Tan and Techy

Summertime and the geekin’ is easy. Here are my top picks for fun and practical summer technology companions to keep you connected and entertained while on the go.
 
Capture a Kindle
If you’re desperate to catch up on the Twilight series — or read Eat, Pray, Love for the fourth time — but would rather not advertise it, the Amazon Kindle is for you. Now that it has serious competition from the Barnes & Noble Nook and the Sony Reader, the Kindle is reasonably priced at $259. The device is lighter than a typical paperback, reads like real paper (yes, even in direct sunlight), connects to the Internet via 3G network, has great battery life, and holds up to 1,500 cheesy romance novels. (Try hauling that much paper around in your adorable beach bag!) You can even waterproof the Kindle by purchasing the M-Edge Leisure Kindle Jacket for just $34.99; no more crinkled, warped pages!

Get Inspiron-ed
Hitting the road with the fam, but still desperate to check Facebook and your online bank account balance? Dell’s itty bitty Inspiron Mini is the perfect solution. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an Apple gal. I’d love nothing more than for you to run out and spend $599 on an iPad, but I’d DIE if ever I found out you took The Precious anywhere near water. Or sand. Or your fifth piña colada. So, the more practical alternative is the Inspiron Mini; it’s only $279 and surfs and sends like a champ. This way, when your toddler puts her sticky little paws all over it, your boyfriend sits on it, or your girlfriend accidently drops it in the lake, you’ll be sad, but you won’t spiral into a murderous rage. See? It’ll keep you connected AND out of prison. Sweet!

Instant Wi-Fi With a MiFi
Most open bodies of water are lacking in the public Wi-Fi department. That’s why you need the Verizon MiFi, a credit card-sized magic box that both fits in your pocket and allows you and your laptop to surf the Web (via Verizon’s 3G network) on a boat, at a tiki bar, or floating down the Tennessee river. Uber geek site Engadget calls it “drop-dead awesome in basically every meaningful way.” Um, yes. It’s one of the best tech purchases hubby has ever made, and that’s saying a lot. With the MiFi, you’ll also have the chance to share your wireless connection with up to four other devices, but choose folks wisely and pick a difficult password for access. You don’t want just anyone on board when you’re checking personal accounts and such. But you already knew that.

Juicy Accessories
Now that you’ve stocked up on battery-powered gadgets, you clearly need to buy a new totebag to match! Lest your soulmate dare tell you that the last thing you need is a new purse, I recommend the Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote for $250. Yes, it’s pricey, but it has a massive solar panel on the front that charges just about any device in one to three hours. It’s also a great excuse to stay outside longer: “Honey, I’ve got to sit here and drink this Mudslide; I’m charging your iPhone.” There are also man-versions of this tote in the form of backpacks and messenger bags, so if you’d rather just buy one for your honey so he’ll have to charge your stuff, you can do that, too.

It’s never been easier to get your geek on while enjoying a little sand, sun, and frozen beverage worship. And if you’re looking for recommended reading on the latest lady-useful technology, check out geeksugar.com; you can subscribe to it from your new Kindle!