Tried and tested: The best travel gadgets

Whether you’re planning your first flight since the pandemic or you have a road trip in mind, we’ve tested the best travel gadgets to keep you you entertained.

Travel is back on the agenda and these gadgets will keep you entertained and fully connected even during flight delays.

TWELVE SOUTH BOOKBOOK FOR KINDLE

The smart way to make your digital books look antique

$90, twelvesouth.com.au

PROS

– High quality leather cover

– Automatically turns Kindle on

– Features a stand for easy reading

CONS

– Makes device thicker

– Zip can be stiff

– Larger to pack

The retro appeal of Twelve South BookBook covers never gets old and the company’s new model for Amazon’s latest Kindle comes with bonuses. Its brown leather cover, made to look like an old novel complete with reinforced spine, hugs the Kindle Paperwhite 11h edition snugly and keeps it in place with magnets. Magnets also serve to turn its screen on when you lift its lid, and off when you close it again, and the Kindle can be propped up with a hidden kickstand for comfortable reading on a table or in bed. The BookBook inevitably makes the Kindle thicker and larger to pack, though it also protects that important screen.

VERDICT: ★★★★½

BACKBONE ONE PLAYSTATION

The ultimate mobile game controller is back for PlayStation

$179, jbhifi.com.au

PROS

– Play epic games remotely

– Slick hardware and software

– Attractive PlayStation finish

CONS

– Only compatible with iPhone

– Subscription after one year

– Xbox-like joystick layout

This mobile gaming gadget looks like someone nabbed a PlayStation controller and jammed an iPhone inside. Backbone’s newest device is based on the white look of Sony’s DualSense controller and features the button labels that will appeal to PlayStation fans. The software that runs this accessory is also slick and delivers access to big titles using PS Remote Play from an iPhone display. It can also be used to play games on an iPad, Mac or PC, though users will have to pay a $76 subscription after one year, and Android users miss out.

VERDICT: ★★★★½

SATECHI USB-C ON-THE-GO

A pocket-sized gadget to boost your travel options

$169, jbhifi.com.au

PROS

– Adds nine ports to a laptop

– Hidden USB-C cable

– Attractive, metal form

CONS

– No headphone port

– Metal could scratch in transit

– Only supports on monitor

Despite what modern laptop makers think, there are times you need to plug in more than one thing. The Satechi USB-C On-the-Go gadget is designed to boost your computer’s number of connections by nine ports, ranging from space for memory cards to full-size USB ports and Ethernet to HDMI connections, so you can download your travel photos and share them online. Plus, this hub comes in a sleek, aluminium form that is a bit smaller than most smartphones, and with a hidden USB-C to USB-C cable safely enclosed inside.

VERDICT: ★★★★

STM GOODS CHARGETREE GO

An unexpectedly compact three-in-one charger

$150, stmgoods.com.au

PROS

– Powers three devices at once

– Uses just one USB-C cable

– Slim form folds to pocket size

CONS

– Watch charger only for Apple

– Arrives without power plug

– Chunky, plastic form

Packing chargers for a trip can be a baffling task but it’s one made easier by this Aussie invention. The ChargeTree Go folds out to reveal an angled wireless charging platform for Qi-compatible smartphones, but there’s more to it than that. There’s another small wireless charging surface behind it to power up earbuds and, if you press on its side, another appears to recharge an Apple Watch. All of this is powered with just one USB-C cable. The devices comes without a plug, so you’ll have to supply your own, but this could be a space-saving device for the road.

VERDICT: 4/5 stars

YOOBAO MINI 10000

An adorable way to recharge your gadgets

$55.45, myer.com.au

PROS

– Travel-friendly size

– Can charge two devices

– Adorable artwork

CONS

– Uses old Micro USB port

– No power plug included

– No extra cables

There are many reasons to invest in this power bank but the first you’ll notice is the adorable artwork on its cover. This miniature, square battery comes with a lucky dragon or strawberries outside, making it stand out instantly. Its tech is also impressive, with two USB outputs to charge two devices at once, enough juice to power up a phone three times, and support for 2.1 amp fast-charging. The device itself can be recharged with an Apple Lightning cable or, sadly, an outdated Micro USB cable (there’s on in the box). Users must supply their own power plug and cable for their devices.

VERDICT: ★★★½