For many people , laptops are just a way to take work down to the corner café . But for honest road warriors , portable computing means fetch along all your computing necessary without having to schedule a sojourn to the chiropractor . As aMacworldeditor , I ’m often asked what I pack in my laptop bag ; here ’s a look at the kinds of accessories that are on my must - have on - the - go list , along with some specific examples of them .
Portable hard drive
Just because your laptop computer is always with you does n’t mean you do n’t demand a good backup . gratefully , portable drives are smaller and lighter than ever . LaCie ’s $ 140 , 5 - ounceLittle Disk(A ) , for representative , offers 60 GB of storage in an attractive USB 2.0 natural enclosure that ’s only 2.6 by 1.7 by 0.7 inch in size . Keep your backup drive separate from your laptop purse ; if one is ever stolen , you ’ll still have the other .
Network cable
Not all hotels and businesses have wireless net approach . So a compact networking cable is a must . Zip - Linq ’s retractable cables($15 ) influence well and take up minimum space in your travelling bag . If you ’ve get down a MacBook Air , you ’ll also take Apple’sUSB Ethernet Adapter($29 ) .
Portable USB hub
If you use more USB gadget than you have port for — we’re looking at you , MacBook Air owner — you’ll value the utility of a heavyset USB hub . Dr. Bott ’s tinyT3Hub($20 ; B ) weighs only 21 grams but convert a single USB port into three . It can host two low - power USB devices and one high - might twist .
Multi-outlet power strip
If you ’re lucky , your hotel room will have a paries release so you’re able to plug in your laptop computer ’s AC adaptor . But what about all your other gadgets ? Belkin ’s compact Mini Surge Protector withUSB Charger($25 ; C ) turn a single exit into three billow - protected versions ; it also provide two porthole for saddle and powering gadget via USB .
USB power cables
rather of stuff a freestanding AC top executive adapter for each contrivance , look for compatible USB ability cable system ; you could then use a USB magnate adapter — such as the Belkin model remark above — or even your laptop ’s USB port(s ) to agitate your gear . For case , Apple ’s dock - connection cable television lets you lodge iPods and iPhones via USB , and many mobile phones have USB - charge accessories . Zip - Linq’sCharge - n - Sync line(starting at $ 11 ) offer power supplies for many portable machine .
Wireless detector
When you ’re reckon for a place to get on-line , you could use OS X ’s AirPort menu , which shows you nearby wireless networks . But that means cart out your laptop and waiting for AirPort to read the surface area . A wireless - mesh detector can pull through you that hassle . Canary Wireless ’s new 2.5 - ounceDigital Hotspotter HS-20($60 ; D ) rapidly shows you the wireless web in range , along with electronic web type ( 802.11b , g , or n ) and security measure status ( undefendable , WEP , WPA , or WPA2 ) , for each .
Backup battery
If big businessman way out are few and far between or you ca n’t swap your laptop ’s electric battery for a fresh one , a portable mogul beginning can give you the extra time you need . Kensington ’s rechargeablePortable Power Pack for Mobile Devices($60 ; E ) is slim and lightweight ( just 3.5 ounce ) and offers a longevity encouragement to small gadgets — for exemplar , 5 more hours of iPhone talking metre or 14 hours of additional iPod video playback — via a USB connection .
If you postulate to juice up your laptop computer , Duracell’sPowerSource Mobile 100($140 ; F ) is bulkier and heavier ( 1.2 pounds ) , but it features two USB baron port and a standard three - prong electric receptacle for plug in an AC force arranger . It can offer your laptop ’s manipulation by about 2 hours , your mobile phone ’s lecture time by 15 to 20 hours , or your iPod ’s audio playback by about 100 minute .
Finally , Battery Geek’sExternal Laptop Batteries(G ) utilize a custom MagSafe line ( $ 10 ) to render three to six time of day of additional usage for Apple ’s MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops . However , Battery Geek ’s battery do n’t come cheap ( $ 250 to $ 300 ) , and they librate two dog pound .
Security cable
A hotel safe or a locked office is the safe berth to keep your laptop . But if you must go out it in a less - secure location , a high - quality computer ignition lock may provide enough of a balk so that a stealer will move on to the next target of desire . PC Guardian’sEzolution models($40 to $ 58 ) use seven - pin central locks or 10,000 - combining numerical lock that offer better security than many vie production .
Return tag
Give honorable folks a fortune to do the right thing by using a security label fromStuffBak , TrackItBack ) , orzReturn . You put a uniquely number tag on your laptop computer , iPod , or other gimmick and cross-file that tatter with the religious service — you’re able to even destine a reward amount . Any Good Samaritan who find the item can call the number on the tag end to pioneer the replication process .
The right bag
If you travel oft , consider using a rolling guinea pig alternatively of a backpack or shoulder joint bag . You ’ll be able to carry more — mayhap even a variety of clothes — without putting stress on your shoulders and back . Case Logic ’s new airline - friendly 18- and 22 - inchLightweight Upright Rollers($150 to $ 180 ) get their rigidness from panels of molded EVA plastic rather of metal frames , a design that cut their weighting while still protect your belongings . Each Roller feature consecrated laptop , organiser , and piss - bottle compartment , as well as a separate main department for large detail .
Organize your extras
If you alternate between trips to the coffee bean shop and trip across the country , you do n’t always need your full complement of gear mechanism . or else of unpack and pack everything each fourth dimension , keep all your “ serious travel ” gear in a freestanding , little pocketbook that you could throw in your laptop travelling bag for longer trip . Tom Bihn ’s $ 25Snake Charmer(right ) is a ripe size with see - through side panels so you ( and the TSA ) can keep running of what ’s inside .
