Complete Mobile Warrior's Product Guide

The right accessories are the details that can transform your wireless travel experience from train wreck to smooth sailing. So take a look in your travel kit and make sure you have the right tools to handle the typical problems that can arise on the road, such as finding power outlets, locating Wi-Fi hotspots, getting a good cell phone signal, and navigating to your client's office.

Being prepared means packing extra batteries, checking your cell provider's coverage and roaming charges before you go, bringing driving directions or a GPS, and downloading a Wi-Fi hotspot list. JiWire's Hotspot Helper is indispensable for the Wi-Fi road warrior. It includes a portable Hotspot Finder, as well as a secure VPN connection utility, a Wi-Fi monitoring Toolbar, and a hotspot mailer that solves SMTP server issues. Best of all, it's free for up to 30 minutes of hotspot use per day! The Hotspot Finder and Toolbar are always free.

We've picked some top accessories for the Wi-Fi traveler below. Other items we make it a point to carry are USB keychain storage drives (great for quick file transfers to friends and colleagues, as well as backup for important documents), a few blank CD-Rs, retractable phone and Ethernet cables, and auto/air power adapters. Finally, spring for a top-quality, well-padded computer case. Just one broken screen will drive that lesson home, as it did to us.

LAPTOP & PHONE ACCESSORIES

Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder

This 802.11g USB Wi-Fi adapter doubles as a Wi-Fi network locator in one handy device. it even has a docking cradle for desktop use. No computer is required for using it as a network locator, thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. When using it as a locator, the LED display shows SSID, mode (b or g), channel, signal strength, and encryption status, and cycles through all available networks at the push of a button. It's perfect for frequent travelers and those with only 802.11b in their notebooks.

Click to check latest prices

Computrace LoJack for Laptops

Absolute Software's Computrace LoJack for Laptops does exactly what the name implies: it helps you locate your laptop if it gets stolen, just like the namesake car version. LoJack for Laptops works by transmitting your computer's location each time it connects to the Internet. If stolen, the company will then work with ISPs and law enforcement to recover your laptop. LoJack offers a money-back guarantee if your computer is not recovered within 30 days of being stolen, and claims a 90 percent recovery rate of laptops located with the software. It presently works with Windows XP only, a Mac version is planned for summer.

Click to check latest prices

Plantronics Discovery 640

This ultra-lightweight (.33-ounce) headset provides 15 hours talk time on one AAA battery, with a pocket charger that can continously recharge the unit when not in use. It has last-number redial and voice dialing, a pocket case that vibrates on incoming calls, and a chrome travel case for the headset and all accessories.

Click to check latest prices

iGo everywhere130 Universal Notebook Power Adapter with DualPower Accessory

Want to lighten your travel load? Carry this single, universal AC adapter instead of the usual bird's nest for phone, PDA, notebook, and camera. The iGo everywhere works with all major brands, using interchangeable tips for each device. It even has auto/air connections, and can run or charge two devices at once with the DualPower Accessory.

Click to check latest prices

Think Outside Stowaway Universal Keyboard

Adding a full-size keyboard to a PDA is probably the single biggest thing you can do to improve its utility. Emails and reports that would be impossible to write with a thumb or T9 keypad become a piece of cake with this universal keyboard that works with any Bluetooth Palm or Pocket PC. You simply unfold the keyboard, set your PDA on the stand, and type away. Be sure to bring along some extra AAA batteries -- it takes two.

Click to check latest prices

Xantrex XPower Pocket Powerpack 100

If you've got more digital devices than the Crutchfield catalog, and your life is ruled by proximity to power outlets, you need the Xantrex Powerpack. This dynamic duo bundles a high-capacity battery that will run or recharge any plug-in device for hours at a time, with a detachable power inverter module that can run off a car lighter socket or wall plug. And it all fits into a handy travel case. Don't leave home without it.

Click to check latest prices