If you’re like me, you love your tablet. My iPad is great for surfing the web, using apps, and reading. But actual work? Not at all. Typing for long periods of time is too difficult on my iPad, which makes it hard to get any real work done. I’ve often thought about getting an external keyboard, but many of the ones I’ve seen have been so bulky that I might as well use my regular laptop. Then I was sent the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad to review, and all of my feelings have changed.

Belkin recently launched their Ultimate Keyboard Case, and so far the reviews have been excellent. After my own personal experience, I completely agree. It’s meant to stay with your iPad all the time, so it functions as both a case and a keyboard (as one might gather from the name). The back has an aluminum shell, but the connecting pieces are nice and thin. It was very simple to slip my iPad into place, and after the initial charge (I let it charge for about 20 minutes) setup took maybe 30 seconds and was incredibly easy.

The keyboard is great—obviously smaller than a full-size laptop keyboard, but certainly large enough to get the job done. I really like that there are individual, separate keys—it makes typing so much easier. Plus the keys are big enough and in the right place.  It also really protected my iPad from the various large things I carry in my purse.

I carried it around with me (everywhere) for a few days, and here are the features I love. First, it is SO thin. Hardly thicker than my iPad by itself! Also, it weighs almost nothing, so I barely notice it in my purse, and I was able to fit it into regular purses vs. my normal large work purse. It takes up so much less room than my regular laptop, which makes using it in tight spaces (like conferences and airplanes) a breeze. When I wanted it to be just a tablet, the case folded back nicely and didn’t interfere.

As a travel bonus, since it’s an iPad I didn’t have to take it out at security. Woohoo! (Hey, I’ll take any time saver there.)

Will this replace my laptop for everything? No—I had a hard time adjusting to no mouse, plus I need all of those awesome MS programs (PowerPoint anyone?). But I love the Ultimate Keyboard Case, and will definitely use it with my iPad on all trips from here on out. I recommend it to anyone who travels often or needs a super portable computer. It is compatible with iPad 2 plus Gen 3 and 4, and is available for $129.

So who wants one?? To celebrate the release, I am giving away a Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case!! In order to enter, please leave a comment answering the following question: What is your best tip for getting through security quickly? The contest starts today and goes through Sunday, May 19, at midnight CDT. The winner will be chosen randomly, and as always only one entry per person.

My tip for getting through security quickly (besides TSA Pre-Check of course) is to have everything ready before you get to the bins. Have your liquids bag (if you take it out) easily accessible, have everything out of your pockets, and have your laptop ready to pull out. Or you could take an iPad with the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case, which doesn’t have to come out!

Good luck!!

After 18 months of research, Hyatt has recently come out with a new array of offerings geared toward the frequent traveler. The new features are tailored to guests’ individual preferences, and include a service providing frequently forgotten items, healthy new menu options, and upgraded bath amenities. Hyatt recently invited me to be their guest at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk so I could check it all out.

Room

The hotel is incredibly beautiful. It had interesting art and chandeliers, plus huge windows overlooking the Riverwalk. Of course, one thing I hadn’t realized was that I was visiting on Saint Patrick’s day, so there were many folks out celebrating. Luckily, once I got up to my room I didn’t hear anything. Although I swear I’ve never seen so much green clothing in all of my life!

The room was really lovely. The bed was very comfortable, with a good amount of pillows. The desk was large, and even after sitting there for over an hour I still felt good. The armchair and ottoman were awesome. In the evening I turned the armchair around so I could appreciate the best part of our room—the view. The Hyatt Regency Riverwalk overlooks the Alamo (hugely famous piece of Texas history, for those of you who are unfamiliar), and from our room we could see it really well. So cool!

The bathroom was nice, with the standard granite countertop and huge mirror. It also had a magnifying makeup mirror, which was an unexpected bonus.

Hyatt Has It service

One of the new Hyatt offerings is an updated version of the standard “Did you forget something? We have it,” service that many hotels offer. Not only do they have the typical razor/toothbrush/etc items that guests can have, they have a huge list of things guests can have, buy, or borrow. For example, while I was getting ready for dinner (at Biga on the Banks—highly, highly recommend!!!) I realized that I had forgotten my curling iron. Normally something like that would end any cute-hair aspirations for the evening, but the Hyatt now even has items like curling irons that guests can borrow or buy! Other examples are makeup wipes, yoga mats, baby products, lint removers, Woolite, a wine opener, computer and phone chargers, and more. They bring it right to your door! This was awesome, and I think will be very useful to travelers moving forward.

Healthy, balanced menu offerings

Another new feature is the healthier, smaller portioned menu offerings. Guests can choose from a variety of dishes that include a protein, grains, and vegetables, available in two sizes. Everything is in season and locally sourced when possible. All of the options sounded very delicious, and I went with the chicken breast, jasmine rice, and grilled veggies. It was so good! It was very tasty, didn’t weigh me down, and it felt like I was doing something good for my body, very different from your typical room service fare. I also tried a mango smoothie, which was fantastic.

Upgraded bath amenities

The toiletries in my room were by KenetMD, and were amazing. These products have a cult-following, and for a good reason. My hair and skin felt so smooth after using them, and I totally have the shampoo and conditioner in my shower at home right now.

Service

The service at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk was incredible. I let them know I was bringing the Mini Warrior, and they had a Pack ‘n’ Play waiting in the room for us, including baby toiletries. Everyone we encountered, from the front desk person to the housekeeper to the room service delivery person was gracious, helpful, and seemed happy to be at work.

During the 18 months of research the Hyatt did to prepare for these new offerings, they talked to hundreds of women travelers to find out what was important to them on the road. I think the new Hyatt experience will make road warriors and warriorettes alike have an easier, healthier time when they’re away from home. My experience was great (as have all of my Hyatt stays), and I recommend the Hyatt hotels to everyone!

Don’t forget about the contest—you can win a free night at any Hyatt Place in the US!! Today is the last day to enter, and the winner will be announced tomorrow.

Road Warriorette was given a night free of charge in order to do this review.

The winners have won an Arc Compact notebook, AvantPro pen, and Relay Micro USB Flash Drive. Congrats!! Here are the messages from the lucky tweeps:

@roadwarriorette two conferences in two different cities this summer!#StaplesMakesTravelEasy

— Henry Mensch (@henare) March 15, 2013

@roadwarriorette I’m headed to Phoenix in two weeks then St Louis next month#StaplesMakesTravelEasy

— Claudia Coker (@cgc1653) March 14, 2013

@roadwarriorette I am still planning a spring break trip – Phoenix or Los Angeles. #StaplwsMakesTravelEasy

— D Lloyd (@ddklloyd2) March 14, 2013

@roadwarriorette I’m headed to Europe this summer and those supplies would help us create a travel log#StaplesMakesTravelEasy

— pattonroberta (@pattonroberta) March 14, 2013

@roadwarriorette I can use these for my trip to China next week!#staplesmakestraveleasy

— The Travel Playbook (@TravelPlaybook) March 14, 2013

Thanks again to Staples for the prizes!

So you’ve read my review of the Arc Compact Notebook, AvantPro pen, and Relay Micro USB flash drive, and now you’re wondering: How can I get my hands on these awesome items from Staples? Well of course, there is the old fashioned way—ordering off the website. Or you could participate in the Twitter contest to win them for free!

Here’s how to enter: Between now (March 14, 10am Central) and next Monday, March 18 at midnight, go to twitter and send me a tweet. In this tweet, tell me the next trip you are taking that these products would make easier. Be sure to include the hashtag #StaplesMakesTravelEasy. (A sample tweet: @RoadWarriorette I’m headed to Thailand in the fall! #StaplesMakesTravelEasy)Then we will randomly select not one, not two, but FIVE winners! The package includes the Arc Compact Notebook and Flags, the AvantPro pen, and 8GB Relay Micro flash drive (value $28).

So everybody head to Twitter and tell me your next trip that these awesome Staples products could make easier! Remember, there will be FIVE winners!

Thanks again to Staples for this contest. Now go tweet!

We have a winner in our most recent contest! Reader CM has won the OtterBox iPhone 5 case from MobileDay. She answered the question, “What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done while on  a conference call?” with:

I rebooted and fixed a detector system. No one on the other end knew that I was working on another project J

It was so fun reading all of the responses! I think my favorite one was from BewareNZ:

What’s the strangest thing I have done on a conference call? I Roamed the garden pruning roses, until our crazy rooster found me and started to chase me around the garden crowing at full volume – which made everyone else fall about laughing at the other end of the line!

Thanks again to MobileDay for the contest! Don’t forget, it’s a great app for business travelers! Click here to visit their site to learn more about it and download it for free.

In honor of the new Plantronics Voyager  Legend headset, Road Warriorette will be featuring some sponsored posts on behalf of Plantronics and has been compensated for her contributions.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win the Plantronics Voyager Legend! Our winner, chosen by random.org, was number 1, Jeffrey, who said that his favorite way to combine his work life with his personal life on business trips is to bring his family with him. Sounds like a good plan! Some of my other favorites:

From Robert: Whenever I travel for work, I look for a small local theatre company to see a show. It helps me wind down.

From Roger: It may sound selfish, but on longer trips, if there isn’t an ‘official’ dinner with customers/partners I skip the excess, shop-talk, forced dinner with colleagues and just do room service and a movie. I like the expense account feasts as much as the next guy, but a bit of quiet ‘alone time’ can do wonders to restore ones sanity on a long trip.

From Richard: I have my kids research the city I am going to and they tell me where to go spend my down time. I send pics and Skype them from those places.

And of course, video calls, phone calls, and texts to the loved ones at home!

A big thanks to the sponsor, Plantronics, for this great contest.

Today is the last day to enter the Plantronics sponsored sweepstakes. All you have to do is answer the following question: How do you bring your business and personal life together during business trips? Click here to enter for a chance to win!

And check out the review I did of the Voyager Legend!

Don’t forget! Today is the last day to enter to win two free nights from Country Inns & Suites. And we are picking TWO winners, so your chances are doubled!

Congratulations to Victoria, who has won a $250 gift card to Fairfield Inn and Suites! Her two most important items for a trip are her flats and iPhone. I agree, those are both very important. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and a big thanks to Fairfield Inn and Suites for the gift card!

Readers, check back because the contest bonanza on Road Warriorette continues with something exciting coming soon…..

Thank you, everyone, for entering the contest to win a Traveler Truth Prize Pack from National! The winning truth, as chosen by National, was from carwag25:

Number 1 rule for me is never forget my driver’s license and/or passport. I drove two hours to the airport once and when the ticket agent asked for my ID, I realized that my driver’s license was two hours away. Thankfully I pleaded with the gate agent and showed every credit card, club card, blockbuster card, and business cards that I had, and they allowed me to get on the plane.

Great tip! And good story. I would have been freaking out if that happened to me…. Congratulations!