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!!

This contest is closed.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know that I recommend compression socks for anyone who takes long flights. (That goes double for pregnant people!) They really do help keep my ankles and feet from swelling, not to mention reducing the threat of DVT. Even though I own several pairs myself, I am always on the lookout for a new pair, as long as it’s CUTE. Before, I’ve only been able to find black, boring, ugly compression socks. Until now!

Introducing Nabee Socks: compression socks for men and women, backed by science, with adorable designs. It is a brand new company, with the founder Brian Park getting funding through Kickstarter. (If you have a minute, check out their Kickstarter video—I love it.) Nabee Socks use graduated compression that improves blood circulation, provides additional leg support, and prevents conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis. They sent me some socks to review, and here are my thoughts.

First, the four designs are fabulous. I had a hard time choosing my favorite, but finally picked the pink argyle Frou. (Although it was really a toss-up between Frou and the striped Waldough.) While I really liked looking at them, I kind of dreaded putting them on—I have muscular calves, and it is a struggle to get most compression socks on. These, however, were much easier than any pair I’ve ever dealt with before. I was actually able to get them on my feet and all the way up my calves!  A very exciting moment. Once they were on, I certainly felt compressed, but in no way uncomfortable.  I also really like the seaming around the toe—it’s very comfortable and doesn’t irritate. I’ve worn them on several flights now, and the swelling is significantly less than without them. Also, I wore them a couple of times when I had long days with lots of standing, and my feet hurt way less than normal. In addition to being a great product, I really like the philosophy of the company—upbeat, positive, backed by science, with a 100% money-back guarantee. There are four designs available for women, and one design (for now—more are coming!) for men, and they are all $35.

I am super excited to partner with Nabee Socks for a contest! The winner will win one pair of Nabee Socks of their choice. In order to enter, please leave a comment answering the following question: What is the longest flight you have ever taken, and where did you go? The contest starts today and goes until midnight on Monday, May 6, with the winner picked randomly. As always, only one entry per person.

My answer to this question is easy: the longest flight I’ve ever been on is definitely the one from DFW to Tokyo—14 hours total. It’s just one of three flights that get me from home to Manila for a total travel time of 25 hours. Of course, I’m lucky because every time I’ve taken that flight I’ve been upgraded. The flight that seemed the longest (even though it wasn’t) was the time I flew the reverse, from Tokyo to DFW, an 11 hour flight that I spent in coach.

Good luck!!

This contest is closed.

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. I have experienced all of these firsthand, and I think road warriors and warriorettes will benefit tremendously! (I’ll be doing an in-depth review this week, so stay tuned!)

To celebrate, we are doing a contest and the winner wins one free night at a U.S. Hyatt Place! To enter, please leave a comment answering the following question: The bulkiest item I have to pack and can’t live without is_________. (And let’s be more original than, say, “my computer,” because everyone needs that!) The contest runs through Monday, April 22 at midnight CDT and the winner will be chosen randomly on Tuesday April 23. As always, one entry per person.

The bulkiest item I can’t live without is, no question, my curling iron. My computer is on that list too (of course!) plus my makeup. I’m not sure what it says that 2 out of 3 items are grooming related…..

Good luck!!

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.

This contest is closed.

The Road Warriorette contest bonanza continues!

Friends, I have discovered one of the most helpful apps for a business traveler. Ever. You may think I’m exaggerating, but I promise I’m not. Question: how many conference calls do you take a week? Five? Ten? Twenty? How many of those are while you’re on the road? For me, it’s at least half. And half of those I am literally in transit from one place to another, driving, walking, or in an airport. Dialing a conference call number and then entering a long passcode can be tricky when you’re at your office, and darn near impossible when you’re driving.

Enter MobileDay. This amazing app gets the info from the calendar on your phone, alerts you when it’s time for your meeting, then dials the number and the passcode for you. It’s amazing, and attending meetings while on a trip has never, ever been easier. It’s free, and everyone should download it immediately! (Click here to download)

To celebrate the launch of this fantastic app, we are giving away an OtterBox iPhone case (for either iPhone 4 or 5). To enter, between now and Monday, December 3 leave a comment answering the following question:  What is the strangest thing you’ve done while on a conference call? A winner will be chosen randomly from the entries on Tuesday, December 4. As always, only one entry per person. (And please, keep it family friendly!)

(If you’re not familiar with OtterBox, they are incredibly durable phone cases. I have one and even though I drop my phone all. the. time. it never gets damaged.)

I think we’ve all driven, gone through airport security, and boarded a plane while on conference calls. But the strangest thing I’ve ever done while on a conference call is grout my kitchen backsplash. Hey, when you schedule meetings for 7:30pm, expect some multitasking!

If you want to know more about MobileDay, check out the video below.

Good luck everyone!

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!

This contest is closed.

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.

Plantronics has recently released the much anticipated Voyager Legend headset! It’s being touted as the “world’s smartest headset”, and includes features such as smart call routing, precision audio, and caller announce and voice commands. To celebrate the newest member of the Plantronics family, we are giving away one Voyager Legend headset to a lucky reader!

How to win? It’s simple! Between now and Monday, November 12, write a comment answering the following question: How do you bring your business and personal life together during business trips? A winner will be chosen randomly from all of the entries on Tuesday, November 13. As always, only one entry per person.

When traveling for work it’s so easy to get stuck in the go-go-go mode. Bringing your business and personal life together can be really hard when you’re on the road a lot! But you’re not just a worker bee, so make sure you pay attention to the rest of you as well. Here are some of my tips:

Stay in touch. Make sure you keep in touch with the people you love. The Home Warrior and I talk every day I’m gone. I will also make a point to talk to my sisters, mom, and best friend when I’m gone for longer periods of time. Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you can’t maintain regular conversations! If you’re pressed for time, multi-task—chat while you’re getting ready for bed or unpacking (this is where a headset like the Voyager would come in handy!).

Take some time for yourself. Just because you’re traveling for work doesn’t mean you don’t get down time! While you’re on the plane is a great time to do something just for fun—read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, knit… Or take advantage of a layover and get a chair massage. Just a few minutes doing something you enjoy can help you maintain balance.

Make sure you get your work done! At the same time, it can be so easy to let time slip away while you socialize with coworkers or wine and dine clients. Those things are certainly important, but save time to do your actual work as well. Presentations don’t write themselves, as I have unfortunately discovered. (But don’t worry—the Voyager has a sophisticated noise canceling feature, so even if you’re out you can still take that work call. The office will never know!)

See the city you’re in. So many of us don’t ever look beyond the office and our hotel room, but all cities have something to offer! Try to eat out at a local restaurant, and taste a local specialty. If you have a little extra time, cruise by an interesting attraction or take in some scenery. It will help all of those towns you’ve visited stand out from each other, and remind you that there is more to life than work.

Click here to see official rules for the sweepstakes.

Good luck!!

This contest is now closed.

Contest craziness at Road Warriorette continues!!

I love fall—the cooler weather, sweaters, cider, fires in the fireplace…. Another reason to love fall? The Free Night Fall offer from Country Inns & Suites! Here’s the deal: book and stay any two or more consecutive nights (at the Free Night Fall rate), Sunday thru Thursday, and you’ll get a certificate for a free night! The promotion runs through November 30, and it sounds like a great deal to me.

In honor of the Free Night Fall offer, we are TWO readers two free nights at a Country Inn and Suites of their choice. How to win? Simple, as always. Leave a comment answering the following question: Where is your favorite place to travel during fall? The contest runs through 11pm CST on Wednesday October 31, and the winners will be randomly chosen on Thursday November 1.

Legal stuff:

• “Free Night Fall” launched October 1st and runs through November 30, 2012.
• As a reminder, this is a part of our Free Night Fall promotion, where your readers can have an opportunity to win an additional free night in our giveaway. Details and official rules can be found here.
•  Each free night voucher is valid for one free night, standard room, double occupancy at any North American Country Inns & Suites of the winner’s choice. The voucher expires one year after the issue date. The full terms and conditions are located on the room night voucher.
•  Entrants need to reside in the US or Canada and must be at least 18 years old.
• One entry per person.

I actually have a tie for my favorite place to go in the fall. The obvious choice is somewhere like New England  (or anywhere Not Texas) where the leaves change. I went to Pennsylvania once in the fall and driving through the mountains was amazingly beautiful. But the non-obvious choice is Napa Valley. The Home Warrior and I took a fabulous trip there a few years ago during October and it couldn’t have been better.

So, Readers, where is your favorite place to visit during the fall? Good luck!!

Road Warriorette received a free night stay at Country Inn & Suites.

Boarding Area is giving away two seats on the upcoming Star MegaDO 4. And not just any two seats, but two seats next to the original frequent flier, Randy Petersen! Randy is the founder of FlyerTalk, InsideFlyer, MilePoint, and of course, BoardingArea. This is the ultimate trip for frequent flier junkies! For info on the event, check out the official page here, and the MilePoint MegaDO forum here.

The prize:

A reserved aisle or window seat next to Randy Petersen on the upcoming StarMegaDo 2012, hotel accommodations, and $250 for personal expenses!

To enter, write a comment answering the following question: What’s your best advice for someone just starting to chase miles and points? The Road Warriorette winner will be selected at random and will then be part of the Boarding Area wide-contest.

• You can also enter the on any of the participating blogs, listed here.
• You must include a valid email address.
• Open to everyone 18 and older.
• You can submit one entry per blog.
• Contest comments entry period ends 11:59:59 pm MT October 7, 2012.
• Winner Selection: Two (2) winners will be chosen in a random drawing on Monday, October 8, 2012 from all eligible entries received during the Giveaway Period, as posted in the comments section of participating BoardingArea.com partnering blogs. The random drawing will be conducted by Randy Petersen, whose decision is final and binding in all respects. The winner will be notified via email within two (2) days after the selection is made. Each winner will have five (5) business days to reply confirming his/her acceptance of the giveaway seat. Failure to reply in the indicated time frame will declare that the seat has been refused and forfeited for all time and the first alternative entry will be chosen in random drawings as outlined above and provided the opportunity to claim the seat giveaway.

Read the entire list of contest rules here.

Good luck!