MARCH FOCUS: Mobile Computing
By John Anderson

If you currently own a laptop or are shopping for a new one, these tips can help you make the most of your portable computer.

Besides choosing the screen size, CPU speed, amount of memory or other features, you should also pay attention to the things that aren’t always advertised.

You may wish to lease the laptop. At the end of the lease, plan on turning in the laptop and re-leasing a new current unit. Laptops become obsolete more quickly than stationary PCs and are more difficult to upgrade. Beware of leases advertised by laptop manufacturers, instead use an experienced equipment leasing company.

Manufacturers such as Toshiba have an international service network that allows you to have your equipment fixed just about anywhere in the world. Many manufacturers also offer warranty service upgrades that will get you faster on-site support. It’s not expensive and should be considered.

Watch your weight. When you’re carrying your laptop for long periods of time or running through an airport to catch a plane the difference between a five and a nine pound laptop can really make a difference.

Many people carry their laptops in fancy leather cases that are a prime target for thieves. These cases practically scream "there’s an expensive laptop inside-please steal me!" Also, keep in mind that you can also strain your back or shoulder muscles lugging around a heavy laptop in a case that is not physically comfortable to carry.

Kensington, as well as other companies, offer computer cases with options other than the standard computer bag. Some you can wear like a backpack, while others resemble a piece of carry-on luggage with wheels and an extendable handle.

If you are working away from your office, the portability of your laptop can usually be measured by the length of its power cord. And if you aren’t near an outlet the amount of work you accomplish can be measured by the life of your battery. Having at least one, if not two spare batteries is a great idea. Most new laptops allow two high-capacity Lithium Ion batteries to be installed at the same time. Carrying another battery will give you another backup power source to use until you can recharge. Some alternate sources for power are power adapters for planes and automobiles.

HOME PORTABILITY

More and more people are using their portable PC as their only PC. Using one machine for your home office and your mobile computing saves you the trouble of keeping multiple copies of the same information in more than one location and then keeping them all in sync. Dockable portable systems let you use a full size mouse, monitor and keyboard. You can plug these devices and your office network into a "Port Replicator", all you do is connect you laptop to the docking station.

The key to staying connected while away from you home or office is having a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) with local connections or 800-number service from wherever you go.

Major national ISPs - Compuserve, Earthlink, and AOL offer local access numbers all over the country and overseas. If you know you are going to travel, visit the ISP website and find the local access number for your destination.

Start assembling a "Road Warrior" Kit. This should contain the things you’ll need to get you out of troubling situations. Here are a few suggestions:

• Printer cable (3')
• Retractable Phone line
• AOL CD - if you are having trouble connecting to your ISP start using some of those free minutes they keep talking about
• Power plug adapters for European outlets
• Extra batteries for your accessories
• Extra ink for your portable printer

Portable Printers - being able to plug your laptop into someone’s laser printer will not always be possible. Small portable printers are available that can print documents while on the road.

Portable Scanner - Visioneer Paperport Strobe portable scanner is smaller than a carton of eggs and can store documents that can then be faxed or e-mailed (http://www.visioneer.com)

Port.com have many handy accessories for mobile computing such as:

• Go-Anywhere USB Drives - Hold up to 128M of information on your keychain!
• AC "power brick" replacements that are half the weight and half the thickness of normal adapters
• European Power Connector Kit - AC power and modem line connectors for all European countries.
• Auto/Airplane AC Adapter Cable - plugs into the outlets found on commercial aircraft and auto outlets (formerly the cigarette lighter outlet)

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE

• CDR or Zip drive for backing up data (Very important!)
• Security device to prevent theft
• Virus Scanning Software to exterminate any bugs.
• Surge Protector to protect you from too much of a good thing.

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS

Portable computers are becoming small, lighter, and much more powerful. There is very little a little laptop can’t do compared to their larger relations. It is able to accomplish just about everything you need it wherever you need it done.

Just remember, using your laptop as your only PC can have disadvantages. Laptops are more prone to loss, theft, and damage. If all of your data resides on a single hard drive, then the loss of your laptop might seem insignificant compared to your irreplaceable information. Back up your data often, protect your laptop from harm, and never pass up an opportunity to recharge your batteries.

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