More iPad news – Courtyard sponsored USA Today app, updated Point Inside, FlightTrack and hotel Concierge App

by Scott Carmichael on

There really is no getting away from the iPad news today – unless you turn your computer off and hide in your broom closet.

Even when you peel away all the hype and media frenzy, you have to admit that Apple has once again delivered a game changing device. Especially for travelers, the iPad has the potential to completely alter the way we interact online. At launch, the new iPad has over 1200 fully optimized applications – which is more than many smartphones have in their entire catalog.

And it comes as no surprise that the travel world is embracing the iPad. In this brief lineup, I’ve collected three pieces of iPad travel app news.


Indoor mall maps in full glory on the iPad

We recently took mall mapping application Point Inside for a spin – and just in time for the iPad launch, Point Inside has announced that they are one of the launch applications on the new device.

As a quick refresher – Point Inside provides store level maps of hundreds of shopping malls, along with events, promotions and more. If you thought the app was impressive on the iPhone, you’ll probably love it even more on the iPad.

Application link: Point Inside (iTunes link)

InterContinental hotels equips its concierge teams with iPads

The concierge teams at select InterContinental Hotels are now equipped with specially customized iPads. The software on the iPads helps the concierge offer enhanced maps, video recommendations and instant booking confirmations.

The devices are being tested at InterContinental New York Barclay, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, InterContinental London Park Lane, and InterContinental Hong Kong.

This is just one of the first examples of how the iPad will help change the hospitality market.

USA Today app for the iPad free for the first 90 days – courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott

The USA Today app is one of the first to take full advantage of delivering full screen news to the iPad. As part of a promotion with Courtyard by Marriott, the app is being offered for free until July 4th.

Now many Courtyard properties have been fully renovated, it makes sense for them to join forces with another refreshing product.

The USA Today app offers headlines with Facebook and Twitter sharing, sports scores, full screen photo galleries and daily polls.

Application link: USA Today iPad app (iTunes link)


Mobiata FlightTrack for iPad

One of my personal favorites on the iPhone is also available as an iPad app – FlightTrack. Seriously – this is one app no flier should be without. It tracks your flight, syncs with your TripIt itineraries and updates you on any status changes.

Application link: Mobiata FlightTrack for iPad (iTunes link)

Two new smart iPad accessories from Cocoon Innovations

by Scott Carmichael on

Yes – today is “iPad day”. As thousands of people anxiously await the brown truck pulling up their house, I am reading the 120 or so emails announcing new iPad accessories that were sent in the past week – and picking out the best of the best.

Two of those “best” come from Cocoon innovations – their new The Harlem and The Gramercy both feature the neat GRID-IT! object retention system, allowing you to carry a lot more than just your iPad.

The Harlem (pictured above) is a water resistant messenger sling. The bag comes in three color combinations – black with yellow interior, gray with orange interior and red with brown interior. The Harlem will be available later this month for $54.99.The second new iPad case from Cocoon Innovations is one for the true Apple fan – the Gramercy messenger sling holds your iPad as well as your iPhone. Of course, this bag also comes with a GRID-IT! organizer making it the perfect storage system for your charger, iPad accessory dongles and more.

The Gramercy will also be available later this month, and at just $29.99 it appears to be a real bargain.

It is available in the same color combinations as the Harlem (black with yellow interior, gray with orange interior and red with brown interior).

Check out the full assortment of bags over at Cocoon Innovations which is where you’ll also learn more about their GRID-IT! system.

Boingo Wi-Fi Credits for the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad offers connectivity on the go

by Scott Carmichael on

Boingo just released a new app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad – their second application for the platform. In this newly released app, you can purchase Wi-Fi connectivity credits on the go – using your App store credits or stored payment method. Credits are good for a single hour of access.

Credits can be purchased in blocks of one, or ten (with a buy ten get one free promo). Best of all, the app comes with one free credit.

By linking the Wi-Fi credit purchase with your existing app store payment method, you won’t need to reach for a credit card or worry about having to enter a new payment method on the road. Credits are just treated as an in-app purchase, like many other add-ons for App store purchases.The application manages the purchases, and also acts as a hotspot finder.

The new Boingo Wi-Fi credits app can be found in the App store. If you plan to use Boingo more than a couple of hours a month, you’ll be better off with their smartphone plan – which offers unlimited worldwide access for just $7.95/month.

Ten travel friendly accessories for your Apple iPad

by Scott Carmichael on

I’m excited! Are you excited? Surely you did pre-order your iPad? (Hint: I didn’t, I want to see one in a store first). Still, if you’ve been sitting at home watching the days count down till April 3rd, here are ten travel friendly iPad accessories you may want to order before your cherished pad arrives.

In this lineup, you’ll find ways to power and protect your iPad. With cases starting at under $20, you don’t have any excuses not to keep your newest investment looking shiny as long as you can.
Colcasac iPad sleeve

ColcaSac sleeves are all made by hand, from environmentally friendly materials. The iPad sleeve is available in five different colors, and costs $30.

Product site: ColcaSac

Scottevest travel garments

Scottevest was really quick to mention that many of his garments are already iPad friendly – in fact, the Scottevest products are the only travel garments that will comfortably hold your iPod, along with almost anything else you want to carry. The iPad friendly lineup includes a vest, various jackets and even a packable windbreaker. Prices start at just $75.

Product site: Scottevest

Kensington PowerBolt Micro car charger

Your existing iPod/iPhone chargers won’t be able to power the appetite of the iPad, so to add some juice on the road, you are going to need something like the new Kensington PowerBolt Micro car charger. This tiny charger delivers a whopping 2.1 amps of power, perfect for a speedy charge of your iPad. Priced at just $24.99, it comes with the charger itself and a USB cord.

Product page: Kensington PowerBolt

Red Oxx Chica

The $70 Red Oxx Chica is a cool looking shoulder bag with space for your iPad (or Kindle/Netbook). The bag features two interior pockets with a padded panel. Best of all, the bag has enough space for any other small items you’d like to carry with you.

Product page: Red Oxx Chica

Tom Bihn Ristretto and Cache

Tom Bihn managed to introduce two iPad products less than two hours after the Apple keynote speech – making them the first on the market to actually have iPad accessories.

Their lineup consists of two bags – the Ristretto and the Cache. The Ristretto ($120) is a vertical messenger bag with plenty of space for the iPad (or a Macbook), along with other small items. The Cache ($30) is a sleek and simple sleeve designed with 1/4″ foam to protect your iPad.

Product page: Ristretto and Cache

Kensington Sling bag for iPad

At just $19.99, the Kensington Sling Bag for iPad is one of the cheapest carrying solutions out there – the stylish sling has room for your iPad along with some other essentials.

Product page: Kensington Sling Bag for iPad

BeyzaCases Thinvelope sleeve

If you need something really nice – that won’t be out of place at the next shareholders meeting, then check out the BeyzaCases Thinvelope. Available in 7 different colors, this $129 good looking “envelope” protects your iPad in style.

Product page: BeyzaCases Thinvelope (15% discount at the moment)

WaterField Designs Ultimate Smart Case, Slip Case, SleeveCase and Suede Jacket

WaterField designs has not one, but four iPad products in their lineup. Their assortment starts at just $19 for the Suede Jacket Sleeve. Their stylish Slip Case is $29, followed by the $55 Ultimate SleeveCase and the top of the line iPad Smart Case ($59). Best of all – all these cases fit perfectly in other larger bags from the WaterField Designs lineup.

Product page: WaterField Designs iPad cases

Original Apple iPad accessories

Apple went all-out when they designed accessories for their newest product. The lineup offers 11 cool accessories, including the (must have) dock/keyboard kit, a VGA dongle, camera connection kit, case, premium headphone kit, video cables and a USB power kit.

Accessories won’t all be available at launch, but at the very least, a traveler will really benefit from the lightweight dock and keyboard kit, which may even mean you can leave your laptop at home.

Product page: Apple iPad accessories

Forgetting to earn miles when pre-ordering the iPad

by Amy Chen on

I was amused to read that on Day 1, about 120,000 iPads were sold on “a product that 99.9% of purchasers haven’t touched or for that matter, even seen in person,” CNN reports.

I’m embarrassed, but not for the reason you’d expect. On Day 2, I pre-ordered the 3G version of the iPad, due to start shipping in late April. In my eagerness to get my hands on the tablet, I committed a rookie mistake: I forgot to access the Apple Online Store through United Mileage Plus Mall.

For some reason, online shopping is the one mileage-earning opportunity that I often overlook. I’ve even gone as far as bookmarking the Mileage Plus Mall page in hopes it’ll remind me. But no, I forgot — again.

After buying the 64GB model ($829) and a case ($39), my total came to $945.05 with taxes. I’m kicking myself because had I remembered to log in first with my frequent-flier account, I would’ve earned 945 miles toward my United account. (The Apple Online Store lets you earn one mile per dollar).

If I end up buying a dock for the iPad or a wireless keyboard ($69), I’ll try to remember my own advice. Feel free to remind me.