Name: Wait At The Gate Charging Tray
What it is: a sturdy plastic tray that easily attaches to the telescoping handle of your carry-on luggage to support a tablet or iPad, also providing a battery to back up your device or smartphone. Hammacher Schlemmer says the battery can provide seven hours of use for a tablet/iPad or 55 hours of talk time on a smartphone.
The good: Most every airliner traveler has experienced being just a bit late to the airport gate after all the seats anywhere near an electrical outlet are taken. Here’s your answer. The tray conveniently holds your tablet or iPad just right for checking email, watching a show or surfing the Internet, all the while providing a hearty battery to keep your devices juiced until boarding. And when you’re not using it for a device, it also can hold a large cup of coffee or serve as a small tray for treats or whatever else you might need in the convenience desert that is the common airport gate. It folds down to almost nothing — 11 inches long, 41/2 wide and a little over an inch deep — so it can slide into a carry-on pocket. It’s a nifty little traveler.
The bad: The tray clamps that grip the interior sides of your telescoping handle will slide down to the nearest joint. If that’s not the proper level for you, use the support strap (included) to attach to the upper end of the handle. The tray also won’t support your keyboard (if you have one). Solution: Detach the keyboard and put it in your lap. The keyboard Bluetooth signal will still reach your device.
Available from: www.hammacher.com
Cost: $59.95