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Top travel gadgets for your inner minimalist

Here are some of our favorite compact, sleek gadgets which can prove invaluable if you're trying to keep your luggage as minimal as possible.
By Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
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1 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Kindle Paperwhite e-reader

A key device you should consider for your next trip is an e-reader to pass the time while in transit. The Kindle Paperwhite, for example, sports a 6-inch, 300 ppi display which uses e-ink technology to avoid screen glare, an in-built light, Wi-Fi and allows users to download books from the Kindle Store or other sources.

Price: $199

Via: Amazon

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2 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

A-iEasy smart mobile device stand

The A-iEasy, available for preorder, is a 2.4mm width modern stand for your mobile devices. The stand is available in everything from a credit card design to flexible legs or hefty, metal rings, all of which only take up a small space in your luggage but can make travel more convenient and comfortable -- and look good to boot.

Price: $Varies

Via: A-iEasy

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3 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Photojojo Magnetic iPhone and Android Lens Series

Photography enthusiasts do not necessarily need to take all their kit with them all the time. If you enjoy taking photos but don't have the capacity for bulky equipment, a set of smartphone lenses can give you a range to play with but without taking up so much space.

The Photojojo range, for example, includes a fisheye, super fisheye, telephoto, wide angle, macro and polarizing set of lenses, and apart from being crafted out of alumunium for durability on the move, connect magnetically.

They don't have the sophistication of your average Canon L-series, of course, but they are a lot of fun.

Price: $99

Via: Photojojo

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4 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Life Card

If you don't need a full portable power bank but would like to have access to some extra juice just in case of emergency, the lightweight Life Card is a good investment.

The wallet-sized power bank, available in various finishes, has a built-in cable for either Apple or Android devices -- depending on your preferences -- and due to its 1,500mAh battery can provide some extra power in a pinch.

Price: $42.95+

Via: PlusUs

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5 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Anker PowerCore 10000 with Quick Charge 3.0

The PowerCore 10000 is a small, light charger complete with Quick Charge technology that is useful for frequent fliers, campers, or simply as a device to throw in your bag for emergencies.

Able to charge a smartphone three times or one tablet to max on a single charge due to the 10,000mAh battery, the power bank is smaller than a deck of cards and also contains surge protection to keep your devices from harm.

Price: $35.99

Via: Anker

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6 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

TanSafe

If you want an alternative solution to a watertight bag when you're swimming in the sea, TanSafe is a rather novel idea. The 'stealth safe' looks like a nondescript sun lotion bottle while containing enough space inside for smartphones, keys, and cards.

Price: £7.99 ($8.73)

Via: Firebox

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7 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

CaliCase waterproof bag

CaliCase, one of my favorite travel items, is a waterproof, sealed bag suitable for stashing your mobile devices in wet conditions -- whether it be hiking, camping, or swimming.

Not only does the double-PVC bag take up little room in your luggage, but the CaliCase can be purchased in a variety of colors depending on your preferences. The CaliCase is certified for up to 100 feet underwater and is also able to float.

Price: $19.99

Via: CaliCase

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8 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Wallet Ninja

You never know when you may need a can opener or screwdriver, and when you are on the move, it can make your life difficult to go without the miscellaneous tools we take for granted. Catering for this need, the Wallet Ninja is an 18-in-1 multi-tool made of steel and small enough to stash in your wallet.

Price: £8.99 ($11.20)

Via: Firebox

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9 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Poweradd worldwide travel charger

Another key item for trips abroad but often bulky and cumbersome is a travel adapter. Necessary to cater for different plug specifications, finding a small but sturdy adapter can be an issue -- but travelers may want to consider the Poweradd international adapter.

The product comes with worldwide plugs and two USB ports in one of the most compact designs I have encountered.

Price: $29.99

Via: Amazon

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10 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Steelseries Siberia 800 headphones

Traveling with the minimum can also be achieved by combining purposes, and the Steelseries Siberia 800 headset is a decent option for business travelers.

The headset muffles noise around you which is handy for flights, while it also acts as a gaming and VoIP headset with an extendable microphone useful for webinars and meetings on the go.

Price: £199

Via: ZDNet

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11 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a small, compact camera packing advanced capabilities for photography enthusiasts that want to slim down from DSLRs.

The camera features a 1.0-inch 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, an f/1.8-2.8 lens, auto-focus tracking, image stabilization and the option to take photos in .JPG, .RAW or RAW+JPEG modes. In addition, users can take full HD video.

Price: $679.99

Via: Canon

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12 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Mobile device anti-glare screens

If you plan to take your tablet on your next trip instead and want a way to read on the beach without dealing with screen glare, 3M offers a range of anti-glare filters and screen protectors for your device.

Price: $Varies

Via: 3M

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13 of 13 Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

WD Elements portable hard drive

If you need a sleek, lightweight hard drive to give you some extra space for your videos, games, or somewhere to stock your holiday photos, the WD Elements portable hard drive is an option worth considering.

Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 3TB versions, this USB 3.0 hard drive is robust enough to put up with the wear and tear of travel.

Price: $49.99

Via: Amazon

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