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Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear Review

The world of portable computer has changed immensely in the past three or four years. For ages, the majority of portable computers came in just a few sizes, with the smallest starting at 12″.

In 2007, Asus introduced the Eee PC, and that 7″ $300 computer started a revolution that benefited travelers more than any other target audience. Soon, the Eee PC was followed by countless other portable computers with screens under 10″ – starting the netbook era.

Now, when you walk into your local electronics store and see a $249 computer with a 10″ screen, you may think it is the perfect travel machine – but we are here to help you determine whether that is actually true, and to see whether you may want to steer your attention to something different.

Continue reading How to pick the perfect travel netbook

How to pick the perfect travel netbook originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Activism, Africa, Tanzania, Ecotourism

One of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Serengeti is under threat from a new source after the Tanzanian government approved construction of a highway that would pass through the iconic African plains. The new highway would be built directly through the Serengeti National Park, and could have devastating consequences to the delicate ecosystem there, but fortunately there is already a movement afoot to try to save the Serengeti before it is too late.

The Serengeti was named a World Heritage Site back in 1981 thanks to the amazingly diverse wildlife that exists there, not to mention the annual migration of millions of zebras, wildebeests, and other wild animals, across hundreds of miles of open plains. That migration is one of the most spectacular sights in all of nature, and visitors come from the world over to witness the event. The construction of this new highway could potentially disrupt the migration and alter the ecosystem of the Serengeti forever.

In response to this threat, a coalition of organizations with a shared concern over the future of the African plains has created the Save the Serengeti initiative. The website allows other organizations to join the fight against the new highway, and gives individuals the chance to sign the petition as well, letting Tanzanian officials know about our concern for the health of the natural environment there.

I visited the Serengeti a few years back, and found it to be a magical place. Watching the wildlife in the their natural habitat, was simply enthralling, and it remains one of the most beautiful and memorable places I have ever visited. The thought of a highway running through that pristine wilderness is something I can’t even imagine, and I hope that there is some way that they can find an alternative route. Needless to say, I already signed the petition, and urge you to do the same.

Save the Serengeti from a new highway originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To celebrate the beginning of summer, we’ve teamed up with photography gear company Tamrac to see just how creative your photography skills are.

We are looking for photos of food, taken during your adventures. The more interesting and delectable, the better. But of course, photos of fried bugs or other grossness are also going to be quite popular.

Leave a link to your favorite food photo in the comments below. Next week, we’ll pick our favorite 15 entries, present them in a new post, and you — the readers — will select the three best photos. The first place winner will receive a photography package worth over $400, and the two runners-up will receive other cool Tamrac photo gear.

• To enter, simply leave a link to your favorite food photo (yes, the photo must be YOUR OWN) in the comments below.
• The comment must be left before Monday, July 12, 2010 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
• You may enter only once.
• Gadling staff will select our 15 favorite photos, and present those to you in a separate post. From there, the three highest vote-earners will be selected to receive 1) Nikon L110 digital camera, Tamrac Aero 70 photo backpack and Tamrac Zipshot tripod; or 2) A Tamrac Aero 70 Photo backpack and Zipshot Tripod; or 3) A Tamrac Zipshot Tripod.
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
• By leaving a comment, you confirm that you are the legal owner of the photo linked in your entry and that you grant Gadling the right to use the photo in a final readership vote. All entries will be correctly attributed with your name and photo link. You retain ownership of your photo.
• The total value of each prize is approximately $405 (Nikon camera, photo backpack and tripod), $145 (photo backpack and tripod) or $60 (tripod).
• Click here for the complete official rules of this giveaway.

Food, glorious food! photography contest presented by Tamrac originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Product Description
Eternity Wedding Day Collection Guest Pen and Book Set… More >>
Wilton Eternity Wedding Day Collection Guest Pen and Book Set
[click image to shop]

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Festivals and Events, North America, United States

Looking for things to do today to help celebrate the fourth of July? Then look no further than the U.S. National Parks, many of which are hosting special events to celebrate Independence Day.

For example, Mt. Rushmore has a full schedule of activities set for the day that includes folk dancing, autographs from historical figures, music, and informational talks given by the rangers. In the evening, there will be a lighting ceremony, a film and a patriotic rendition of the national anthem. All of these events will take place in the shadow of one of the best known monuments in the world, in which four former Presidents watch over the region. (Cost: Free!)

Visitors to Morristown National Historic Park, located in New Jersey, can enjoy a live reading of the Declaration of Independence by a park ranger in a traditional historical costume. Prior to the reading, there will be stories, jokes, and riddles delivered by the staff, and an inspection of the Revolutionary era troops as well. After the reading there will be live music provided by historical balladeer Linda Russell too. (Cost: Free!)

Over in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, there will be a traditional 1860’s era celebration, with a picnic, band concerts, and patriotic speeches in honor of the founding fathers. There will also be a display of the “Wonders of the World” circa 1860 as well, and visitors can compete in the militia games in such events as tug-of-war and a water bucket brigade. (Cost: $6/car or $4/person on foot or bike)

The 4th of July is celebrated in grand style in the Colorado National Monument where they raise the flag 450 feet above the canyon floor to the top of Independence Monument, the tallest free standing rock formation in the park. That formation will be scaled by 30 rock climbers who will deliver “Old Glory” to its resting place for the day. There will also be guided walks through the park and inspirational stories told as well. (Cost: Free!)

Valley Forge National Park will have an Independence Day celebration of its own with living history demonstrations that include artillery from the Revolutionary War. Vendors will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs, and there will be plenty of games and crafts for the kids to enjoy as well. (Cost: Free!)

This is just a taste of some of the events going on in the National Parks today. Check out NPS.org to see what your favorite park has planned. Chances are, you’ll be able to celebrate the day with some fun activities.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

The national parks celebrate July 4th originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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