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.

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!

Fairfield Inn and Suites is celebrating their silver anniversary! During September they are giving guests a chance to win weekend getaways. The promotion is almost over, but don’t despair. To celebrate their 25 years, they are giving away a $250 Fairfield Inn and Suites gift card to one lucky Road Warriorette reader!

How to win? It’s simple, as always. Leave a comment answering the following question: What are the two things you can’t live without during a business trip? The winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday October 2. As always, only one entry per person please.

There are a bunch of things I can’t live without on a business trip, but the top two are pretty easy: my iPhone and pashmina. Both are multi-functional and have saved me many times on many different trips! So what are your two things?

Good luck!

The great National Car Rental promotion One Two Free is back! When customers rent twice from National, they get a third rental free. As simple as that! To celebrate, we are doing a contest where travelers can share their travel experience and win a Traveler Truth Prize Pack—including a Swiss Army WT Wheeled Tote, a Swiss Army WT Deluxe Garment Sleeve, and a $100 AMEX gift card. It’s valued at $499!!

How to win this awesome prize? National is putting together the Top 10 Business Traveler Truths, and they know that if anyone can speak the truth about business travel it’s Road Warriors! To enter the contest, post a comment with your top “rule of the road” for a work trip. I will work with National representatives to pick the best comment, and the winner will receive the Travel Truth Prize Pack. Pretty sweet, right? Plus, the winning truth will be compiled into National’s Top 10 Business Traveler Truths, which will be featured on their Facebook page and shared with travelers far and wide! We will draw the winner on Wednesday, September 19 and announce on September 20. (As always, only one entry per person.)

And if that weren’t enough, as a bonus for Road Warriorette readers, anyone who is currently an Emerald Club member can get one free rental credit. All you have to do is email your Emerald Club membership code to OneTwoFree@ehi.com with a screengrab of your comment, and mention “Road Warriorette” so they know where you posted. This means that you will only have to rent one more time to get a free rental! If you’re not a member yet, you can join immediately here (for no cost) to participate.

Road Warriorette’s top business traveler truth: Don’t overpack!!  Choose coordinating items and maximize accessories to save money and time by carrying on your suitcase.

Good luck!

Friends, today is the last day to enter our awesome contest! It’s not too late to enter to win a vacation for two from Home2 Suites by Hilton. The winner will be drawn tomorrow and announced on Friday. Don’t miss out!!!

I will be drawing a winner tonight, so make sure to enter! You could win a $25 gift card and a Go Like a Pro basket with all kinds of fun goodies. Click here to go to the contest.

Happy 25^th Anniversary, Emerald Club! National’s loyalty program was the first of its kind when it was started 25 years ago, and they are celebrating their 25^th anniversary this month! To help them commemorate 25 years, we’re doing a contest!!

In the comments, tell us about what you were doing 25 years ago. In college? First grade? Traveling the world? Getting married? Tell us! One winner will be randomly selected to win a $25 AMEX gift card and a “Go Like a Pro” kit filled with everything you need for business travel! It includes a National tumbler, a National embossed leather writing pad, a National pen set, a weekend duffle bag, and a driving kit. (Winner will be drawn randomly from entries on Thursday, March 22. One entry per person.) For another chance to win, check out the National “Blast from the Past” contest on Facebook!

Twenty-five years ago I was in kindergarten, having a great time exploring the woods behind our house. I had a cat and my best friend lived across the street. Life was good!

So Readers, what were you doing 25 years ago?

Road Warriorette received a $25 gift card for doing this contest.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the craziness of the holidays. Between parties, visitors, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and traveling, the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful time of the year. Girlfriendology, the online community celebrating female friendship, has put together a free eBook with tips and tricks for managing the hectic end of year. Topics include:

• Tips for getting the perfect gift
• Holiday baking
• How to be less stressed
• Having a more meaningful holiday

and…..

• Six Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel by Road Warriorette!

I’m super excited to be included in this eBook, and can’t wait to take a few quiet minutes to start reading it. Click here to download it for free.

On Friday at 2 EST I will be on Girlfriendology Radio talking about holiday travel! Check it out!