Preparing Your Car for the Road: Essential Pre-Trip Checklist

Nokia J Headset

Nokia, the Finnish technology company known for its early leadership in mobile phones, calls the J its most sophisticated Bluetooth headset to date. Lightweight and ergonomic, it features a sleek stainless-steel design that reflects its Scandinavian roots. Branded “Always Ready,” the J simplifies use: remove the earpiece from its holder and the headset powers on, connects and answers calls automatically. Return the earpiece to the holder and the headset ends the call, disconnects and powers off. The J has won multiple design awards and offers up to five hours of talk time and as much as three months of standby time. Priced at $99.99. www.amazon.com/nokia-j-bluetooth-headset-silver/dp/B004XIB91O

Samsung Series 7 Slate PC

The Samsung Series 7 Slate is a highly portable PC, weighing under 2 pounds and measuring about half an inch thick. It includes an 11.6-inch display and options for a powerful Intel Core i5 processor and up to a 128GB solid-state drive. The slate runs a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional and supports productivity with Microsoft Office 2010. You can type with the onscreen keyboard, use the responsive multitouch display, or write directly on the screen with an electromagnetic pen—ideal for meeting notes, browsing or creating documents. Integrated audio and dual cameras (2MP front, 3MP rear) capture media, while a full-sized USB port and connectivity options including WiFi, WiMAX and HSPA make sharing and transfers easy on the go. Samsung Power Plus battery technology preserves around 80 percent of original capacity for up to 1,500 charge cycles, helping ensure reliable battery life even after years of use. Prices range from $1,099 to $1,349. www.samsung.com

ZAGGfolio for iPad 2

ZAGGfolio is a slim, multifunction case designed for the Apple iPad 2 that combines protection with a removable Bluetooth keyboard. The exterior features a carbon-fiber textured finish and the interior is lined with durable microfiber. Its built-in stand has no moving parts and secures the iPad 2 in both portrait and landscape orientations. The detachable keyboard uses island-style keys to provide comfortable typing, and dedicated function keys offer shortcuts for common tasks. ZAGGfolio is available in several colors and leather styles, making it a practical and stylish accessory for frequent tablet users. Priced at $99.99. www.zagg.com

Belkin Travel Router

The Belkin travel router creates a personal WiFi hotspot so you can take a wireless network with you when traveling. It’s designed to work well in hotel rooms and airports, letting multiple devices—laptops, smartphones and tablets—share a single paid Internet connection. Dual-band performance supports streaming video, web browsing and other bandwidth-intensive activities, while the compact form factor and included travel case make it easy to pack. The case stores the Ethernet cable and power supply neatly for convenience on the road. A travel router is a practical solution for getting all your devices online without paying for multiple connections. Priced at $79.99. www.belkin.com