There are some car models that have AUX port that allows you to play your iPod/iPhone/MP3 player over the cars speaker system. However, some may pick up an unusual hum while your device is charging from the car's 12V outlet. Fortunately for us, our car wasn't one of that so the Griffin Noise-reducing Audio Cable (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/noise-reducing-audio-cable) didn't do much for us except perhaps give us a longer (6-foot) AUX cable to connect from our console where the AUX port is to our glove compartment where our MP3 player/iPod is stowed out of sight.

But for an acquaintance who does experience the annoying hum, lending him the audio cable was the answer to his problem. In a manner of speaking, he is reluctant to return the cable to us. Apparently the car's electrical system has something to do with it since he doesn't hear the hum when he's not simultaneously charging and playing his iPhone.

The cable looks fairly regular except for the little black filter box. For under $20 on Amazon.com and under $15 elsewhere online, if you are experiencing the hum-problem in your vehicle when playing your music over AUX, this may be a better alternative than switching cars.

With air travel restrictions making it more of a hassle to carry on luggage, we tend to check-in bags more for the convenience. But of course, we do not want to have to pay overweight charges that are pretty steep. From home, we can always use our scale to weigh our luggage pre-departure. Once we're at our destination we could end up with a few souvenirs that could tip the scales. And if your hotel room doesn't happen to have a scale, you wouldn't know your baggage is overweight until you get there. Then the mad scramble to take out things and carry it on with you if you don't want to pay for the extra baggage weight.

Here's a nice gadget to invest in for these events - Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale (http://www.balanzza.com/products/?page_id=95) which you can use to lift your luggage after strapping it as shown on the left and read the recorded weight which is indicated by a beep after you lift it. This means you don't have to try to read the weight while you're lifting because it will be available when you set the bag back down. It is battery operated (2 AAA which are included) and have three buttons. One to turn it on, one to select whether you want kg. or lb. and a reset button to tare or zero calibrate the device.

Anything that you can wrap the strap around and lift can be measured by this device (up to 100 lbs. or 44 kgs.) so it doesn't have to just be luggage. However, if you have boxes or objects that don't have a strap, you may have to tie it up temporarily or buy the accessories Balanzza has like the strap (Strapz) and harness (Harnezz).

The scale itself retails for $25 and is available from Target.com. As of this writing there is no listing for the accessories and temporarily tying up objects or putting them in a plastic bag might be a better solution.

With all the mobile devices you have, it seems that you always need to be near a power outlet just in case your device runs out of juice. Even when you're outdoors, you have your vehicle's 12V socket as a power source. But it's not always possible and in cases of emergency, you may need an alternative like a fuel cell. Check out the 24/7 Extreme Portable Charger at http://www.medistechnologies.com/Default.aspx?SecId=133.

This package comes with the fuel cell, the Xtreme cable and 4 adapter tips (USB, mini-USB, micro-USB and a standard Nokia one). The fuel cell can sit on a shelf for 18 months without degrading and after that would have reduced output capacity.

It can charge most small devices that draws about 3.8-5.5 volts. It is activated by taking off the green safety tape, squeezing the fuel cell until no gap remains and shaking it a little. Once activated, it should deliver about 20 watt-hours or last up to 3 months, whichever comes first.

In our trial, we were able to recharge our smartphone, a basic cellphone, a few Bluetooth headsets and an entry-level GPS unit. It seemed that one of this is enough for all our devices for a few weeks. We're still using it and wonder when it will run out.

When it's depleted, you can send it back for recycling and get a replacement fuel cell. The starter kit is about $38 and the replacement fuel cell is about $24 on Amazon.com. You may want to get one or two for those unexpected emergencies.

Here's a novel idea to get a hands-free viewing of videos on your iPhone or other media player while you're traveling. According to its website, iFlyz (http://www.iflyz.com/About.html) is your in-flight personal media solution. The device is basically an adjustable clamp, a flexible gooseneck piece about 2" long and a suction cup on the other end. You can clamp the device to about an inch-thick surface where you would like to anchor your iPhone/PMP and adjust the gooseneck piece to get a good angle for your viewing pleasure.

Although the suction cup did a good job adhering to a bare 1G iPhone during our test, it seemed possible that you could accidentally drop the device if the suction gives way. It especially doesn't adhere to protectors like rubber or silicone among other things. So, if you happen to have suction-cup-capable media player and have tested the adhesion in a controlled environment (not too far off the ground on your plush carpeting for example), you may like this. It is around $25 online. But remember, you've been warned about the danger of the suction cup.

How many of you have a USB-charger cable but not have a car charger for your mobile devices (cell phone, GPS, etc.)? How many of you don't have a flashlight in your vehicle? Well, USB Flashlight-er and it's sibling Dual Flashlight-er can help you out in both issues. Check them out at - http://www.theflashlighter.com/.

If you have a data/charging cable for your iPhone/iPod or other mobile devices, the both Flashlight-er's can let you plug it in and charge from your vehicle's 12V outlet. They both come with a short mini-USB cable but you can use any regular USB cable on one end like for our iPhone/iPod. What's amazing is that while you're charging your device, the Flashlight-er is also charging a small LED flashlight in the process. When you need a flashlight, just pull the Flashlight-er out of the 12V socket and light will go on. It's quite bright and you can use it to see quite a bit in the dark like for something in your glove compartment or trunk.

The Dual version allows you to pull out the USB plug and switch back to a pass-through 12V charger. Even if you're not charging any devices, you can keep it in the car plugged in for when you need emergency light. It sells at around $29.99 online.