Top Tools For Staying Connected
What is your computer setup?
I recently wondered whether business travelers dare to unplug in the 21st century. If your answer is a resounding ‘no’ then it’s time to look at what you need to really stay connected today. Here’s a peek at my setup. I hope you’ll share yours in the comments below.
Computer
This almost goes without saying. Over the years, I’ve fluctuated between desktops and laptops. My current set up is a Dell desktop machine for home use with as large a screen as I could afford and a small laptop (Samsung NC-110) for taking on the road. Tip: Choose a laptop with as big a keyboard as possible; tiny keys can be hard on the hands and wrists.
Other Hardware
One essential item for me is a good headset. Not only does this prevent me from annoying others around me when I play music and videos, it also comes in handy for VOIP software. A webcam is another tool that’s almost essential. When you are talking to and meeting people online, it’s good to be able to see their faces and gauge reactions.
Software
I live on the web, so many of my favorite apps live there too. I use iGoogle as a command center to give me access to email, RSS feed reader, social media sites and so on. I use Google Docs to make sure that I can access essential documentation on the move. I use Skype for international phone calls (and my cell phone for others). I use Digsby to manage multiple instant messenging accounts, and I use Google Chrome for browsing, because it’s fast. I also backup all my files with Syncplicity, so that I always have access to anything that I have forgotten to upload to Google Docs.
Now, it’s over to you. What are your essentials for staying connected while on the road?
Tags: business travel, gadgets, tools, travel, Travel Tips
October 21st, 2009 at 9:57 am
I don’t like the iGoogle page load times, so I don’t use that. I tried Digsby for IM clients, but went back to Trillian.
I really need to get video chat up and running. Hopefully I’ll be getting a Mac as my next system, but we’ll see
October 21st, 2009 at 10:02 am
What do you use as your internet hub, James? I’ve used a number of start pages, but iGoogle proved the most useful. I had some import issues with the others.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:20 am
I don’t use a portal-type page that loads everything, I just have my most-used bookmarks saved so I can access them as I need them. I found for me that when I used iGoogle and the like, they took too long to load too many things, when I just wanted one or to just open a browser anyway.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:22 am
But I do use Google products, if that’s what you mean. Just not iGoogle itself. I do use the Calendar, Contacts, GMail, Docs, Reader, etc. In Firefox, I use an add-on called GButton that drops down all Google apps from a button on the toolbar.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:25 am
Yes, I have a bookmarks file too (loaded into Google Docs)
That Firefox button sounds useful; wish there was something similar in Chrome.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:33 am
Here’s what it looks like, I just did a screen shot.
http://bit.ly/3kgviv
October 21st, 2009 at 11:40 am
That is seriously useful; thanks for the screenshot.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
So many tools I carry with me but some of the less glamorous ones are an Ethernet cable, the TrueCrypt program, and a long range USB antenna.