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

Well my personal “fix” has to be my iPod Touch. It has become the companion that keeps me warm on those lonely solo commutes to work and when traveling to our office in Cleveland, Ohio.

So what is it about this little device that has me sleeping with it at night and grabbing it before my morning coffee? (Yes, my wife does get jealous and asks why that THING is between our pillows. I usually just tell her “It’s okay, honey, you’re still my number one precious…yes, my precious.”)

Well, it has to be the apps…

Yes, I bought it originally for its most basic functionality—you know, to play music and watch videos on trips—but, WOW, have the apps changed how I go about my day!

Here is a list of the apps I love most and how they shape my day. Let’s start with the apps I use for work:

I use the built-in Voice Memos app when I’m inspired with an idea while I am driving the car into work (and with a brain like mine, if I don’t get the idea written down or recorded, it could be gone by the time I get to work). Once I arrive in the office, I can then get the thought down into a more appropriate location, such as one of my Microsoft OneNote notebooks. But, like anything, you can use this little app for evil, too. For instance, let’s just say some truck driver who cut me off the other day got a nice message left on one of those 800 numbers that ask “How’s my driving?” Ha, as if he didn’t already know. You’ll need an earbud with a mic to use this feature, and not all models come with them.

The iPod Touch also works very well for syncing my e-mail and calender items with the Exchange server at work. With my handy dandy gadget and a little WiFi connection, I can now respond to e-mail and schedule meetings while sitting in other meetings where someone is droning on about some topic that we had covered completely well over an hour ago. (If you’re careful, you can also work in a game of Skee-ball, another great app.)

If you’re really into the social media stuff, then I highly recommend using TweetDeck. Not only is it a free app, but it allows you to manage multiple Twitter accounts. I use it for my personal account and my podcast account. By the way, if you’re enjoying this podcast, you might like to let me act like the Pied Piper and follow me @productiveUcast.

Looking for some way to type without typing? If you’re familiar with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Nuance also has a free app called Dragon Dictation that transcribes dictation using its online transcription engine. Keep in mind that you’ll want to have a WiFi connection or else it doesn’t work. It helps with this app to speak somewhat like you would if you were, say, visiting in France and didn’t know French so you would try to get the people to understand you by doing things like speaking slowly and enunciating clearly. Also, it doesn’t hurt to be in a quiet location. Although it may not be perfect, it can help and it’s certainly fun to see what your app might really think you’re saying.

If you find yourself traveling and looking for a good way to save on phone calls, find yourself a WiFi spot and turn on the Skype application. I personally have a “Skype Out” and “Skype In” number, so I can place calls to virtually anywhere at a fraction of the cost of what I would pay using a traditional cell phone plan. Keep in mind that some models of the iPod touch don’t come with earbuds that include a microphone, but I picked up iPhone earbuds online that have the mic.

Now, these last few apps can be used both for home or work, but still I find myself using them everyday.

Alarm Clock is a great app and well worth paying for the premium version. This is also another reason it is either in my bed or on the night stand. I have given up my traditional alarm clock for this one. It works wonderfully on a daily basis or, better yet, on business trips. It’s reliable and, more importantly in my case, loud.

If you’re like many people, you’re probably on Facebook. The free Facebook app is really good and keeps getting better. Although you can’t view videos on it, you can see pictures, chat, post status updates, send messages, accept and send friend requests, and receive notifications. It’s always great to be able to stand in your kitchen cooking up bacon and grilled cheese while telling all your friends about it.

And finally, probably my favorite app of all is Air Mouse by RPA Tech. It turns your iPod Touch into a remote mouse and keyboard for your PC and the Mac. Yes, you can use this to control that presentation in PowerPoint or Keynote, but where I get the most use is in the basement of my house. My personal Man Cave. I have my Windows 7 laptop connected to a projector along with my Wii and I use it to control Windows Media Center while using my Netflix instant viewing account and the Hulu Desktop Client. Now I can change my movies and TV shows and still surf the Web on a really large screen. A word of warning: Don’t let your seven year old in on how you “magically” control the computer with the power of your mind. It’s great fun watching my son trying to scroll through Netflix while squinting hard and thinking about the show he wants to see. Hey, the way I see it, I have to pay for him, so I might as well have a little fun before he wises up and stops being my “can you get that for daddy” guy.

Well, that’s it for this week’s podcast. If you like or dislike what you hear, please stop by iTunes and write a review of our podcast, or leave a comment on the blog at www.productiveUpodcast.com.

Until next time… If you squint hard enough, maybe you too can start “He-Man” on Hulu!

Enjoy!

Music courtesy of Clayton & Fulcrum

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to give my listeners a few tips for the tech-savvy traveler.

Tip 1: Pack it up, but be ready to take it out.

When packing your bag, neatly organize your clothing items so anything you may need to get at is located on the top. Or consider using one of those space saver bags that allows you to either roll out the air or vacuum it out.

Pay close attention to what you are bringing on the flight with you, and have your liquids in their clear quart-sized bag located in a front pocket of your luggage or on top so they are easy to get to. I personally keep mine in the same pocket as my laptop.

Plan to be searched, just in case. There is always a chance you’re going to become that “random search” guy or gal, and in that case it could make you late for your flight. In fact, always plan to be there ahead of time. Besides, you have like, what—50 gadgets to keep you entertained, right? Get your money’s worth!

Tip 2: How to clear security faster.

Keep your boarding pass and ID handy. Put them in your front pocket so when you get to the gate, you can easily have them ready for inspection. Never leave them in your back pocket; this leaves you vulnerable to identity theft issues or pick-pockets. Oliver is always waiting to pick a pocket or two.

When passing through security checkpoints, your laptop must go alone in its own bin; if you put anything else in the bin with it, security will flag it and you will have to put it through again.

Remove your shoes and belt (make sure that when you do, your fly is not unzipped by accident because TSA will let you know—trust me!). You can also just wear a nice pair of comfy sweats instead.

Take out your Wii and your projector, too. Yeah, so what—if I get stranded, at least I can play Mario Kart with others who are in the same predicament. But we can do it in style: 8 foot wide on a wall!

Tip 3: When can I take out my toys on the plane?

Listen for the single “bing” after take off. This means you’re now at 10,000 feet and you can use your “approved electronic devices.” So bring on the gadgets. Instead of having to turn off your smart phone completely before this point, most devices have a “travel-safe” mode. If you’re having trouble locating this option on your phone, here’s a tip that will show you how to do it on BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and iPhone.

Here’s another fun idea: if you have kids traveling with you, bring your portable GPS. They are a lot of fun on a plane, and you get the chance to see how fast you’re really going.

Tip 4: How to have fun when your flight is delayed.

Do some people-watching with your iPod—this can be great! Turn on your iPod to any song and imagine the people passing by are actors in a music video. You can also do this as people are boarding the plane. So far my favorite songs to listen to are “Flight of the Bumblebee” or “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive. Man, I love ’80s pop.

Play “Duck Duck Goose” with other business folks at the Southwest kiddie tables (you would be surprised at how many people might just play along).

Get to know the flight crew that is waiting to take the same flight. This can be a great way to get those free extras and better service once the plane finally departs.

Find other people with iPhones or iPods and share games or show off your apps. I can’t believe how many pages of apps people have sometimes. My favorite games are Skee-ball and Yahtzee—you can get anyone to play Yahtzee with you.

Find some cards and start a game of Rummy or poker. Just remember that not all forms of poker are acceptable in public; after all, you’re not in college anymore.

That’s all for this week. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, be sure to head over to iTunes to write a review for us. And you can always visit us on Twitter @productiveUcast.

Well, until next time: as the the weather outside is frightful and may be causing flight delays, take a piece of advice from comedian Gabriel Iglesias and “Have a little fun.”

See you next time!

Music courtesy of Clayton & Fulcrum

Knowing that iPhone and MAC users tend to be a little hipper than most (at least that is what their commercials seem to imply), I have decided to put in a little Funk background music during the tips to make them a little fresher. Thanks in advance to David from Clayton & Fulcrum for the funky beats!

Now here come the Tips!

1. Why are you wasting your time on basic punctuation? When needing to type a period, don’t go to the symbols. All you need to do is double tap the space bar. As Emeril puts it… Bam!
2. Looking to get back into the groove from the disco era? Just think, “Shake, Shake, Shake… Shake, Shake, Shake… Shake your icons.” Well, at least that is what I am reminded of when I want to rearrange my icons. All you need to do to join the movement is press and hold on one of your icons on the home screen and when the dancing begins move them where you want!
3. How do you roll? Well, I like pictures a lot. So when you’re surfing the web on your iPhone and find a cool image you want to keep to show others later, simply press and hold your finger on the image and you’ll be prompted to “Save Image”,  which will save the image into your Camera Roll.
4. Who says only those people at T-Mobile can have a Fave 5? You can actually have more than five if you want. If you’re like me and have a list of people you call regularly, why not make them your favorites? All you do is open up your contacts, select the contact and tap the “Add Favorites” button at the bottom. To access them, merely go to your favorites and there they are.
5. Find yourself traveling the friendly sky a lot nowadays? Then you have all heard the following phrase: “Please turn off all portable electronic devices.” I still find you can use your iPhone for videos, audio books, and music during those flights if you pay close attention to the Airplane Mode setting. When you hit that magic 10,000 foot mark in the air you will hear that little <Bing> and now is your chance. Go to the Settings and toggle on “Airplane Mode”. This will disable all incoming wireless calls and data connectivity so you won’t be the first person to bring down a plane by posting to Twitter.
6. One thing I learned about most people and computers, no matter what brand they use, is that they love to make it their own, whether they’re looking to pimp their ride or just change their background. Try taking an interesting picture of something random like a key on your keyboard or the Coliseum in Rome. Then go to your Camera Roll or other folder, locate your picture, and tap on the icon that looks like an arrow escaping out of a rectangle on the lower left hand side. Select “Use as Wallpaper” to assign your masterpiece to the background for all to see.
7. Time zones can be a real pain when you’re traveling a lot. Not only do you feel like you lose time and get jet lag, but your calendar can really become confusing. I found that just turning off the Time Zone Support feature makes my schedule a little clearer by automatically adjusting my calendar to the time zone I am in. The Time Zone Support feature always shows event dates and times in the time zone you selected for your calendar, so when you turn it off, events will display according to the time zone of your current location. To change this option, go to Settings, select Mail, Contacts, Calendar and toggle off Time Zone Support. Your phone automatically changes its time, so why shouldn’t your calendar follow along?
8. My company has two offices; one near Philadelphia and one in Cleveland. I know I like to go to specific restaurants in Cleveland and may need to make reservations or find out what kind of special they are running. I found that you can open the maps program, look up a favorite dining facility, tap on the arrow symbol to open that address, and tap “Add to contacts”. This gives you the choice of either adding it as a new contact or augmenting an existing one. Should you be in Cleveland, visit the House of Blues for one of the best bacon cheeseburgers you will ever have!
9. Browsing on mobile devices can be a real challenge. With just a little pinch of knowledge, you can make it easier on your iPhone. When browsing a site in Safari, you can pinch your pointer and thumb together, touch the phone, and open them up on the surface to zoom in, or pinch it in to zoom out. Be careful not to act like the Kids in the Hall and start playing the “Crushing your head” game. Makes me kind of feel like a witchdoctor shrinking the heads of movie stars.
10. And finally… If you have your favorite site to crush movie stars’ heads and want to make it easily accessible the next time you’re out with friends, all you need to do is press the plus sign at the bottom of the screen and choose “Add Bookmark” or, even better, select “Add to Home Screen” to create an easy to access icon. You, too, can easily manipulate an American icon.

Special Thanks to Clayton & Fulcrum for providing music for this podcast. Click here to check them out on iTunes