Our resident gadget guy Phil Baker explores simple ways to take great videos …

I was in the market for a small, simple video camera to take videos of my family (including my new grandson) and our upcoming travels. I chose the Panasonic SDR-SW20 ($399) because it was compact, simple and used SD memory cards.

These tiny cards are plummeting in price, provide lots of storage capacity, and make it easy to transfer the videos to the computer.

The camera can also be submerged to five feet, making it great for use while shallow snorkeling (which my wife Jane and I will be doing on an upcoming vacation).

From Google to Garmin, there are now all sorts of devices that help you navigate between two points and search for a location.

Phil Baker travel-tested all the types and reports on the good, the bad and the ones that you shouldn’t leave home without.

Google Maps on the iPhone, BlackBerry, Smart Phones

Pro: Google offers clear maps — satellite and hybrid view — and highway traffic conditions updated in real time. Best of all, it’s free, including highway traffic, and its maps are always up to date.

Whether you’re jetting off to your third business trip of the week or planning your summer beach getaway, gadget guru Phil Baker gives us his top—and bottom—picks for travel-related technology, gadgets and gizmos.

From computers to camera to carrying cases, get an independent eye for what’s useful and not from a traveler’s point of view.

PACK IT AND GO

If you travel frequently, then you know how difficult it can be to find the time—or equipment—to exercise.

Here are some fitness-friendly gadgets that fit into your suitcase and can help keep you in shape.

If you’ve ever lost your cell phone charger when you’re traveling, you know how problematic that can be.

After all, without your charger, your mobile phone will die a slow death.

But here’s an idea that could save your cell phone’s life when you’re on the road …

Missed Peter’s Today show segment? We’ve got it right here.

He tells us about the hottest new cameras on the market, how you can safely store your pictures online, and about a cool new site called Blurb where you can make your very own coffee table photo book!