| Equipment Selection & Tips
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 is my 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.)
 There are several key items that you will need to consider for your virtual office. Below is a partial list (click here for a more complete check-list).
Hardware:
- 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 (for telephony access)
- Carrying case (preferably a hard-shell case)
Non-Hardware:
- Dial-up access (Access the Internet via standard telephone line or mobile phone.)
- Telephony account (Computer to computer/land-line service, such as Skype.)
- Hi-speed Internet access (Know where the cyber cafes are, or order it for your flat.)
- Your laptops original back-up program disks.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of traveling as light as possible. Yes, this is what I preach for packing your backpack, but it is equally true for your mobile office. Consider the weight and size of the laptop and it's attachments.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Choice Laptop and Accessories Review Resources
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 (and do a great job of advising you what you need or don't need in a machine). Below are links to the better on-line resources for advice on purchasing a laptop (and its accessories). Hint: If two or more of these reviewing sites select the same machine within their top 5 lists, then it is (most likely) the one to buy!
Accessories
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Mobile Phone Connectivity
When you don't have a standard telephone line connection (dial-up) or high-speed cable service available, and there is no Internet cafe / email service point or Wireless Hot Spot points around (such as at Starbucks or the airport) , what do you do? Use your mobile/cell phone! Just like your standard (land-line) telephone, your mobile phone (with Bluetooth capability) will be able to connect your laptop to the Internet. [For more on this, visit www.LaptopHobo.com/connectivity.htm]
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Secure Your Mobile Office
A hard-shell case, such as the "carry-on" types flight attendants often use, will protect your equipment from bumps and drops. And the case also works as a theft prevention device when secured by a loop-ended cable. [more on this].
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Caution: Power Surges
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. Be sure to attach at least 1 in-line surge protector between your computer and the a/c power source. [More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
UPS Box
One of the best forms of protection against power surges is a uninterrupted power supply (UPS) box. The size and weight is often about that of a car battery, but it protects your computer very well against strong electrical surges. However, this option does not travel well (it's a good thing to have in places that you'll be at for awhile). Large items as this should be purchased in the country you are now in.
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