Tech for the Outside World... Cheap!
It’s finally summer: I spent much of last weekend in the ocean, loving every minute. And my plans for this weekend – starting today at 5:00 pm, so don’t bother calling after that – all involve water, sand, hiking trails, wind, and sun.
I’m going to enjoy it. My nerd gear may not, though. I will be in places where there’s no signal to feed my gadgets. And then there’s all that pesky sand and water that can wreck my delicate electronics.
How’s a girl to Tweet, Insta, and listen to tunes? I’ll tell you how: Check out these deals on summer-hardened gizmos to enhance – or enable – your outdoor fun.
NYNE Multimedia Aqua Floatable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Kayaks in the water! Pool floats ready! Cue the music….oh, wait. If getting music gear in the water was the problem last summer, check out this speaker you can drop right off the side of your kayak to liven up your lunch flotilla. Or drop in the pool to turn laps into a party. It’s on sale on Amazon right now for 20 percent off. Even if the largest body of water you are looking to explore is a hot tub, music helps.
Motorola MS350R Talkabout 2-Way Radios
Out in the wilds, where the mountains meet the sea, in a tent or on a boat, life is simpler and the need to be constantly texting ribald humor to friends seems frivolous and unnecessary. At least it does until you realize that you managed to get separated from your crew and might end up lost out there with nothing to eat, forever. Then the “No service” notification on your phone starts to mock you. That’s why they invented the walkie-talkie. If you and someone else in your crew has a pair of these waterproof, rugged Motorola MS350R - 35 Mile Range Talkabout 2-Way Radios in your packs, you have a communication systems backup. And they are currently only $60.56 at Walmart.com, down from $100.
BRAVEN 850 or 770
Here’s a big, Bluetooth speaker that looks great on your desk, in your kitchen, or even in the bedroom – and it can pair with another like speaker so you can get big stereo sound.
But the Braven 850 is also toss-in-your-car-camping-rig portable and will charge your phone or tablet. So if you are headed out, bring some big sound with you. If that adventure potentially involves backpacks, water, and actual wilderness though, consider the Braven 770, which also pairs with another speaker and charges your phone but is smaller, splash-proof and rugged. Both are 50 percent off right now. Use the code, DADROCKS at checkout. You can buy up to three speakers with that code.
Drive 3GS Signal booster
You’re running down the road, streaming music from your phone to the car speakers. Freedom! You’re no longer at the mercy of every country radio jockey working the Interstates. Until your signal cuts out, and your music with it.
This Drive 3G-S (470106) signal booster offers to fix that by improving your signal so you don’t drop calls and lose your tunes every time a mountain, tree, or tunnel comes along. And it’s on sale right now for $79.99 (down from $130.)
Audiofly’s AF120 In-Ear Monitors
When you decide to tune out nature in favor of something with a beat that motivates you to haul your pack up that mountain, you don’t want tinny, low-rent headphones for the job. But good headphones can get pretty spendy. Right now, though, Audiofly’s AF120 In-Ear Monitors are $100 off at Audiofly.com, bringing the price from $250 to $150. They convey realistic sound so you can listen to music as the artist intended it to be heard. The deal runs until June 21. At checkout, use the code: dadstheword.
Toddy Gear
Keep your phone clean, charged, and adorable – no matter how long you are out or how grimy your backpack – with these groovy screen cleaners, cute tech charger packs (shown), and phone stands that also clean the screen. They’re from Toddy Gear. I have something from this line in every room – and in my backpack. I consider them essentials. Use the code “toddyclean01” for 30 percent off any online order. That deal is exclusive for Deal Seekers.
