Cool tools for Realtors on the road  

Call them tools or toys, either way these technology products bring value to your business life – and can keep you safe when you’re out on the road. You never know when you might need a phone that can project pictures on a wall or an alarm and tracking device that can scare away thieves.

Check out these unique tech tools:    


•    Projector phone - Chinavision has released the Tri Brand Phone that projects pictures, video and anything else your phone contains. All you need is a flat surface, and your phone can project photos of homes, contracts or a call for Help!  The phone also features touch screen and Bluetooth technology.  Find the new projector phone here.

•    BodyGard Survivor  - Your safety on the road and when showing properties is a top priority.  If paying a bodyguard isn’t in the budget, how about purchasing one of these protection devices?  The Swiss Tech BodyGard Survivor is a 12-in-1 device that, among other things, flashes bright LED lights and blares an alarm when the panic button is pressed. It also has a compass and hand cranked generator that can be used to charge a dead cell phone or laptop. Be safe; get a gadget.

•    Spark Nano GPS tracking device – About the size of a 9-volt battery, this GPS alarm and tracking device can be worn on a belt or tucked away in a purse or briefcase. The Spark Nano features a panic button that can be used to alert people if you are in danger. Your location is tracked via a Web site, either with a computer or a Smartphone. It can also be set to periodically send e-mails and text messages indicating the location of the tracked object. Even better, the tracking device has a built-in rechargeable battery that can power the device for five continuous days with a full charge. The Spark Nano costs just a tad less than $300. It also requires a service plan that starts at another $45 a month. Learn more.

•    Solar charged sunglasses - Here’s a fashionable and functional accessory that deserves attention, even though it’s not in production yet (hopefully by this summer).  These sunglasses are perfect for Florida and harnesses solar energy that could be used to charge your phone or iPod.  The Yanko Design sunglass lenses utilize dye solar cells that convert sunlight into energy. Just plug your electronics into the back of the shades and your phone or iPod will be charged in no time.  Welcome to the future!

•    Smart umbrellas - Keep yourself and your homebuyers dry. Who needs a weather forecaster when your umbrella can tell you what the weather is going to be at any particular moment? The Ambient Forecasting Umbrella has an LED light in the handle that flashes when there is a chance of rain, and it can give you the odds of it actually raining. The magic is in the handle, where it receives local weather data from AccuWeather.com. The device can actually let you now if it will only be a drizzle or a torrential downpour.  Check it out here.

•    Laptop alarm - Are you ever worried that your laptop might be stolen while you’re on the road? This program can deter a thief and locate your laptop if it has been stolen. A program called Retriever created by Frontdoor Software allows you to remotely activate the alarm, which can say things like  "Help! You are not my owner! This laptop is stolen! Please call the police!” or you can record your own message. You can also lock down your computer so personal information cannot be accessed and locate your laptop by using Google maps. This program is offered online and at Office Max or Staples. Buy it here.

•    Unlocking doors - With this new system created by Schlage, doors can be unlocked from a cell phone, a computer, a keypad entry or a regular key. You can also monitor when the doors are locked and unlocked. This is perfect for vacation homes or rental properties. Instead of changing the locks, the code can be changed. The locks can also be programmed to unlock at certain times. Read more about the LiNK lock and see where you can buy it.