voltage switch so you can operate the iron at 110 or 220-volts. But wait, there’s more! A travel pouch is included. MSRP is $49.99, but it mostly sells for about $39.99. It’s here on Amazon for $39.99, but I haven’t shopped at this e-tailor:

http://www.amazon.com/Rowenta-Classic-1000-Watt-Stainless-Soleplate/dp/B001RNOQIQ

Turn your suitcase into an instant portable desk.

The TriPad Traveler.

Whether it’s a workspace in the airport or a lap desk at home, Traveler is a clever “On-The-Go” desk. Just slide it over the arms of most any telescoping suitcase handle and it's ready to use. It's slim, approximately half an inch thick, so it should fit into your laptop bag or briefcase. There's a slide out tray at the bottom that you hold your laptop computer in place. On the back there are two small fold-out feet that make the TriPad Traveler into it convenient as a lap desk. $39.99, plus S & H.

http://gotripad.com/traveler/

See the "Gas Buddy" app below. It can help you save money on gas when you drive!