Catherine's Mobile Office Tech Blog

Guide Picks - Start first with protecting your new investment so that you will be able to get the most work and fun from your laptop. These also make for interesting gifts for Father's Day if you are really stumped for ideas.

• Laptop Bag Buyer's Guide -
  
  This laptop bag buyer's guide will give you what you need to know before buying a laptop bag. Mobile professionals should understand what important considerations and features must be kept in mind when buying a laptop bag. Use this Buyer's Guide to help you make your decision and buy the best laptop bag.
• Security Cables -
  
  Using a notebook security cable just may be one of the easiest methods of protecting your notebook against theft. Notebook security cables can be and should be used in any location where you may have to leave your laptop such as your hotel room or co-worker's office.
• Laptop Battery Care -
  
  Take care of your laptop battery and ensure that it will be ready to work properly when you need it most. Some general tips for laptop care include: avoid extreme temperatures, don’t leave a laptop outside in cold weather or leave it in a hot car. Cold batteries can’t create very much power and hot batteries will discharge very quickly.

A couple handy accessories you may find very useful while traveling are:

• Wireless Laptop Mice -
  
  When you want a truly compact mouse when traveling, a wireless laptop mouse is a great accessory. Always keep spare batteries on hand and remember that shiny or reflective surfaces can interfere with optical mice. Wireless laptop mice just seem to go great when using wireless Internet access.
• Web Cameras -
  
  Web cams provide you with the ability to connect with co-workers and participate in meetings, without leaving your home office. These are a very valuable tool for telecommuters. With a web camera you can use it to keep in touch, and keep that "face time" with your co-workers.

Laptops 101 - While laptops don't include as many upgradeable components as desktops, you still have the option to upgrade your laptop as budget and needs require. Do you know which parts can be upgraded? Find out which laptop components can be upgraded and why you might consider upgrading them.

Laptops 101 - Your laptop display is one of the most important features and if you understand how it works and what choices to make when looking at different laptop models you can select the best laptop model for your needs. A laptop display can make it much easier to work - especially while traveling and you need to know what to look for and what choices you have available.

Laptops 101 - For many mobile professionals who are new to laptops, understanding the I/O (input/output) ports can be confusing. Learn more about the different ports which can be included on laptops and which will allow you to get the most productivity from your laptop. Not all laptops have the same configurations and what works for someone else may not be what you need.

Laptops 101 - Understanding how a laptop has been put together and what functions each component of the motherboard does goes a long way to getting the best use of your laptop and will also help you select the best laptop for your needs. Knowing how each part functions can also help you troubleshoot problems and make getting repairs much easier.

Editorial - Are concerns over security issues in public hot spots reason to cause companies to prohibit mobile professionals from using them to work? Are the security concerns justified or just another marketing ploy from security companies hoping to sell more products?

Guide Tips - Along with doing weekly laptop computer maintenance, mobile professionals must also do monthly laptop maintenance tasks to ensure the smooth operation of their laptops and to keep their data protected. The better care you take of your laptop, the longer it will last and you will stay more productive with less downtime due to problems.

Are you doing everything you can to keep your laptop performing well?

Guide Tips - Before you travel on business and begin packing your mobile gear, there are a few simple questions you need to answer to help you determine which mobile gadgets you must take and which you don't require. Make sure you get all the details in advance to make planning and packing your mobile gear easier.

Guide Tips - How often you use your laptop will determine what type of laptop you should purchase and how you should be using it. Prevent problems for yourself, whether you travel once a year or every week - get the laptop best suited to you and your needs.

How To - Faced with attending a business meeting or conference and there will not be enough Internet connections for everyone to use the Internet? Learn how to share an Internet connection using a Wi-Fi AP/Router so everyone can work productively.