Its Vacation Time!
It’s now summer, and the kids are out of school. This is the time when we tend to pack the bags and take a well earned vacation. However, it you’re like me, you aren’t leaving all your personal technology at home. When the family goes to Cancun this month, I’ll be packing my Laptop (I’m never truly off work), cell phone, iPod, camcorder, and digital camera. Along with these come a bundle of cables and power adapters to charge and sync these devices. Here are a few pointers:
Things to Pack:
- Some devices like my WM5 Smartphone can be charged through the USB sync cable. This saves me a separate AC adapter for the phone.
- Check to see if devices share USB cables. My Phone, and the Digital camera use the same type of cable. But the iPod has it’s own special cable.
- The Laptop and Camcorder will need there own chargers.
- The Digital Camera needs AA batteries. Often its cheaper to buy the batteries locally and take them with you. Also don’t forget the extra Memory cards, and that USB Cable. You’ll be able to download your pictures to the laptop to free up space for more pictures.
- Even if your laptop has wireless networking, Throw in a six foot Ethernet cable, and a phone cable.
- Consider a cable lock for your laptop.
Things to Check before leaving:
- Find out if your hotel provides Wireless Internet access. Some offer high speed Internet, but via a Cable (that’s why you packed the Ethernet cable.)
- Find a list of dial up Internet access numbers as a backup
- If traveling abroad, find out what kind of power outlets are common. You may need adapters to plug in your power supplies.
Personally, I prefer to carry on my laptop bag when I travel. That way I’m assured that it is handled correctly, and if I get stuck on a long layover, I can be productive. Or, if I don’t feel like being productive, I can watch a movie, surf the Internet, or play solitaire.
Have fun.
Bill