Hi-Tech Gadgets that Are Perfect to Bring to the Beach

Let's face it, even though we head to the beach to leave the office and responsibilities behind, we are conditioned to need our gadgets - at all times. Phones, cameras, portable music players, and any combination there-of are a part of almost anyone's daily and connected life. We may debate if we should bring them, but darn if we do, and darn if we don't - because enjoying them while keeping them safe from the elements has always been a challenge.

If there is just one (and only one) gadget that we would likely bring to the beach, it would a phone. Whether it's emergency contact, to check in with an important project at work, to keep in touch with friends, to do some casual Tweeting and texting, or snap a quick picture; a mobile phone is essential in today's society. Most phones aren't purchased with the ultimate intention of being covered with sand or sea-salt. For many PDA based phones, including the iPhone, Otter Box - a manufacturer of a variety of portable cases - for portable devices, creates an air-tight, waterproof case that will surely protect an expensive smartphone. Also available from Otter Box, is line of waterproof storage cases for portable GPS units, iPods, and more.

What if you are in the market for a new phone, and wish to own one that can stand the elements - including those found the beach? The answer may be Motorola's i1 Android phone; the first push to talk (PTT), rugged, touch screen phone - available from Sprint. Its technical specs also meet military 810F standards, which means it can stand up to the toughest environments that include rain, dust, shock, and more. Even Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" Mike Rowe has teamed with Motorola, giving the phone a "Mike Rowe Tough" stamp of approval.

Many of us use our phones as a portable music player, while others prefer a dedicated device such as an iPod. While Otter Box makes waterproof cases for a variety of iPods, those who don't have one, or prefer something more convenient for the sand and surf, FINIS, the worldwide leader in technical swimming development creates high end sporty waterproof players including the SwiMP3.1G. This player offers sound trough bone conduction for actually swimming underwater.

An afternoon at the beach also creates memories, and what better way to catch them with a waterproof camera. Two options that offer picture taking in a rubberized, sporty, fun in the sun package are the RCA EZ4000 from the Small Wonder, and the Kodak Playsport. Both cameras feature Full 1080p HD video and are waterproof up to 10 feet.

Computing at the beach instead of relaxing? If you find that you just can't pull yourself away from the keyboard, even in the great outdoors, you'll be pleased to know that Panasonic continues to make the Toughbook series of laptops and portable tablet PCs. Although on the higher end as far as price-point goes, the Toughbook is a machine that is great for use in the field and in outdoor conditions by meeting the military MIL-STD-810G standard. Although it shouldn't be used in the surf, it does have shock drop technology, and features a spill proof keyboard.

Otter Box Carrying Cases
Motorola i1
FINIS Swimming Products
Kodak Playsport
RCA EZ4000
Panasonic Toughbook