Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Welcome back to the podcast! This week’s edition: “Which portable device is right for me this time?”
As someone who has more gadgets and electronics than I’d care to mention (mostly out of fear that someone may hold an intervention and put me in virtual group therapy), one thing I have learned over the years is that although a device is built to be portable, it isn’t always convenient.
Let’s take, for example, my home or work laptops. I like them because they have a large screen and can go anywhere with me, but they tend to weigh me down. It’s like putting on five to ten extra pounds. It’s not much, but walking around with even an extra five pounds in a bag can get tiresome. In addition, you’re likely carrying supporting items that add even more weight, such as an extra mouse, power cables, and cell phones to complete your little mobile office.
If you’re like me and can’t really afford to gain more pounds than you already have, consider buying a bag with wheels. Yes, I know. People give me a hard time and ask if I stole my kid’s backpack, but it’s worth the ridicule at times. Besides, who says a grown man can’t have a rolling backpack with Finding Nemo on it?
Now, if you find you don’t have the time to keep booting up your laptop at the airport and shutting it down, consider using the hibernate feature in Windows. I set it up so when I close my laptop lid it activates the hibernate mode. It saves power and does a decent job of saving my work where I left off.
But what if you’re going on vacation and don’t want all the extra weight? In that case, a Netbook would be handy. I have one running Windows 7 Starter Edition. Not only is it lightweight and compact, it’s also good for surfing the web at local WiFi hotspots, checking e-mail, or even watching movies and TV shows on your favorite video streaming site. And although I have Office 2007 running on it, I rarely use it. I try to save work for the work laptop.
Another added benefit I get from my Netbook comes in the form of a webcam and Skype. When you travel a lot, it’s always nice to get to see your family or children. Who can resist the fact that a 7 year old who notices himself too much will inevitably talk with you, but make faces at himself the whole time?
Overall, the one device I use most—because I can quickly and easily check e-mail, listen to audio books, or take quick notes—is my iPod Touch. If you have an iPhone or other smart phone, you know what I mean.
But with great power comes great responsibility. These little wonders of the modern age can be damaged easily if not protected. How was I supposed to know that if I’m flipping the iPod around to show a larger view of a picture to someone that I should not be holding a glass filled with soda? Yeah, you guessed it—dunking it in your glass turns out to be a bad thing. Portability like this also has another big nemesis…the back pocket. Not only can you sit on it, you can also forget it’s in your pocket and wash it in the laundry. Yeah, you guessed it again—lots of water is bad. And can you believe how many soap suds can appear under the surface of the screen? Amazing!
We’ll leave you with a few tips that should help you out with those wonderful hand-held gadgets. The links for these tips can be found on the blog entry for this podcast, at www.productiveupodcast.com.
- Are You Connected Now? – Connecting to wireless networks on a laptop
- Stealth Mode – Changing the power settings when closing your laptop lid
- Cleaning Your iPhone
- Cleaning Your Windows Mobile Device
Enjoying these tips? Have any suggestions for future podcasts? Stop over and write a review of the podcast on iTunes, or drop us a quick note on Twitter @productiveUcast.
So when you carry your devices in this new era of portability, take the time to consider what you really need to pack to get the greatest use on your trip—or be like me and take them all!
See you next time!
Music courtesy of Clayton & Fulcrum
