The Laptop Hobo Office
As with your other key travel gear, you will want to select your mobile office equipment judiciously. Aside from the weight and bulk factor involved (which should be your primary concern), there are other concerns such as functionality in certain climates (tropics and deserts can be a challenge to some), availability of service and parts, and cost. Remember, your laptop will be your office—respect the fact that it is going to be your primary business partner while you are on the road. (I love my laptops, and tell them so often.) [more on this]
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Hobo Geek Tech Stuff |
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The Vital Things
- Laptop (preferably "ultra-portable")
- Back-up medium (external drive or disks)
- Power-surge protector
- Mobile/cell (tri-band) phone w/Bluetooth
- Bluetooth, WLAN capabilities
- External mouse or trackball
- Headset & Skype Account
- Internet connection access
 View the QDG mobile office check-list
View recent reviews and comparisons of laptops / notebook computers.
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Hobo Geek Technical Stuff that Only your Computer Geek Friend Seems to Know
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Choosing your Laptop
The best way to choose your laptop is to consult the experts. There are several well-established computer magazines and websites that have already done the testing and reviewing. For more on selecting the right laptop, please visit Quit Dreaming & Go!'s Mobile Office Gear page.
A couple of important things to keep in mind that are specific to laptop hobos:
- Go for the ultra portable laptop. What may seem "light enough" in the store for a few seconds can feel like a load of bricks in your bag as you climb the 4th flight of stairs out of a subway station.
- Look for reliability - you don't want to spend your travel time Skyping customer service about the newest bug you found in your computer.
- Look for travel worthiness. Ask your local tech expert which of your favorite laptops can take the greatest beating. Traveling can be rough on your equipment.
- Ask to see the screen on in the light of day. You may at times need to work outside. Some computer screens are more visible than others in outdoor light.
Protecting your Mobile Office from Theft and Damage & Power Surges
Use good judgment when it comes to using your laptop in public. In some neighborhoods you might be inviting trouble by displaying something that many might wish to have for themselves. Your hotel, or other more secured area, may be a better location than the bus stand or bar. Also, just because you protect your machine like a Secret Service agent to a VIP, does not mean that you (or, for that matter, a bus attendant who is moving things around) won't accidentally drop your laptop bag . So, you need to make doubly-sure that your laptop is well-guarded because you won't have a desktop computer at home to fall-back on. For more on securing your laptop, please visit Quit Dreaming & Go!'s Securing Your Stuff page.
Warning: Power Surges Ahead: One of the great pains of traveling with a laptop is knowing that a fried mother-board equals a dead computer. Especially in developing countries where electrical currents are often not very stable, you must be as protective as a parent to child when it comes to power surge protection. For more on power surges, please visit Quit Dreaming & Go!'s Mobile Office Gear page.
