Laptops may be miracles of miniaturization but, let's face it, they can be a hassle to lug around. Once you add all the odds and ends that make your portable computer really useful, it's no longer quite so portable. Even if the weight doesn't get you down, chances are as you're settling in to some serious work on the plane, the passenger in front of you will recline to the nth degree and place your laptop in your face. Then there's the worry of someone stealing your computer and all your information, not to mention the chance of simply leaving it on the plane in your attempts to beat the arrival rush. So, why not leave your laptop behind altogether and become a truly mobile user?
Downsize or download
The first laptop-less strategy is to downsize. Toss the notebook and go for something smaller. A handheld PC or PDA perhaps, or maybe a smart phone. While this option may not eliminate your security worries, it will certainly lighten your load and, depending on the device you carry, may even let you work in transit. Another strategy is to treat the Web as your computer and travel completely unburdened. Using Web-based services and a little pre-travel preparation, you can ensure your data, your contacts and all the accoutrements of a virtual office are available anywhere you can find Net access.
Computing on the move
If you need your notebook permanently by your side, downsizing to a handheld PC is the strategy for you. One of the larger Pocket PC computers such as the HP Jornada 728 gives you all the functionality of a notebook minus the tonnage. These almost-notebooks don't have the built-in drives of high-end portables, but they're total solutions, nevertheless. Loaded with cut-down Microsoft Office apps, internal modems, flashcards for storage, readable screens and usable keyboards, there's little you'll miss apart from pumped up performance. You can even add a credit-card sized, pocketable 340MB IBM Microdrive and beat the storage blues.
It's all about contacts
If you're a little less PC-dependent, your options are broader. For those who live and die by their contact list, a PDA such as a Palm or one of the compact-size Pocket PCs will do the trick. Connect it to your PC to synchronize your contacts, calendar and tasks before you leave the office, then slip it in a pocket. Add a wireless modem to keep you connected while you're on the road.
You can do many of the same things with the new generation of smart phones, many of which feature built-in contact lists, schedules, to do lists, browsers and email support. Some even offer voice activated commands and smart input technology that minimise key taps. PDA-like phones are popping up all over the place. You can even get a mini PDA-in-a-watch from Fossil. Fossil makes two versions of its Wrist PDA, one which works hand-in-hand with Palm PDAs, the other with Pocket PCs. Both feature contacts, calendar, tasks and notes, with a built-in 'joystick' to help you navigate the information. Oh, and they each include a traditional digital watch as well.
Leave it all behind
For the true minimalist, the only way to go is the Web. Abandon your laptop altogether, put your office on the Internet, and go. Web-based email accounts are almost passé. For the business traveler it makes more sense to find a full-service site that will handle email, contacts, scheduling, tasks, data storage, and more. Unfortunately, the dot-com shakeout has been particularly unkind to the office-on-the-Web section of the market. Many companies providing these services have completely disappeared, while others have moved into new markets. Survivors include Magical Desk, which provides a range of useful options for business travellers, and Bungo, which focusses on online workgroup collaboration tools
ThinkFree takes online computing to the next level. It offers online storage plus a downloadable suite of Microsoft Office compatible applications – word processor, presentations, spreadsheet, address book, email client, and file manager – that you can download in a few minutes or obtain on CD. Salesforce.com offers a complete online sales automation application.
Your PC away from home
If you're going to use the Web as your hard disk, then it's vital that you have computing resources on tap wherever you travel. If you visit branch offices, line up a PC with an Internet connection before you get there. You may also have clients who are happy to let you use their resources. Check ahead. Alternatively, you can stay in a cyber-savvy hotel or grab online time at an Internet cafe. With hotels, it pays to inquire about the type of services provided, and the charges, before you book. If you like to get your java both on and offline, The Internet Café Guide features a regularly updated list of cyber cafes from around the globe.
© 2002 Rose Vines
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