Portable Technology for Travelers: Stay on Top of Your Life from Anywhere in the World

In a March 2008 Orbitz and Travelport survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 33 percent of business travelers said that the ability to change, re-book and obtain travel alerts via cell phone, PDA, or Blackberry are the most valuable tools for making business travel as productive as possible.

One thing about business travelers: they're generally wired with the latest technology to keep in touch with the office, their customers and their family. Understanding their need to connect, airlines are considering better ways to help them do just that by creating booking and proactive customer care services via cell phone, PDA and Blackberry and allowing booking via instant messaging and calendar programs.

If you are a frequent business traveler looking for portable technology, something that goes beyond smart phones and PDAs, here are five items you may want to consider.

Jawbone II with NoiseAssassin^TM

When you're dashing through the airport, juggling your Blackberry, luggage, cell phone and a demanding boss, you need a hands-free earpiece. Aliph's new Bluetooth headset, Jawbone II with NoiseAssassin^TM, sets new standards for voice clarity and offers you the ability to use your phone in all types of environments without sacrificing the audio quality. Its revolutionary patented technology is able to separate speech from ambient noise with unbelievable precision. Check out their demo video at Jawbone.com. Retail price: around $85.

Chargepod by Callpod

The only way to stay connected is to ensure that all your devices - cell phone, PDA, headset and other mobile electronics - are charged. Chargepod offers you one lightweight charger with one outlet and the ability to charge up to six devices simultaneously by using manufacturer-specific adapters. It's handy for home use as well. Prices vary for charge base, bundle pack and adapters. Retail price: over $100.

TomTom 930 GPS

According to a recent review in the Boston Globe nine GPS systems were compared and the TomTom 930 came out on top. Historically in competition with Garmin for GPS superiority, TomTom models have traditionally fallen a bit short. However, Garmin has had continuing problems with outdated mapping even on the newest Garmin Nuvi 370 GPS, so it appears that the TomTom 930 has moved ahead as the preferred GPS system, especially given that it is about half the price of Garmin's best model. Retails price: around $500.

TripChill.com

Still in its beta stage, TripChill.com, is an automated travel assistant accessible by text message, email or a web-enabled phone. The website and mobile concierge service monitors itineraries to help travelers avoid pitfalls by presenting alternative options, flights or reservations on a handheld device. Soon you'll be able to check flight listings or inbound-aircraft status, as well as book your hotel or car, all while you wait in the airport. Great if you're a stranded traveler.

1buttontowifi.com

For individuals or small businesses looking to save a few dollars, 1buttontowifi.com offers lower international call rates with the push of one button on your cell phone. Using a patented CoIP (Cellular over the Internet Protocol) technology, you speed dial your 1buttontowifi device at home to get a dial tone, then dial any number around the world and you're connected at reduced rates.

Staying ahead of the latest technology is important when you're on the road a lot and need to stay connected or find your way around. And these five tools for the business traveler may be just what you need.