Mobile office professionals need to be prepared for any situation while on a business trip, but this does not mean taking the entire office with them. There are certain mobile devices you should pack and others, which are best left behind.
Stay Organized
It’s also important to keep all mobile devices together. Don’t pack any of your mobile devices in baggage that will be separate from you. Since you are allowed both a carry-on and laptop case or briefcase when traveling by air or rail, take advantage of that and use the carry-on bag to hold any mobile devices that does not fit into your laptop carrying case.
Keeping all your mobile devices together and under your control will help eliminate the potential for theft or damage to your goods. It also makes it much easier when you need to access a particular item while in flight or on the train.
Another consideration is that while airlines don’t like to advertise the fact, luggage does get lost or misdirected. It could be disastrous to have your mobile devices with you at your destination but no accessories and no idea of when they will turn up.
Mobile Gear To Pack:
- Your laptop in a properly secure and well padded carrying case.
- Your PDA if you also own one, again in a protective case.
- Your cell phone - when traveling it's best to get a travel case rather than leaving your cell phone in a pocket. Some laptop carrying cases have special pockets for cell phones.
If you have purchased an extra battery for your laptop, install it before leaving and make sure it is fully charged.
Necessary Software:
While many mobile workers don't usually carry additional software with them, its a wise idea to always have certain software programs with you.- Boot disk and copy of OS on a CD in case your laptop crashes.
- CD with other critical programs you may need to restore.
Before leaving for your trip, it's a good idea to back up your laptop in order to protect all data you currently have on your system.
Additional Useful Mobile Devices:
- Universal electrical adapter kit.
- Universal phone jack adapter kit.
- Phone line filter
- Surge protector - there are mini surge protectors available which are ideal for mobile office professionals and easy to pack.
- Mouse - there will be times when you may want the convenience of using a mouse rather than the touch pads on your laptop.
- Laptop light - these small portable lights run off the USB port of your laptop and provide well needed light especially on airplanes and in trains.
Basic Office Supplies:
In your laptop carrying case you should carry the usual pens, paper and stationary items you require. Business cards and company letterhead are other useful items to have a supply on hand.If you take the time to plan what you need on your trip and pack the items you need, you will save yourself time and perhaps even money while on your trip. Business trips are not the time to track down mobile devices which will allow you to keep working.