portable Archives

One trick to access Google Maps or Apple Maps even when you don’t have cell service

Remember picking up roadmaps at the gas station and keeping a stash in the glove compartment? Those days are behind us, thanks to all the ways to get GPS in our cars. Some vehicles come with the software, but you can always add a device even if yours doesn’t. Or you can use your phone.

The nice thing about having a portable GPS is that it can do much more than get you where you need to go. You can explore restaurants, find rest stops and check the traffic. Or you can see the world from the comfort of home. Tap or click here to explore shipwreck sites on Google Maps.

What to do if you have a bad signal? Your fancy GPS won’t work. Before you reach for the glove compartment, we’ll show you a trick that will keep you on your path even when you have no cell service.

Don’t leave home without a map

If you know you’re heading into an area with poor signal or long stretches of lonely roads, you can download an area map ahead of time. Think national parks or mountainous regions. Even an overcast sky can mess with your GPS.

Luckily, you can download a map to use offline with Google Maps. Do this before you embark on your journey, and you’ll still get guidance, even if the service is spotty or nonexistent.

Downloading a map from Google Maps to your iPhone

Make sure you’re connected to the internet and not in Incognito mode.
Open the Google Maps app.
Search for your destination, a city or a landmark.
Tap the name or address of the place at the bottom of your screen, then tap the three dots.
Select Download offline map > Download.

After downloading an area, use the Google Maps app like you normally would. If your internet connection is slow or absent, your offline map will guide you to your destination.

Downloading a map from Google Maps to your Android phone

Make sure you’re connected to the internet.
Open the Google Maps app.
Search for your destination, a city or a landmark.
Tap the name or address of the place at the bottom of your screen, then tap Download > Download.
If you searched for a place like a restaurant, tap the three dots, then Download offline map > Download.

Continue reading →

ASUS Chromebook Flip

If you like Chromebooks, how about an evolved version? It’s an upgraded version of a beloved computer — and you can bet it has the chops to match.

With a bright screen and a flexible design, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is nifty, portable and powerful. It lasts for 12 hours on a charge and has 16GB of memory. It also has a hefty storage space — 512GB. Check out more of its specs below.

Continue reading →

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Safety first

I bet you or someone you know has a scary travel story. These gadgets are no-brainers to bring on your next trip to protect yourself and your stuff.

Major security flaws have compromised a huge portion of keycard hotel locks. Easy fix: This doorstop with a built-in alarm (17% off).
Traveling with valuables? Bring your own safe. Hotel rooms don’t always have one. This little portable option is under $24.
Whether you’re traveling abroad or just going out at night, take a personal alarm. This sleek option is 20% off and goes right on your keychain.
Only one in four U.S. homes has a carbon monoxide detector. Bet your Airbnb doesn’t. This one’s 33% off!
Two words: Fanny pack. Wear it across your chest for extra street cred (I do!). This one’s inexpensive and looks great.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

We’re gonna need a pencil over here: Gen Z, who’s now obsessed with all things nostalgic, is bringing back the cassette tape. To play those tapes, new, snazzy portable cassette players are hitting the streets. Break out your tape collection and snag one. Here’s a cheap option, a middle-of-the-road option and a high-end pick.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

ASUS ZenBook 13

This classy laptop is over $1,000 — but don’t approach it with low expectations. It’s stylish and portable, perfect for working on the go.

It lasts for about 12 hours on a single charge. It has an attractive, lightweight body, along with a few other great features to help you through the day. Check out its specs below.

Continue reading →

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

5 clever ways to use those old USB drives you have lying around

Over the years, USB drives (or flash drives) can accumulate and take up space in random corners of your home. What you might not know is that there are many more uses for these drives than merely transferring files between computers.

Continue reading →

Your a** is grass

We’re less than a month out from Labor Day (and football season). A cookout without lawn games is a very sad affair.

Anyone else get excited about Olympic badminton? I found a stake-free badminton set for under $45 with everything included.
Allow me to introduce you to giant Jenga (26% off). Take it to the next level by writing fun challenges on the blocks!
“Bucket ball” is super-portable and fun for kids, too. It’s like cup pong, but without the alcohol. This set is 20% off with a coupon.
Take your bocce ball game to the next level with a regulation-sized set. that comes with a carrying case ($43.17).
Don’t cheap out on a cornhole set that’ll get soggy by next season. This patriotic set will go the distance (25% off).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Bug repellers

It’s patio season, which, unfortunately, also means bug season. Dun-dun-dun. I rounded up three great products to keep bugs at bay.

Coils: Place these citronella coils ($10.75 for 24) strategically around you. Lemme tell you, they work.
Racket: A little sadistic, sure, but catching the mosquito that keeps buzzing your ear is so satisfying. Grab a mini one (33% off) and go for the kill shot.
E-diffuser: Make your patio a mosquito-free zone with a portable electronic diffuser ($26.50). The cartridges are scent- and smoke‑free.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Plan a picnic

Bedsheets, old quilts, checkered tablecloths — OK, picnic blankets.

Lightweight ripstop nylon that’s heat- and moisture-resistant and comes with stakes? Great picnic blanket. Plus, it’s 17% off ($9.97).
Stash your fixins in these colorful silicone collapsible containers that you can throw in the dishwasher when you get home (33% off, $19.99).
Skip disposable plates and go for this colorful wheat straw set with silverware, cups, plates and bowls — 20% off.
A little folding table (or two) to keep your plates off the ground really elevates things. This two-pack is just $21.99. Bonus: They double as lap tables once you’re back inside.
Don’t forget a portable speaker to add a little ambiance. This JBL model is 20% off, has a metal carabiner to clip it to your bag and boasts 10 hours of runtime.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🛳️ Cruisin’ together

Five little essentials to pack for your voyage on the high seas — or, really, any summer vacay:

Pocket-sized router: Think of a travel router as your own private hub on the ship’s network. Pay for the internet for one device but share it using this. Score: Under $34 right now.
Outlets for everyone: Buyer beware: Cruise staff will confiscate regular surge protectors. Opt for this cruise-approved model with three outlets, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports — now 29% off ($9.98).
Li’l nightlight: Cruise cabins get dark at night. Light your path to the loo with a motion sensor nightlight that runs on AAA batteries. Right now, it’s 25% off ($17.99).
Hangin’ out: Hang your towels, shirts, toiletry bag, sunnies — whatever ya got — on these super-strong magnetic hooks.
Cruise juice: A dead phone battery on an off-ship excursion? What a disaster. This portable power bank is 40% off ($17.99).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Not a fan of sweating?

When it’s hot, you need a fan. These personal ones are portable, rechargeable and will keep you cool. Oh, and they look pretty awesome, too.

Best handheld fan: The TriPole Mini Handheld Fan is cute, tiny and a steal — 53% off right now ($9.48). Pick your fave of 12 colors (love the blue, but the yellow is great, too) and get a matching lanyard. It charges with a USB-C cord — easy-breezy!
Best handheld-slash-desk fan: Hang, prop, angle or hold this fan from VersionTECH to stay cool, whether you’re WFH or ATB (at the beach). It lasts up to eight hours on the lowest setting and three hours on the highest, charges via a micro-USB cord, and is 43% off ($15.99).
Best neck fan: I used to think these were dorky, but they’re a lifesaver when you’re working outside in the heat. SWEETFUL’s model is bladeless, lightweight, works for four to nine hours, charges via USB-C, and is 10% off ($23.39).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Your Monday motivation: Coffee

The best cup of coffee starts with a fresh grind.
Make a single cup at a time or an entire pot with the Ninja DualBrew Pro.
A stainless steel insulated coffee mug keeps your cup of Joe hot.
Turn basic coffee into cafe quality with a milk frother.
A portable Minipresso maker is sweet if you’re on the road a lot.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.