Last week I discussed tips for laptop users on the road, specifically at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. This week I’d like to describe several laptop accessories that I have found crucial in my travels.

Choosing a Laptop Case
First and foremost is an adequate case for your laptop. I have been through several cases since I bought mine and haven’t yet found the perfect fit, but I think I’m close.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that even if you get a laptop that weighs only three pounds, the rest of the stuff you carry with it is enough to cause great back strain. For several years, I carried my laptop in a backpack designed for it and couldn’t figure out why I had to spend so much time at the chiropractor. My friend pointed this out to me, and I switched to a wheeled case; my back has been much better ever since.

If you’re going to purchase a wheeled laptop case, make sure you test it in the store. The first model I had was unstable when the laptop was in it and fell forward. The compartments for the laptop and for the papers I was carrying were in the front, and the two leg supports weren’t taller than the wheels, so gravity took over. That case was tall, with a compartment for cables above the laptop compartment.

I now have a wheeled case that holds everything on the same level and the laptop in the middle. It’s balanced much better and can’t fall over. One of this case’s drawbacks, however, is that it is wide and won’t easily fit in the standard locker at libraries and archives. I usually have to remove some items to scrunch it into the locker. I bought my case at Staples, but there are similar cases at sites on the Web, such as:

• Jourdan Wheeled Computer Cases
  
• Luggage Online

Laptop Security
The next most important item for the laptop-toting road warrior is a security system. All laptops have a slot on the rear (or side) where you can insert a locking cable. It’s a small slot and might be represented by the image of chain links. If you don’t know about this slot, be sure to pull out your manual and find where the security slot is located on your laptop. This one little amenity on the laptop offers you the comfort of walking away from your workstation while you’re researching, knowing that someone can’t easily walk off with your laptop once you’ve locked it.

For years I’ve been using the standard Kensington Notebook Microsaver Security Cable™. The cable works fine, but I’ve found that it’s like my other cables—all over the place in my computer case. Kensington sells other security solutions, such as the new SonicLock™ Motion-Detecting Alarm.

After reading several reviews, I recently purchased the Targus Defcon 1 Notebook Security Alarm. I was interested in this product primarily because of its retractable cable, because it won’t take up so much space. It has additional features, though. When you lock it to your laptop, the product arms itself: an alarm will sound if someone tries to cut the cable. It also has a motion detector, which I’m hesitant to use, especially in a library. I’ll be testing the product on my next trip, but it seems to be a comfortable solution for laptop security. The Defcon 1 retails for $49.95, but I found it for less by using a comparison shopper on the Internet (PriceGrabber.com).

Surge Protection
Another item that is worthy of a spot in your computer case is a surge protector. I know that I am often very cavalier about power surges when I’m on the road, but it will only take one catastrophe to change that attitude. I carry a small Tripp Lite surge protector with me, but often forget to use it. I’m trying to force myself to remember because I don’t want to experience that catastrophe. This surge protector has built-in plugs for telephone cords so you can protect your modem as well. I use Tripp Lite Surge Protectors in my home office and feel confident that they will protect my equipment, so I’m just as confident that this Tripp Lite Super Modem Protector Surge Suppressor will provide the same protection. And just to make sure, Tripp Lite offers $5,000 Ultimate Life Insurance with the product.

Cords
The final item I consider a must for laptop travel is a small extension cord. You can find these at your local hardware store. I have one that has three grounded outlets and a cord about two feet long. This allows me to plug in to an outlet no matter where I go. At some repositories, the only outlets are already in use. So I unplug one of the appliances (alerting any users first, of course) and plug it in to my extension cord, allowing me to share the power. This has come in handy quite a few times. If you’re traveling overseas, remember to check beforehand on the type of plugs used in the country you’re visiting. Laptops usually have dual voltage and can detect the correct voltage once plugged in, but if you can’t plug it in because you don’t have the proper plug, you’re out of business.

If you’re heading out on a research mission with your laptop, make sure you have these essential items in your case before you leave home, and you’ll have one less worry on the road.

Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CGRS, is the managing editor of Genealogical Computing, editor of the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ newsletter OnBoard, the creator of Clooz—the electronic filing cabinet for genealogical records, and a frequent contributor to Ancestry Magazine. She can be reached via e-mail at liz@ancestordetective.com or at gceditor@ancestry.com.

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