10 Laptop Travel Tips
1. If you’re flying and don’t have enough room to place your wide-screen notebook on the coach-class tray table, consider investing in Aviator Laptop stand, which positions your notebook at an angle to make the most of the available space.
2. Don’t be tempted to place your notebook PC in a plane’s overhead storage area; it can easily get knocked around or even stolen by your fellow travelers. Instead, store it under the seat in front of you, where it’s always in sight.
3. Some long-haul flights provide power ports that supply 15V direct current to power your notebook and other devices. Your best bet for finding such power ports is on cross-country and international flights on American, Delta, United, and US Airways.
To use a power port, you’ll need a compatible DC auto/air power adapter. Keep in mind that power adapters are device- and model-specific, although you can always go with the ‘s power cord, an all-in-one power adapter that connects your device to any AC or DC power source.
4. If you’re a mobile professional who likes to check in with the office during driving breaks, consider investing in a mobile notebook desk that provides a good resting surface for your laptop. Some of these mounts attach to the passenger seat, some mount permanently to the floor of the car, and others just sit on your lap. Do not use the computer while driving, of course.
5. If you travel by car, use a cellular data card for roving Internet access. You’ll find lots of Wi-Fi hotspots when you stop your car at rest stops and hotel parking lots, but not on the highway. To connect from anywhere you get cellular phone service, invest in a broadband cellular data card for your notebook, and the accompanying data service.
6. If you can get Internet service, use your notebook to help you navigate-and find gas stations, restaurants, and hotels on the road. I like to use Google Maps () for these tasks, although any general-purpose mapping site will do the trick. These sites make it easy to find your favorite places to stay and dine.
7. If you’re traveling with kids, let them use your notebook PC for in-car entertainment. It can function as a mobile game player and a portable DVD player. For long trips, you might want to consider a seat-back notebook mount.
8. For the safety of your notebook PC, mark it with some form of identification before you take your trip. Try taping a business card to the bottom of your laptop; if it gets lost or stolen and found, you can identify it as yours.
9. Take an extra battery. It doesn’t hurt to travel with a second fully-charged battery. When your main battery runs out, replace it with the auxiliary battery and you will not have to worry about locating an electrical outlet.
10. Want to keep your nosy seatmate or the guy at the next table from seeing what you’re typing? Use a privacy screen filter. It fits on your notebook screen and uses microlouver technology to reduce off-angle viewing. You can see what’s on-screen, but people on your left and right can’t.