The alternatives to a notebook

For those who do not want to lug a notebook computer when they travel, there are some options.

Web-based e-mail


Thanks to cybercafes, public internet access kiosks, business lounges at airports and business centres at hotels, the internet is never far away, wherever you travel.

Most decent ISPs will offer you the option of a web-based interface to access your e-mail.

Go to your ISP's e-mail web page, enter your log-in name and password and your e-mail is there.

If your ISP does not have the service, sign up to a web e-mail service such as Hotmail and get your ISP to forward your existing e-mail to that account while you are away.

Tip: Web-based e-mail can be less secure than when you are using e-mail software like Outlook Express. Remember to hit the "log out" link when you have finished checking your e-mail.

It is a good idea to also clear the history file when you have finished surfing (found under tools/internet options/general/clear history, when using Explorer).

Shut down the browser when you have finished surfing - and for good measure, clear accessed websites from the start button as well (settings/task bar and start menu/advanced/clear).

That way, no one after you can press the back arrow and stumble on your e-mail.

Phone home


A mobile phone set up to roam in other countries is a wonderful device for staying in touch. Some phones like the Ericsson R380 go one better - combining the functions of a mobile phone with weird acronyms such as WAP, SMS and PDA. It means you get your e-mail, web sites, address book, calendar and text messaging.

Handheld


Just at the phone is becoming more like a handheld computer, so are handhelds (also known, ridiculously, as personal digital assistants - PDAs) becoming more phone-like. Devices such as the Palm, Visor and Jornada gegan life as a companion to the PC but now, thanks to wireless attachments and dinky fold-up keyboards, they are becoming a stand alone option.

Later this year, Compaq's iPac will come out with a "GPRS jacket," meaning that it will be able to wirelessly make phone calls and connect to the net using Vodafone's new fast network.

The only problem is that for something so small, handhelds cost big - $1500 to $2000 with all the attachments.

But at a fraction of the size and weight of a notebook, handhelds are not going to hurt your shoulder when carrying them.

And with the ability to connect wirelessly to the net any time, they could be a road warrior's dream device.

Tip: Check the airline seat pocket before you get off the plane.

Handhelds are so small that they easily get left behind and then disappear (from one who has been there).

Links:


Hotmail

Ericsson

Palm

Visor

target="new">Jornada

Compaq