Many mobile office professionals debate whether they should bring both their laptop and PDA on business trips or just one mobile gadget. Keeping in mind what the purpose of your business trip is and what work you hope to accomplish will aid you in your decision.
If you weigh pros and cons of each gadget, you may reach the same conclusion I have regarding which item to take and which to leave behind.
Taking Your Laptop
Pros
- Larger keyboard makes it easier to enter data
- Larger display
- Easy to add peripherals
- Same software as on desktop
- More OS available
Cons
- Wait time for laptop to boot
- Can be heavy to carry for long distances
- Short battery life especially if no way to re-charge
- Needs space
- Privacy concerns - who's looking over your shoulder?
- Larger target for thieves
Taking Your PDA
Pros
- Instant on convenience
- Lightweight
- No space required for use
- Longer battery life
- Easier to maintain privacy of date being accessed or entered
- Compact size makes it less of a target for thieves
- Small size can be awkward for people with large hands trying to enter data quickly
- Inputting large amounts of data can be tedious
- Difficult and expensive to add wireless components after purchase
- May have to commit to a wireless carrier at time of purchase
- Special software is required and some can only be downloaded to a laptop and then transferred
- Software is not always compatible with company programs
Each gadget has its fair balance of Pros and Cons which can make the decision of which gadget to pack even more difficult.
My solution based on experience and keeping in mind the axiom "Be Prepared" is to pack both gadgets. While you might not always have need for your laptop during a business meeting or conference, it is good to know that information you need can be easily accessed from it as required. With your PDA, given it's compactness, why not take it?
During a business meeting or conference it's much easier to use your PDA to add important data and note of importance.
The added benefit of having both mobile gadgets available, is that if the worst happens and one should fail, you still have the other gadget available and ready to be put to use.